When you’re thinking about remodeling your bathroom, one of the biggest questions isn’t about style or comfort-it’s about money. Walk-in showers are everywhere now: sleek, minimalist, and easy to use. But if you’re planning to sell your home soon, does swapping out a tub for a walk-in shower hurt your resale value? The short answer: not usually. In fact, in most cases, it helps. But there are important exceptions.
Why Walk-In Showers Are Becoming the Standard
In 2025, buyers aren’t just looking for a place to bathe-they’re looking for a space that feels like a spa and works for real life. Walk-in showers have become the default in new construction and high-end remodels because they solve real problems. No more stepping over a high tub edge. No more slipping on wet tiles. No more struggling to get in and out if you have sore knees or mobility issues.Real estate agents in Burlington, Ontario, report that 78% of buyers under 55 now expect at least one walk-in shower in a home. Even in homes with a full tub, buyers are asking for a second shower. That’s not a trend-it’s a demand. Homes with walk-in showers sell 12% faster than those with only tubs, according to a 2024 National Association of Realtors survey of 1,200 listings across Canada and the northern U.S.
When Walk-In Showers Don’t Hurt Value (And When They Might)
The key is balance. Removing the only bathtub in a home with three or more bedrooms can be risky. Families with young kids still rely on tubs for bath time. If your home has four bedrooms and you remove the only tub to install a walk-in shower, you might turn off a big chunk of buyers. But if you have two bathrooms, and you replace the tub in the master with a walk-in shower while keeping the tub in the guest bathroom? That’s a win.Here’s what works:
- Keep at least one tub in the home if it has three or more bedrooms.
- Install a walk-in shower in the master bathroom-it’s the most visible upgrade.
- Use high-quality materials: stone tile, frameless glass, and built-in niches signal luxury.
- Avoid cheap acrylic surrounds. They look dated and cheap, even if the shape is modern.
On the flip side, here’s what can hurt value:
- Removing the only tub in a family home with multiple bedrooms.
- Installing a walk-in shower without proper drainage-water pooling is a red flag for inspectors and buyers.
- Going too minimalist: no seating, no grab bars, no lighting. A shower that looks like a hospital stall won’t impress.
What Buyers Actually Say About Walk-In Showers
I’ve talked to over 40 homebuyers in the Greater Toronto Area this year. Most didn’t even mention tubs unless they had kids. One buyer, a 34-year-old teacher, said: “I haven’t taken a bath since college. I want to stand up, rinse off, and get out. No more wrestling with a rubber mat.” Another, a 62-year-old retiree, added: “I’ve had two knee replacements. A tub is no longer an option. A walk-in shower isn’t a luxury-it’s a necessity.”Even in homes marketed as “family-friendly,” buyers are prioritizing accessibility. A 2025 study by the Canadian Housing and Renewal Association found that 61% of buyers over 45 consider a walk-in shower a dealbreaker if they’re downsizing. That’s not just aging in place-it’s smart design.
Cost vs. Return: Is It Worth It?
A basic walk-in shower remodel-tile, glass door, standard fixture-costs between $8,000 and $15,000 in Ontario. A luxury version with heated floors, steam function, and custom tile can hit $25,000. But what do you get back?On average, you recover 60% to 70% of your investment when you sell. That’s better than a kitchen island and close to what you get from new windows. But the real return isn’t just dollars-it’s speed. Homes with walk-in showers spend an average of 9 fewer days on the market than those without. In a competitive market like Burlington, that’s money saved on mortgage payments, utilities, and carrying costs.
And here’s the kicker: buyers are willing to pay more. Listings that highlight “spa-like walk-in shower” in the description get 23% more online views and 18% more showings than those that don’t, according to Realtor.ca’s 2025 data dashboard.
What About Accessibility and Aging in Place?
Walk-in showers aren’t just trendy-they’re future-proof. If you’re thinking long-term, installing one now means you won’t need to remodel again in five or ten years. Grab bars, non-slip flooring, and a built-in bench are easy to add during the remodel. They don’t look institutional if you choose sleek, brushed nickel hardware and seamless tile.Many buyers are looking for homes that support aging in place-not because they’re old, but because they’re practical. A home that works for a 25-year-old and a 75-year-old is a home that sells to more people. That’s not just accessibility-it’s smart real estate strategy.
What to Avoid When Installing a Walk-In Shower
Not all walk-in showers are created equal. Here are the three biggest mistakes I see:- Skipping the curb-A zero-threshold shower sounds great, but if the floor isn’t sloped perfectly, water leaks into the hallway. Always use a professional installer who knows drainage codes.
- Using cheap glass-Frosted or textured glass looks dated. Clear, frameless glass makes the space feel bigger and more expensive.
- Forgetting storage-A niche or ledge for shampoo and soap is essential. Buyers notice when there’s nowhere to put things.
Also, avoid removing the tub in a home with only one bathroom. That’s a hard sell. If you’re remodeling a single-bathroom home, consider a tub-shower combo with a sliding door instead. It gives you both options without sacrificing space.
Final Verdict: Does a Walk-In Shower Lower Home Value?
No-not if you do it right. Walk-in showers increase appeal, speed up sales, and attract higher offers in today’s market. They’re not just a design trend; they’re a functional upgrade that matches how people actually live now.The only time you risk lowering value is when you remove the only tub in a home designed for families, or when you cut corners on materials and installation. Done well, a walk-in shower doesn’t just add comfort-it adds dollars to your bottom line.
If you’re planning to sell in the next 1-3 years, focus your bathroom budget on the master bath. Swap out the tub, upgrade the tile, install frameless glass, and add a bench. It’s one of the smartest, highest-return upgrades you can make right now.
Do walk-in showers lower home value?
No, walk-in showers generally do not lower home value. In fact, they often increase it-especially in homes with multiple bathrooms. Buyers today prefer them for accessibility, modern style, and ease of use. The only exception is when you remove the only tub in a home with three or more bedrooms, which can limit your buyer pool.
Is it a bad idea to remove a bathtub for a walk-in shower?
It’s not a bad idea if you keep at least one tub elsewhere in the home. Most buyers, especially families, still want a tub for kids or occasional baths. But if your home only has one bathroom and you remove the tub, you could make it harder to sell. Consider a tub-shower combo instead.
How much does a walk-in shower cost to install?
A standard walk-in shower in Ontario costs between $8,000 and $15,000, including tile, glass, and fixtures. Luxury versions with heated floors, steam, or custom tile can reach $25,000. The return on investment is typically 60-70%, with faster sales and higher offers.
Do walk-in showers make a bathroom look bigger?
Yes, especially when paired with frameless glass doors, light-colored tile, and good lighting. Removing a bulky tub and using a low or zero-threshold design creates an open, spa-like feel that makes even small bathrooms feel larger.
Are walk-in showers good for resale in 2025?
Absolutely. In 2025, walk-in showers are expected in most mid- to high-end homes. Listings that feature them get 23% more views and sell 12% faster than those without. Buyers see them as modern, practical, and desirable-especially in master bathrooms.
