Everything ensuite: your questions answered

There’s something about shuffling out of bed and straight to the shower – with zero fear of seeing anyone enroute – that is utterly sensible and hotel-style swanky in equal measure.

The direct translation of ensuite from French to English is ‘next’ and in modern property terminology, an ensuite is a bathroom that’s connected to a bedroom and can’t be accessed any other way.

While an ensuite retains its position as an in-house status symbol, more families simply need an extra place for their ablutions due to the number of people living under one roof. Additionally, it appears they are prepared to pay for the convenience too, with analysis suggesting that asking prices can be 20% higher per square foot for homes with two bathrooms compared to those with just one.

If adding an ensuite has ever crossed your mind, we’ve tried to answer the most common questions on this mini bathroom.

Q. Will an ensuite add value to my home?

A. There is certainly the potential to increase a property’s value, with Victoria Plum estimating 5 percent could be added. When you consider the average UK home costs just under £300,000, that’s the potential to add almost £15,000 to a property’s worth.

Q. How much will an ensuite cost?

A. Those interested in their ensuite turning a profit will need to take into account how much it will cost. A budget will need to cover the purchase of materials, fixtures and fittings, plumbing, electrics and installation, any structural work, the potential for scaffolding if a new soil pipe is required at height, labour and VAT.

As a rough guide, UK Bathroom Guru has the cost of an ensuite between £6,000 and £9,000. The final figure will depend on:

• How much structural work is required
• The location of the ensuite in relation to existing pipework
• The location of the ensuite within the property
• The nature of the fittings, such as whether they are concealed, app-operated etc
• The requirement for light and heat, and any associated electrical work
• The desire to add a window
• Whether you opt for a bath and a shower cubicle, or just a shower
• Whether you want a wet room environment
• The quality of the fixtures, fittings, flooring and tiles
• The finishing touches, such as mirrors, heated towel rails and storage

Q. Are buyers looking for ensuites?

A. One survey conducted in the summer of 2024 found an ensuite was number 6 on the ‘10 most in-demand things home buyers want’ list, while in September this year, I published an article entitled ‘En suite mania: homebuyers in Britain going ‘bonkers for bathrooms’.

Q. How much room will I need to create an ensuite?

A. Ensuites can be crafted from relatively small areas but the bathroom experts recommend the space is no smaller than 0.8 metres by 1.8 metres.

Q. Where can I find or ‘steal’ that amount of space?

A. If you’re set on an ensuite, you may like to...

• Divide a bedroom into two, reserving the smaller half for an ensuite
• Measure up to see if an airing cupboard next to a bedroom would be big enough for an ensuite
• onvert a box room into an ensuite if it adjoins a bedroom
• Make two adjoining bedrooms smaller to fit a ‘Jack and Jill’ style ensuite between the two
• Reconfigure the hallway and landing to create space for an ensuite
• Include an ensuite in a loft conversion or extension project

Q. Will I need planning permission?

A. The good news is unless an ensuite is part of a bigger remodelling or renovation project, it will not normally require planning permission. The exception may be if you live in a listed property.

Q. Will an ensuite need to comply with Building Regulations?

A. Absolutely! Ensuites usually combine electricity, water and human waste, so complying with Building Regulations is essential. Ensure you use qualified, registered trades and get any work signed off and/or certified by your local planning department.

Q. Are there alternatives to adding an ensuite?

A. If your home is in dire need of extra facilities but an ensuite isn’t possible, you may consider adding another full size bathroom. This may require you to extend your home or convert a bedroom but you may compromise your home’s value and sale-ability in the process, so speak to us first. An alternative is adding a cloakroom to the ground floor, which will give you an extra WC.

We’re here to talk about all things added value and property sales. Ask us for advice and an accurate valuation.