Bathrooms have become one of the hardest-working spaces in the modern home. Expected to balance comfort, relaxation and design within increasingly limited square footage, they are evolving rapidly – and in many homes, traditional bathroom staples like the bath are being left behind.
The Great British soak is under threat. Tubs are being removed from homes, while new builds increasingly exclude them altogether. Online, the debate around whether to keep the bath or ditch it entirely remains deeply divisive.
Yet our latest research suggests the bath still plays a far greater role than many realise. Speaking to estate agents, property valuers and homeowners across the UK, we've explored why the bath continues to matter – not just for buyer appeal and property value, but for wellbeing, family routines, relaxation and everyday life.
The research at a glance
Research conducted by Censuswide in May 2026 among 250 UK estate agents and property valuers, alongside 2,000 UK consumers.
47% |
52% |
45% |
80% |
Say homes without a bath could lose value |
Say a warm bath improves their sleep |
Say the lack of a bath is a dealbreaker |
Say they still use their bath regularly |
Inside this report
- The rise of the 'shower-only' home
- How baths influence buyer appeal and property value
- Why the bath remains part of modern wellbeing
- The rise of the 'biohacking bath'
- What estate agents and experts really think
- Practical advice for creating a bathroom that works for modern living
1. The rise of the ‘shower-only’ home could be impacting property value
Modern bathrooms are increasingly expected to do more with less. Across social media and renovation platforms, sleek wet rooms and minimalist walk-in showers have become one of the defining bathroom trends of recent years - particularly in smaller homes where space is at a premium.
But while these layouts may appear stylish and practical in the short term, our research suggests that removing the bath altogether could come at a hidden cost.
Key findings
47% of estate agents believe homes without a bath can reduce in value by 3-4% |
|
25% estimate the impact could reach 5-6% |
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53% say the presence of at least one bath significantly impacts marketability |
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29% believe shower only homes alienate between 21-40% of potential buyers |
The findings suggest that while bathrooms are increasingly becoming style-led spaces, many buyers still value layouts that support long-term living and evolving household needs.
2. Brits are still emotionally connected to the bath
Despite the shift towards faster living and more compact spaces, Britain’s emotional connection to baths remains surprisingly strong.
For many households, the bath represents more than function alone, it’s offering a place to relax, decompress and step away from the pace of everyday life.
Key findings
80% of homeowners with a bath still use it regularly |
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45% say the lack of a bath is a dealbreaker when searching for a home |
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27% of homeowners who never use their bath refuse to remove it to protect resale value |
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23% of people without a bath either want one or are actively planning to install one |
The findings highlight a growing tension within modern bathrooms; homeowners may want minimalist spaces, but they still want the reassurance of having a bath.
3. The bathroom has become Britain's digital escape
As our lives become increasingly connected, many people are turning to one of the oldest rituals in the home to switch off. Rather than relying on mindfulness apps or complicated wellness routines, new research suggests the humble bath remains one of Britain's favourite ways to mentally reset.
For many households, the bathroom has become a sanctuary from the demands of modern life. Whether it's escaping phones and emails, taking uninterrupted time alone or simply unwinding after a stressful day, the bath continues to offer something increasingly difficult to find elsewhere: space to slow down.
Key findings
27% say a bath is their most effective mental reset from phones, emails and social media |
| 29% use a bath specifically to calm themselves mentally after a stressful day. |
| 18% say the main reason they run a bath is to escape distractions and enjoy uninterrupted alone time. |
| Baths also ranked ahead of exercise, gardening, spending time with pets and even meditation as Britain's preferred way to unwind and escape the pressure of the digital world. |
4. The rise of the 'biohacking bath'
While baths have long been associated with relaxation, they're increasingly becoming part of people's wider health and wellbeing routines. Rather than chasing the latest wellness trend, many Britons are rediscovering the benefits of one of the simplest rituals in the home.
Our research found that many regular bathers are consciously using their baths to support both their physical and mental wellbeing, with better sleep emerging as one of the biggest perceived benefits.
Key findings
40% of self-described 'bath people' bathe to support their mental and physical health. |
| 52% say having a warm bath before bed improves their sleep quality. |
| 20% plan to try a 'biohacking bath' this summer by carefully controlling water temperature and scents to help them relax and sleep. |
| The average British bath lasts 38.88 minutes, rising to more than 45 minutes among 18 to 24-year-olds |
This Gen Z cohort is notably utilising bath time primarily to "glow up," with 21% reporting improved skin conditions as a result of regular soaking.
5. Homes without a bath could take longer to sell
In a slower housing market, buyers are increasingly focused on how homes will work for them not just now, but years into the future.
For many estate agents, the bathroom remains one of the most influential spaces when assessing buyer appeal - particularly in family-sized homes where everyday usability plays an important role in purchasing decisions.
Key findings
34% of estate agents say family homes without a bath typically take 3-4 weeks longer to sell |
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20% report delays of up to 1-2 months compared to comparable homes with a bath |
There is also growing confidence around the return on investment of bathroom upgrades.
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83% believe adding a bath recoups installation costs |
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24% believe installing a bath can add more value than it costs |
For buyers, the bath increasingly represents reassurance, whether for growing families, resale confidence or everyday use.
Experts agree: the bath still has a place in modern homes
The research suggests Britain’s relationship with the bath goes far beyond nostalgia. The findings throughout this report are supported by experts from across property, bathroom design and wellbeing, each offering their perspective on why the bath continues to play an important role in modern homes.
A feature buyers are still looking for
According to property and staging expert Liv Conlon, homeowners are increasingly rethinking the role the bathroom plays when it comes to both lifestyle and resale.
“While walk-in showers have become the ‘quick and convenient’ choice, we’re seeing buyers lean back towards bathtubs as both a lifestyle and resale feature. A beautiful freestanding bath now feels far more Pinterest-worthy and aspirational, whilst also offering practicality for growing families and young children.
“Buyers are increasingly thinking long-term about how a home evolves with them — and a bathtub delivers both the wow factor and day-to-day function.”
Modern bathroom design is adapting
Drench senior bathroom designer Samantha Lawson says keeping a bath no longer has to mean compromising on space or style, with compact designs making it possible to incorporate one into a wider range of bathrooms.
“We are seeing a growing demand for compact, freestanding tubs that create a luxurious focal point without requiring a massive footprint.
“When designing with resale in mind, it’s important to prioritise ‘zoning’ — in other words, ensuring the bath feels like a dedicated sanctuary, rather than an afterthought. This balance of style and practicality is what ultimately secures the highest valuation.”
Consumers are also being encouraged to plan bathrooms with longevity in mind, choosing thoughtfully designed bathroom suites or using design services to help maximise space, support everyday living and cater to changing household needs — while also helping protect buyer appeal and long-term property value.
The bath is finding a new role in modern wellbeing
The research also suggests the role of the bath extends beyond how our bathrooms look and function. Dr Tom Cullen, an internationally recognised exercise physiologist and expert in hot water immersion, believes the findings reflect a wider shift towards simpler, science-backed approaches to health and wellbeing.
“The findings from Drench’s research show that 40% of self-described ‘bath people’ say they bathe specifically to support their mental and physical health. That, to me, reflects a wider shift in how people are thinking about wellbeing. Rather than searching for the next big health trend, many are rediscovering everyday habits that are enjoyable, accessible and supported by science.”
One finding that particularly stood out to Dr Tom was that 52% of respondents say having a warm bath before bed improves their sleep quality. He explains there is a well-established biological reason why bathing can support better sleep.
“When people hear the term "biohacking", they often picture cutting-edge technology or expensive equipment. In reality, one of the simplest and most effective ways to support sleep is by working with the body's natural temperature regulation.
“Immersing yourself in a warm bath temporarily raises your core body temperature. The important part happens when you get out. As your body cools, that drop in temperature helps stimulate the release of melatonin from the brain. Melatonin is the hormone that promotes sleepiness, and under normal circumstances it's released in the evening as body temperature naturally declines."
According to Dr Cullen's guidance, the ideal sleep-promoting bath should be taken around 60–90 minutes before bedtime, lasting 15–20 minutes in water between 38–40°C.
Four ways to future-proof your bathroom
Whether you're renovating now or planning for the future, thoughtful bathroom design doesn't have to mean choosing between style and practicality. These simple ideas can help create a space that works for everyday living while maintaining long-term buyer appeal.
1. Think small, not shower-only
If floor space is tight, don’t assume a walk-in shower is your only option. Opt for a compact 1400mm bath like this Drench Straight Single Ended Bath or the slightly larger Andreia Acrylic White Freestanding Bath - 1500 x 720mm, or a Japanese-style bath as they take up significantly less room than a standard 1700mm tub. You can also get the best of both worlds by introducing a shower head over the bath.
2. Create a spa style feel
Don't just show a bath; show a lifestyle and a hotel-aesthetic. Use rolled towels, a bath rack, and premium toiletries to create a spa feel during viewings. You want the buyer to imagine themselves relaxing there, not just scrubbing the floor!
3. Design with longevity in mind
Choose layouts that can adapt to changing lifestyles. A thoughtfully planned bathroom suite that combines storage, bathing and showering can appeal to first-time buyers, growing families and downsizers alike while making better use of the available space.
4. Refresh before you replace
You don't always need a complete renovation to make an impact. Refreshing grout, replacing tired sealant, updating accessories or giving existing tiles a professional deep clean can dramatically improve the appearance of your bathroom for a fraction of the cost.
While bathroom trends continue to evolve, the research suggests Britain's connection to the bath remains deeply rooted in modern life.
Whether valued for relaxation, better sleep, resale confidence, family routines or everyday comfort, the bath continues to hold emotional, practical and cultural importance for households across the UK.
From childhood memories to evening rituals, we think the Great British soak deserves to stay. Join Drench as we rally the nation to Save Our Soak.
Search #SaveOurSoak on socials to join the conversation or visit Save Our Soak to explore more research, read stories from people across the UK and discover why we're championing the bath in British homes.
