Do I Need a Tub in My Master Bath to Sell My House?

If you are remodeling your master bath with selling in mind, it is tempting to increase space by removing your tub. The trend toward large, luxurious, open shower styles means that you sometimes need to swap out a bathtub to allow space for an updated shower.  While this change may make sense for your own use, you need to consider what potential buyers will look for if you plan to sell.

Removing all bathtubs could discourage young couples and families from buying your home, especially if there are other options on the market that have both a tub and shower.  A young family will be more likely to go for an option where they do not have to do any work on the home to accommodate their growing family. The number of bathrooms in your home and their size will largely determine which bathroom(s) should retain a bathtub.

Do I Need Any Tubs?                                                                              

The short answer, when considering resale, is yes.  Ideally you should have at least one bathtub in your home if you plan to sell in the near future, but this does not have to be in your master bathroom.  If you must choose one bathroom to keep a tub in, go for the hall bathroom as this would typically be used for bathing small children or pets.  If your master bath is spacious enough, consider a freestanding tub and large shower as an additional amenity. Whether or not you need a bathtub may also depend on your local market, but keep in mind removing all bathtubs in your home will limit potential buyers. 

Here are some examples where a bathtub is a must have for new homeowners:

  • Bathtubs are often on the list of requirements for young families, so definitely keep one if you plan to market to families with children.

  • They’re also sought after by people looking for high-end properties with multiple, well-equipped bathrooms. In this case, a freestanding tub in the master bath plus a large shower will appeal to buyers.

On the other hand, here are cases where buyers may prefer showers to bathtubs:

  • If your local market is geared toward older people or professionals, then showers may be preferable to a bathtub as it supports aging in place. In this case, go for a large, curbless shower if possible, to make access easier, and consider including a built-in shower bench and handheld showerhead.

  • Focusing on shower space would particularly suit a small home or apartment, where space does not allow for both a bathtub and a large shower.

If you do not have a bathtub currently and do not have the option to add one in before selling, then consider a small discount for buyers, to facilitate bathtub installation.  Carefully review your available space, local market, and potential buyers and then decide what, if any, changes you need to make to your bathroom design configuration before selling.

Do I Need More Than One Tub?

One tub is typically a must to sell, but more than one is not essential unless you have the space to accommodate both a tub and shower in your master bathroom. First, look at the footprint of your home’s bathrooms.  If you currently have more than one tub and space is limited, it may make sense to swap one tub for a larger shower. Remember, you are selling a lifestyle along with your home, so choose fixtures that will pack a wow factor and attract buyers to the space.

A combination tub/shower is perfect for a hall bathroom that will be used for guests or children.  If space allows in your master bathroom include both a large shower and a luxurious bathtub, as this will give your bathroom design an edge over others in your local real estate market.  Ideally pick a freestanding tub for the master bath that will catch the eye of potential buyers and that fits the style of your home.  Sleek, contemporary freestanding tubs are a top feature for any bath design or choose a claw foot tub to be a centerpiece in a traditional or farmhouse style master bathroom.

When re-designing your master bath, with a view to putting your house on the market, your own taste and needs must give way to market demands. Even if you do not personally use a bathtub, there should be one bathroom with a tub to maximize buyer appeal. Where you include a tub and whether you have more than one tub depends on your available space and budget. 

Why not explore the latest shower and bathtub designs in our gallery? Contact us today to discuss plans for your master bath remodel. We now offer online consultations to help you kickstart your bathroom design plans!