After years of sleek shower rooms and minimalist spaces dominating renovation trends, the British bathtub has slowly been reclaiming its place as a modern home essential. New research from Drench suggests homeowners are embracing the evolution of homes into spaces centred around wellness, sanctuary, and slower living, and welcoming back baths as they regain status as both a lifestyle feature and a financial asset that can protect future value of the property.
According to the research, removing a bath could reduce a property’s value by as much as £11,155, with almost half of estate agents surveyed believing homes without at least one bathtub suffer a 3–4% drop in value. Buyer appeal is also heavily affected, with 29% of property professionals stating that shower-only homes can alienate between 21% and 40% of prospective buyers. Despite increasingly fast-paced lifestyles, attachment to the bath remains remarkably strong, with 80% of homeowners who currently own one still using it regularly, while 45% of buyers describe the absence of a bath as a complete dealbreaker during property searches.
The findings also revealed a growing number of so-called “phantom bathers” – homeowners who rarely use their bath personally, yet refuse to remove it purely to protect resale value.
The research is a strong indicator to how buyers are prioritising spaces that deliver both practicality and escapism, with freestanding baths and spa-style layouts becoming aspirational centrepieces once again. Designers note rising demand for compact tubs and carefully zoned bathroom layouts that create a luxurious focal point without requiring oversized spaces, allowing homeowners to balance aesthetics with functionality more effectively. Smaller touches are also proving influential, with styling elements such as rolled towels, premium toiletries, refreshed grout, and hotel-inspired finishing details helping bathrooms feel more elevated during property viewings.
Founded as a design-led luxury bathroom retailer, Drench has become known for combining premium bathroom products with practical expertise around home renovation and styling. Alongside its collections of baths, showers, furniture, and accessories, the company also offers a specialist 3D bathroom design service aimed at helping homeowners maximise both usability and long-term value within their spaces.
You can find out more about the research, alongside browsing Drench’s collection of baths, showers, and bathroom design inspiration, right here.
