Bath vs. Walk-in Shower: Resale Value, Space, Cost Issues
Your priorities will help you decide between a walk-in shower and a bath. Usually less expensive to build, walk-in showers reduce space and provide simpler access, perfect for smaller bathrooms or mobility requirements. Still, bathrooms could increase the market value of your house, particularly for families with young children. Making the best decision requires knowing your space, means of income, and future intentions.
Comparatively to a walk-in shower, how much space do you need for a bathtub?
When choosing between a walk-in shower and a bathtub, one considers space quite heavily. Though larger varieties, including freestanding or corner baths, can use even more room, a normal bathtub in the UK usually measures roughly 1700mm in length and 700mm in width. According to MyBuilder's 2024 space analysis, standard UK tubs occupy 1.7m x 0.7m (1.19m²), while freestanding models can exceed 2m in length. By contrast, walk-in showers save significantly more room. Depending on the layout and design taste, they can start from as low as 800mm by 800mm and more cosy layouts call for 1000mm by 1000mm or more. Research shows walk-in showers start at 0.8m x 0.8m (0.64m²), reducing floor space use by ~46% compared to standard tubs, which is critical for bathrooms under 5m² according to Victoria Plum's space saving guide.
Often the best option for compact bathrooms is walk-in showers. Their small footprint, few obstacles, and possibility for bespoke designs make them perfect for best use of little space. Features like wet room-style flooring or glass panels help to accentuate the visual impression of the space. For shower enclosure options, you might consider tiled vs acrylic shower enclosures to find what works best in your space.
In bigger bathrooms, though, a bathtub can provide a luxurious and comfortable feeling not quite matched by showers. A well-placed bath—especially a standalone one—can act as a soothing centrepiece. Including a bath and a shower gives versatility and can appeal to a wider spectrum of future purchasers depending on available space.
Though baths add to comfort and visual effect, walk-in showers save more space overall.
Which is less expensive to install—a bathtub or a walk-in shower?
Often one of the main factors taken into account while designing a bathroom makeover is money. Generally speaking, especially in cases of restricted space or a small bathroom remodel budget, a walk-in shower is more reasonably priced than a bathtub. Materials, manpower, plumbing adjustments, and finish quality will all affect the final price, though. When planning your renovation budget, consider how much contingency budget you might need for unexpected costs.
Depending on whether you choose a basic enclosure or a high-end, frameless glass design with premium fittings, the average walk-in shower cost in the UK falls from £1,000 to £3,500. According to Checkatrade's 2024 bathroom installation survey, basic walk-in showers range from £1,000–£3,500, while frameless glass luxury designs cost between £3,000–£5,500. Prices for a bathtub installation may run from £1,200 to £4,000; expenses rise for freestanding tubs, whirlpool versions, or installations needing major plumbing changes. MyBuilder's cost guide indicates standard bathtubs cost £1,200–£2,500, while freestanding tubs range from £2,500–£4,000+.
Both have reasonably priced choices including basic straight baths and acrylic shower trays. Higher end freestanding soaking tubs and frameless walk-in showers can greatly increase the overall cost.
Particularly if you are changing the structure, you should also consider hidden expenses as waterproofing, tiling, underfloor heating, or necessary permissions. These additions can affect the cost of your bathroom renovation generally, hence always budget with a margin in mind. Victoria Plum's renovation guide warns that hidden costs for waterproofing and underfloor heating can add £800–£2,000, while structural changes for wet rooms can exceed £5,000. When choosing heating sources, underfloor heating in bathrooms against radiators is a popular contrast that can also influence comfort and economy.
If you're unsure whether to handle the installation yourself or hire professionals, our guide on DIY vs professional renovations can help you make an informed decision.
Which gives your house more value—bath or shower?
When thinking about bathroom improvements, it's important to know how your house's market value could be affected by your decision on a bathtub or walk-in shower. Many UK homebuyers—especially those with young children—expect at least one bathtub in the house. For bathing children, bathrooms are sometimes considered as indispensable, and for adults they can be a soothing space. Removing all baths from a house may thus limit its appeal to this population and maybe lower its market value.
A UK Property Trends Survey 2024 reveals that 47% of UK buyers prefer combo bath/shower units, while only 4% bathe regularly compared to 76% who primarily shower. Despite this usage pattern, Zoopla's housing market analysis shows homes with at least one tub often sell faster, especially in family-centric markets.
Conversely, modern walk-in showers have become rather popular with elderly purchasers and those looking for modern design or improved access. Those with mobility issues find walk-in showers appealing since they are easy to use. They can also provide purchasers drawn in by current interiors a sleek, modern look. Including a walk-in shower will thus enhance value by increasing the appeal of your house to these groups. Choosing between heated towel rails vs radiators for your bathroom will affect not only comfort but also the value of your house as part of designing a useful and fashionable area.
According to Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value Report, return on investment comparisons show near-identical returns (70.6% for showers vs. 70.1% for tubs), suggesting minimal financial difference in renovations. However, Zillow's Home Value Index shows luxury showers with spa features can add a 29% premium for "spa-like" listings.
Industry analysis indicates that residences with at least one bathtub usually sell more quickly and maybe at greater prices than those without any. Nonetheless, the addition of a well-designed walk-in shower can also improve the desirability of a house, especially if it satisfies the needs of target purchasers and accentuates the general bathroom architecture. To enhance resale value, give the following some thought:
Make sure your house features at least one bathtub to serve conventional buyers and families. Add a walk-in shower to draw potential purchasers seeking modern elements and enhanced access. Analyse Your Market: Customise your bathroom to appeal to most likely local purchasers.
Knight Frank's UK residential market analysis shows that walk-in showers dominate in urban areas due to space constraints and accessibility demands, while suburban and family homes benefit from retaining at least one tub to meet buyer expectations.
Thoughtful balancing of these components will improve the attractiveness of your house and maybe raise its market worth.
Choosing Between a Walk-In Shower and a Bath
Selecting a bath or a walk-in shower requires juggling various elements, including space, cost, lifestyle, and future demands. Given a small bathroom, walk-in showers are usually the most sensible choice. Usually easier and more reasonably priced to install, they take up less floor area and provide modern style with improved access. For those building on a budget or with long-term mobility demands, this makes them very appealing. If you're considering shower options, our article on electric shower vs combi boiler shower provides useful insights into different systems.
According to Rated People's installation timeline study, a simple walk-in shower replacement takes just 1-2 days, while a standard installation including removing an old bath typically takes 3-4 days.
The Energy Saving Trust notes that water efficiency data shows showers use approximately 30 gallons per use versus bathtubs' 80 gallons, potentially reducing utility costs over time. Proper ventilation is also important in shower spaces - our guide on extractor fans vs passive solutions can help you make the right choice.
Conversely, if your bathroom is more roomy or you are remodelling a family house, a bathtub could be the best option. Many purchasers, particularly those with young children, view baths as absolutely necessary. They can also provide a luxurious and relaxing experience not possible from showers. From a resale value standpoint, maintaining at least one bath in the house is usually advisable since it will appeal to a larger spectrum of possible purchasers.
When considering wall finishes for either option, you might want to explore tiles vs wall panels to find the best solution for your bathroom renovation.
Whether you favour long soaks or short showers, how you use your bathroom everyday and whether you expect to sell your house soon will help you determine what's best for you. Examining these daily routines and long-term goals will help direct your choice.
