The ONE renovation mistake that could be seriously devaluing your home
No natural light in the bathroom could be putting off nearly a third of potential buyers, research reveals
- A new study by bathroom specialists, Sanctuary Bathrooms, has revealed the most unattractive bathroom features that are likely to deter buyers from offering on a house
- Property expert reveals a crucial renovation mistake that could take thousands off your home’s value
According to a new study1, a bathroom in need of renovation is one of the number one factors that is likely to deter buyers. With searches for ‘will a new bathroom add value’ increasing by +300% in the past 12 months2 – it’s clear that homeowners are keen to understand where to start with their bathroom renovations.
New research by bathroom specialist, Sanctuary Bathrooms, reveals the following 10 factors as the least attractive bathroom features:
- A bathroom in need of renovation (42%)
- 2A downstairs bathroom only (34%)
- A bathroom without windows (31%)
- The bathroom looking dirty (31%)
- The property not having a shower (bath only) (30%)
- Only one bathroom in the property (26%)
Sanctuary Bathrooms teamed up with property expert, Jonathan Rolande at HouseBuyFast, to understand more about buyers’ habits in 2023 and the areas that homeowners are finding less attractive this year.
Image source: Sanctuary Bathrooms – Crosswater MPRO Matt Black Basin Monobloc
Not all buyers are looking to renovate
Interestingly, 42% of respondents said that a bathroom in need of renovation would put them off buying a home, making it the least attractive factor. Jonathon Rolande says: “Many buyers, particularly first-timers, want a home that doesn’t come with too much need for renovation. However, there is a growing trend toward bathrooms becoming a personal sanctuary and one that many want to invest in now, despite the extra cost.”
James Roberts, Director at Sanctuary Bathrooms, advises that there are several ways to upgrade your bathroom without the need for a full, costly refit: “Consider updating fixtures and fittings such as the shower head, taps, towel rails or even the radiator. To create a timeless look, opt for statement black fittings as these will add a contemporary edge without you needing to spend a fortune.”
Upstairs bathrooms are essential
A third of respondents overall (34%) said that a property that only had a downstairs bathroom would put them off buying, with this coming out as the second least attractive feature. Over half (54%) of those who would be looking to buy a family home said this would put them off the most.
Furthermore, over a quarter (26%) of those surveyed said that a property with only one bathroom is a push-point. James Roberts explains:
Images source: Sanctuary Bathrooms – Roper Rhodes Gloss Dark Clay Cloakroom Unit & Basin
“Having just the one bathroom in a property, especially downstairs, can make the space feel less personal as it’s used by those in the home and guests alike. It’s preferable for many to have at least one bathroom they can call at least partly their own, and one they’ll use when others are around.”
Turning a bedroom into a bathroom is a risk
Jonathan warns that, although it might be tempting, removing a bedroom to create a bathroom may be limiting selling opportunity. He says: “Often when people are looking to buy a home, they’ll filter their online options by number of bedrooms. This is a factor that most will not compromise on, so you could be devaluing your home by removing a bedroom.”
“Many people consider turning box bedrooms into bathrooms because they aren’t sure how to use the minimal space. However, with hybrid working being integral to many people’s working lives now, box rooms make for a nice home office.”
Make sure your bathroom is sparkling before a viewing
With 31% of potential buyers agreeing that a dirty bathroom would put them off making an offer, Jonathon advises some ways you can make sure the room is sparkling before people look around:
“The bathroom is the one space in the home that you don’t want to look lived-in. Try to give it a showroom feel by removing personal hygiene items such as toothbrushes and storing them away. Once you’ve cleaned down the bathroom, put out fresh towels and add some pleasant smells using incense or a candle – this will give it that luxury hotel-feel.”
Image source: Sanctuary Bathrooms – Vado Strata Thermostatic Shower Column
Natural light is a must for many homebuyers
James explains: “Bathrooms without windows, aside from the fact that there’s no natural light coming in, can also mean poor ventilation as a fan is the only way the air can circulate. It also limits the opportunity to include plants in the room, which is becoming an increasingly popular décor choice for the bathroom.”
Jonathon adds: “Natural light is becoming a huge pull-point for potential buyers because of its ability to create the illusion of more space in the room. If you have a larger budget to spend on bathroom renovations, consider where you might be able to add a window or a skylight.”
If you aren’t able to add natural light to the bathroom, James suggests: “Adding LED lighting is not only energy efficient, but you can buy lights which are made to replicate the effect of natural lighting. Installing these ahead of a viewing can give that showroom feel that potential buyers will find impressive.”
If you’re looking to update and make changes to your bathroom, click here for more advice on how to renovate the space based on your set budget.
