Buyers: Don't overlook the bathroom's investment potential

When viewing a potential new home, many buyers focus on the obvious selling points: spacious living rooms, modern kitchens, and attractive gardens. However, the bathroom often holds the key to understanding a property's true potential, and its condition can be a telling reflection of the overall care a property has received. 

It’s a frequently overlooked space for sellers but it can significantly impact a viewer’s purchase decision, especially if you’re already planning on making changes and renovating. As a buyer, knowing what to look for during a viewing can be the difference between securing a sound investment and inheriting a costly renovation.

Water damage

Despite the presence of showers and sinks, water damage is actually one of the most serious concerns you can encounter in a bathroom. Start by looking for stains on ceilings, walls, or floors, which often appear as brown, yellow, or dark discolouration, as well as bubbling paint or wallpaper which is another telltale sign that moisture is lingering behind the surface.

You might also notice musty or mildew odours, which can indicate dampness or mould that might not be immediately visible. Damaged, cracked, or missing grout will let water seep behind the tiles and into wall cavities, which can cause structural damage over time, so make sure these areas are also on your checklist.

Ventilation

Ventilation goes hand in hand with moisture damage—poor ventilation will create a breeding ground for mould, mildew, and damage. Check whether there’s a functioning extractor fan in place, because if it's missing or operates poorly, this should be a significant concern. Run the fan during your viewing to ensure it's working properly and isn't noisy, which could indicate mechanical problems.

Plumbing and fixtures

You don’t just want to check plumbing fixtures for leaks and signs of rust or corrosion, but also to see where there are possibilities to reroute plumbing if need be. Remodelling is a key consideration, as experts at Checkatrade note: “If you decide to move your bathroom fixtures, this will push your remodel costs up. This is because rerouting pipework can add to your costs significantly.”

You might want to change the layout to accommodate a bigger tub, for example, or change the fixtures to reduce your water consumption. More seriously, some older homes may still contain lead pipes, which pose serious health risks and require immediate replacement. If you're viewing an older property, make sure you ask about the plumbing system's age and materials.

Test every tap, shower, and toilet flush during your viewing, remembering to look under sinks and around toilet bases for signs of a leak, which could indicate worn seals or more serious plumbing issues that can be costly to repair.

Check the water pressure at all outlets too—consistently low pressure could indicate problems with the home's plumbing system or water supply. Similarly, slow-draining sinks or tubs may signal clogs or more serious pipe issues that could require professional intervention.

Layout

As a buyer, you’re likely to want to make changes to make the home suitable for your unique needs, so layout is important. When assessing the space, consider accessibility for all family members. As bathroom specialists, Hugo Oliver advise, “whether you’re designing a bathroom for a family member with mobility issues or simply want to make your space more accessible, think about incorporating features that enhance safety and comfort”.

This includes looking for space for walk-in showers, grab bars, and non-slip flooring. Assess whether the current space can accommodate these needs, paying close attention to doorway widths, which may need widening for accessibility but can be structurally complex and costly to change.

Flooring

Flooring in a bathroom endures constant moisture exposure, so it’s particularly vulnerable to damage. When you walk across the floor, feel for any soft, spongy, or unstable areas that will be an indicator of subfloor damage from water infiltration. 

Remember that flooring problems often extend beyond the surface. However, if the subfloor is strong and stable, replacing the floors is a relatively easy and cost-effective way to make a big difference.

As B&Q suggests, think about your lifestyle as well as your design preferences: “A hectic family bathroom will need a durable and hard-wearing floor, while the downstairs loo will need to be easy to maintain. And if you’ve got young children, then you’ll want your flooring to hold up to bath time mayhem”.

Which upgrades add the most value?

The most valuable investments in a bathroom are updates that deliver strong returns while enhancing functionality. The top investments include the shower and enclosure, particularly if you’re converting a dated bathroom suite into modern walk-in showers with contemporary fittings.

Updated vanities with granite or quartz worktops paired with modern basins and taps provide excellent value, strategic hardware upgrades like new cabinet handles, towel rails, and contemporary lighting fixtures offer cost-effective ways to modernise the space, and en-suite renovations typically yield higher returns than guest or downstairs cloakroom updates.

Aim to focus on quality fixtures, improved storage solutions, and enhanced accessibility features which all ensure immediate enjoyment for you and strong resale value for the future.

Pay careful attention to these spaces during your viewings—you’ll gain valuable insights into what you're truly buying and will be in a better place to make decisions that protect both your immediate comfort and long-term investment goals.

If you're looking to let or sell your property, we can help. Get in touch with your local branch or book in for a property valuation.

This guest blog was written by Annie Button.