How Adding an Extra Bathroom Can Boost Your Property Value

Deen Gabriel
Aug 25
2 min read

When it comes to home improvements, few upgrades are as impactful as adding another bathroom. Whether you’re tired of fighting over the shower in the morning or thinking about resale down the line, an additional bathroom can transform both your daily comfort and your property’s value.

1. Why Bathrooms Add Value

Lifestyle upgrade: In modern living, convenience matters. Buyers place a premium on homes with enough bathrooms for family and guests.
Market expectation: In many suburbs, a three-bedroom home with only one bathroom feels incomplete. Adding a second bathroom can shift your home into a higher market bracket.
Competitive edge: In a housing market where buyers compare dozens of listings, “2 baths” can stand out against similar homes with only one.

2. How Much Value Does It Add?

The exact figure depends on location, size, and quality of the bathroom:

International property studies suggest an extra bathroom can increase value by 5–12%.
In South Africa, it often adds R150,000 to R300,000 (or more) depending on finishes and the overall value of the home.
In entry-level homes, the upgrade might mean attracting a larger pool of buyers rather than a massive cash boost. In mid- to high-end markets, it can tip your home into a new category.

3. Cost vs. Return

Basic bathroom: R60,000 – R90,000
Mid-range bathroom: R100,000 – R150,000
High-end bathroom: R200,000+

If well-planned, the return usually outweighs the cost. Poor planning or overcapitalising (spending way more than your area’s ceiling price) can eat into your gains.

4. Where to Add It

En-suite for the main bedroom: Most in demand by buyers.
Guest cloakroom (toilet + basin): Adds convenience without taking up too much space.
Converted unused space: Under stairs, walk-in closets, or part of a large bedroom can often be repurposed efficiently.

5. Tips to Maximise Value

Match the style and quality of finishes to the rest of the home.
Keep plumbing near existing pipes (cheaper and less disruptive).
Prioritise functionality over luxury — a neat, modern, well-lit bathroom always sells.
Don’t skimp on waterproofing and ventilation; water damage is a value killer.

Bottom Line: Adding an extra bathroom isn’t just about comfort — it’s one of the few renovations that nearly always pays back in resale value. In most cases, it makes your home easier to live in now and more attractive to buyers later.