How Much Value Does a Downstairs Toilet Add to Your Home?

Tired of always waiting for the bathroom to be free? Installing a downstairs toilet might be the perfect renovation project for you. They’re convenient, accessible and affordable, as well as a cost-effective way to add value to your home.

Key Takeaways:

• Installing a downstairs toilet can add up to 5% to your home’s value.
• An extra toilet can minimise queues at parties and speed up busy mornings for families.
• You can utilise awkward spaces that would otherwise go unused, such as under the stairs.
• Elderly and less mobile guests will appreciate not having to go up the stairs to use the bathroom.
• They’re more convenient if you spend a lot of time downstairs, and give you more privacy if you want to limit visitors going upstairs.

If you want to add more value to your house, you might be thinking about adding a conservatory or renovating the kitchen. However, one of the simplest and most cost-effective upgrades you can make to your home is installing a downstairs toilet.

It’s an affordable renovation that can add up to 5% onto the value of your home, and costs an average of £2,000-£4,000. However, this does depend on your specific renovation - for example, choosing a location close to existing plumbing can save on installation costs.

Why Does a Downstairs Toilet Add Value to Your Home?

So why does adding a downstairs toilet increase the value of your home? Put simply, a downstairs toilet can massively benefit your day-to-day life. 

We’ll break down everything you need to know about this useful home upgrade before you decide whether or not to take the plunge!

1. More Toilets, Less Waiting

One of the main advantages of adding a downstairs toilet to your home is simply increasing the number of available toilets, especially if you currently only have one.

Another loo can make busy mornings more manageable for families where everyone gets up and ready at similar times. Your downstairs bathroom might only be a cloakroom with a toilet and basin, but that means people can brush their teeth and freshen up while someone else showers in the main bathroom.

There are benefits for smaller households too; you’ll instantly notice the difference when you’re hosting a party, and guests don’t have to queue to use just one toilet!

2. Adding Accessibility

If you have any regular visitors who are elderly or have mobility issues, a downstairs toilet is definitely worth considering.

Your guests might be more comfortable accessing a toilet on the ground floor if they struggle with going up and down the stairs, and it reduces the risk of trips and falls.

It’s also a smart idea if you’re planning to stay in your house long-term, as it can help to future-proof your home in case your mobility changes over the years.

3. Making Use Of Awkward Space

Adding a downstairs bathroom to your home doesn’t necessarily mean you have to start planning for an extension. In most cases, you can fit a downstairs toilet into space you already have - and they’re a great way to make the most of awkward spots.

Under the stairs is a classic place for a downstairs toilet, but you could also add one to the end of a narrow corridor, or even an unused corner in your utility room.

There are so many compact, space-saving options for cloakroom toilets and vanity units that you can design an elegant downstairs bathroom in a small space without sacrificing comfort or style! Look for compact sizes, corner fixtures and even 2-in-1 toilet and sink combinations.

4. A More Convenient Option

If you spend most of your time downstairs, then it makes sense to have a toilet on the same level so that you’re not spending all day going up and down the stairs.

That extra convenience can make all the difference when you’re having cosy nights in or relaxing around the house on a day off!

It also means that, if you’re coming in from walking the dog or gardening, you can quickly use the bathroom without tracking mud all over the house.

5. Extra Privacy

One advantage of installing a downstairs toilet rather than an ensuite or additional upstairs bathroom is the extra privacy you get when visitors come over.

Rather than your guests going upstairs to use the bathroom, you can keep social gatherings downstairs, meaning there’s less chance of someone accidentally wandering into a bedroom.

This is also useful if you’re having people over while children are asleep upstairs, as there’ll be less noise on the landing and flushes from downstairs will be unlikely to disturb them!

FAQs

Where Can You Fit a Downstairs Toilet?

Downstairs toilets are an incredibly versatile renovation, as you only need 70cm x 130cm of space at a minimum. 

There are likely several suitable spaces in your home already, from under the stairs to a walk-in cupboard or pantry.

While you could construct an extension for your new downstairs toilet, it’s definitely not always required. You could use part of an existing ground-floor room, such as your utility room, the end of a hallway or even the space to the side of your front door, if it’s wide enough.

Do you need planning permission for a downstairs toilet?

Usually, you don’t need planning permission to add a downstairs toilet to your home. Most downstairs toilets can be added without extending your home, so they won’t affect the exterior at all.

However, you may need planning permission if your home is a listed building or you live in a conservation area.

If you do plan to build an extension for your downstairs toilet, rather than adding it to an existing space, this will likely require planning permission.

It’s always best to contact your local authority to double-check before you start and confirm what applies to your home and planned renovation.

Will a Downstairs Toilet Increase the Value of Your Property More Than Other Improvements?

While more significant home improvements, such as renovating your kitchen or adding a conservatory, will add more value than a downstairs toilet, they also cost much more.

One of the major benefits of adding a downstairs toilet is that it’s a fairly affordable renovation, with an average cost of between £2,000-£4,000, that can add up to 5% to the value of your home. 

Larger renovations could add up to 30% value, but have a much higher cost.

Upgrade Your Home With a Downstairs Bathroom

With any renovation, you should consider both the value it adds to your home and also the benefits it brings to your everyday life. Fortunately, a downstairs bathroom combines the best of both worlds - added value alongside plenty of improvements to your daily routine.

You likely won’t need planning permission for a downstairs toilet unless you’re building an extension to house it in, so it’s a fairly straightforward upgrade too. However, you should always double-check this based on your individual property.

Head to our blog if you’re ready to start planning out your new downstairs bathroom, and browse through some traditional downstairs toilet inspiration.