Quick Answer
It is one of the most common questions homeowners ask during a bathroom renovation: should you keep the bath or switch to a walk-in shower? The answer depends on your home, your buyer profile, and how you use the space.What Estate Agents SayMost estate agents recommend keeping at...
Key Information
- Last Updated:
- 22 Apr 2026
- Category:
- Bathroom Advice
- Reading Time:
- 1 min read
It is one of the most common questions homeowners ask during a bathroom renovation: should you keep the bath or switch to a walk-in shower? The answer depends on your home, your buyer profile, and how you use the space.
What Estate Agents Say
Most estate agents recommend keeping at least one bath in the house, especially if you have a family home. Removing the only bath can reduce your property value by 5-10%. However, adding a walk-in shower as a second bathroom or ensuite is consistently one of the best value-adding improvements.
When a Walk-In Shower Wins
In small bathrooms, a walk-in shower with frameless glass creates a feeling of space that a bath cannot match. For older homeowners or those with mobility concerns, a level-access shower is both practical and a strong selling point.
When to Keep the Bath
If your home has only one bathroom, keep the bath. Families with young children need baths, and buyers will factor the cost of reinstalling one into their offer. Freestanding roll-top baths in larger bathrooms are a genuine luxury feature that adds perceived value.
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Share your experience or ask a question about this article.
Living in Manchester, I've seen walk-in showers really open up small bathrooms. But as a family home, keeping that bath was a must – our kids wouldn't survive without it!
I'm curious though, does replacing a bath with a shower always decrease property value by 5-10%? Or is that more of an average?
As a homeowner in Manchester, I've found having both a bath and shower in our family home has been a lifesaver. But when we renovated our ensuite, we went for a walk-in - added real value when it came to selling!