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Bathrooms may be small, but they can have a big impact when selling a home. In Zimbabwe, where buyers are becoming increasingly value-conscious, upgrading your bathroom can give your property a competitive edge but only if done wisely. If you're deciding between a bath or a shower, here's what to consider from a Zimbabwean real estate perspective.
What’s Best for Your Home – a Bath or a Shower?
Most local homes, especially those in older suburbs or low-density areas, come with full bathrooms that include bathtubs. But with shifting preferences toward functionality, water-saving, and space efficiency, many sellers now face the bath vs shower dilemma.
The Case for Bathtubs in Zimbabwe
- Family-Friendly: In family homes, especially those in areas like Borrowdale, Westgate, or Greendale, a bathtub can be a major selling point. Parents with young children often prefer baths for convenience and safety.
- Relaxation & Luxury: Baths also offer a luxury appeal — a space to relax after a long day. This can be attractive in higher-end properties or homes marketed to professionals.
- Value Retention: Removing the only bathtub in a house might limit buyer interest, especially in family-oriented neighborhoods. Even in modern clusters, a bath in at least one of the bathrooms can boost desirability.
Why Showers Are Gaining Popularity
- Water Efficiency: With water shortages common in some areas, showers are more efficient and reduce water bills. They’re also more aligned with solar geyser setups and instant water heaters now popular in Harare and Bulawayo homes.
- Space Saving: In apartments and cluster developments in areas like Avondale, Hatfield, or Bluff Hill, showers help maximize limited space and modernize the look of the bathroom.
- Modern Appeal: Walk-in showers with frameless glass and rainfall heads are seen as sleek, contemporary upgrades — especially appealing in new developments.
Tips When Renovating
- Don’t Overcapitalise: If you’re renovating for resale, keep costs reasonable. In high-density or mid-market areas, simple upgrades like a new shower head or tiles may be enough.
- Balance: If your home has more than one bathroom, consider keeping a bath in the family bathroom and adding a modern shower to the ensuite.
- Think Practical: Ensure fittings are water-efficient and easy to maintain. Also, if you opt for a shower, ensure the water pressure is good and the glass is safety-rated.
- Add Value Smartly: For example, a shower-over-bath setup can offer flexibility in smaller homes without sacrificing functionality.
Final Thoughts
In Zimbabwe’s current market, the ideal setup depends on your home type, target buyer, and location. A family home in Mt. Pleasant might benefit from retaining a bathtub, while a Highlands apartment could stand out with a stylish, water-saving shower.
Before renovating, review properties on property.co.zw to see what’s trending — and always aim to strike a balance between function, style, and cost. The right bathroom upgrade can help you sell faster — and for more.
