Does only 1 bathroom really matter that much

Question

Hello All,

I am curious as to how important having more than one bath is when buying a home. I am currently debating on buying a house and I can't decide what is more beneficial. On one hand the houses that are only one bath are averaging almost 70,000 lower than those with 2 baths and obviously I want a cheaper house to not sink a ton of money into but I don't know when it comes to down the road with appreciation and whenever it comes time to sell or keep as a rental. I also play baseball in the Angels organization so I will be gone from March-September so I would guess I'd be able to rent it out while I am gone so I just wanted to add that just incase it provided any other useful information. I'd appreciate any feedback on buying, renting it, and even what to possibly look for! Thank you

Joe Hammel · Answer

@Brett Kerry

You’re going to buy, rent, and sell for slightly less with 1 bathroom. But since you’re buying cheaper, it doesn’t matter. My entire rental portfolio only has 1 bathroom. Not a single 2 bathroom house.

I’ve actually notice the roi tends to be higher on 2 bedrooms with 1 bathroom and even 3 bedrooms with 1 bathroom bc you buy cheaper but they still demand good rent.

Vs

A 3 bedroom with 2 baths you pay a premium for it on the front end because that’s what everyone (including the largest group of buyers = primary home buyer) wants, so it drives the price up on these.

Brandon Wagner · Answer

Another thing to note since i didnt see it here.  When repairs are needed for a bathroom,  it is an emergency if you only have 1 bathroom.  It is much less of an emergency if your tenants can use another one in the house while you get the repairs done.

Jacob Sloop · Answer

As you can see there is a significant discount for 1 bath properties.  70,000 is a whole lot

They tend to sit on market longer when selling as well.

BUT if you are looking to get started and have limited funds, buying a 1 bath in a good area can be a good move.  They will still sell and rent.

I would say location is key if your looking at 1 bath houses.  Other wise stick to finding a 2 bath   Hope that helps

Marci Mayes · Answer

If you are buying a small home with only one bedroom, one bathroom is ok. If the home has two bedrooms or more, there is a great demand for two bathrooms. Buy a two or three bedroom home with only one bathroom at the price discount then add the second bathroom. In most cases, it is worth the investment.

Bruce Woodruff · Answer

Nowadays a second bath is expected. So I would either wait until you find a 2BA house or (better yet IMO) find a serious fixer and add at least a 1/2 bath while you're doing the refurb....

Marcus Auerbach · Answer

We usually add a 2nd bathroom downstairs during remodel, it's 10k well spent both for rentability and ARV. Recently we have started to also incorporate laundry in the basement bathroom, it's super easy to do and people really appreciate having laundry in a nice finished space.

Eliott Elias · Answer

One baths have been the toughest to rent for me. People want 2.

Marisa Moore · Answer

I think it's a personal preference but it seems the investors I work with tend to stay away from one bathrooms, unless it's a condo/townhome. But I agree with Theresa - if there is a third bedroom then a second bathroom is needed.

Sanat Bhandari · Answer

@Brett Kerry All depends on numbers (sources & uses)

If you can get a 2/3 bd 1 ba for cheap enough then I'd certainly buy it. If there's a potential value add to add another bathroom, you can boost your equity in the property like no tomorrow

I've bought such houses since no one wants to buy them and so, you can get those at a discount. Eventually, if you have a hard time selling, seller finance the note for the potential buyer and sell the note to recoup your cash that way

Theresa Harris · Answer

If you are buying a 2 bed place, I think one bathroom is fine.  It also depends on the local market. I have two homes that have a single bathroom (one is 2 beds, the other is 3) and I have no problem getting them rented.

Does only 1 bathroom really matter that much

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