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Original poster

Settle an argument- downstairs loo or not…?

362 replies

TheBeaTgoeson1 · 13/04/2026 11:58

Please help settle an argument…

Starting on a small renovation. One person thinks that a downstairs loo is important as part of the work, there is space for it.

The other doesn’t see that it adds attraction to a property, and there’s a nice bathroom with loo at the top of the stairs…

Those who have or haven’t got one, who is reasonable?

(It would bring the total of loos in the house to two.)

OP posts:
ShodAndShadySenators · 13/04/2026 13:07

A loo on each level or at least a second loo has become more than desirabble over the years, it's considered essential.

And anyone who's been stuck outside the bathroom getting increasingly desperate, or is feeling sick but there's someone in already, or can't manage the stairs reasonably quickly, or has crutches, can testify to this. If there's space and you're renovating anyway, it's a total no-brainer. Why is your partner even quibbling about this? The lunacy!

We have another loo but it's only accessible from the garden. I shall be changing this to an inside loo as soon as we can...

Wanderdust · 13/04/2026 13:07

Now that I've owned a house without downstairs loo, I wouldn't be without one! Great for little kids or those with mobility issues.

Lovemycat2023 · 13/04/2026 13:06

100% team loo! We don’t have one and I spend too much time thinking about how we could fit one in. It’s a pain and there are only two of us!

Bushmillsbabe · 13/04/2026 13:06

Our old house didn't have a downstairs loo, but when we sold, the feedback from many viewers was they wouldn't buy due to no downstairs toilet. Apparently they hadn't seen one on floor plan but had thought there must be one!

Goblinkingsqueen · 13/04/2026 13:04

I wouldn't consider buying a house without a downstairs loo.

Gonnagetgoingreturnsagain · 13/04/2026 13:00

Yes to downstairs loo.

Needtoscream · 13/04/2026 12:59

I would never buy a house without a downstairs loo

JackandVictor · 13/04/2026 12:55

I would also always want a downstairs toilet. It was one of the first things we added here.

DoggerelBank · 13/04/2026 12:54

If kids, downstairs loo. If not, no downstairs loo if you're happy to never sell to a family with kids

mindutopia · 13/04/2026 12:54

Yes, absolutely. I wouldn’t want visitors in my upstairs. I actually don’t think I’d buy a house without one. It’s such a basic.

Sgreenpy · 13/04/2026 12:53

Downstairs loo definitely.

Forthesteps · 13/04/2026 12:50

TheBeaTgoeson1 · 13/04/2026 11:58

Please help settle an argument…

Starting on a small renovation. One person thinks that a downstairs loo is important as part of the work, there is space for it.

The other doesn’t see that it adds attraction to a property, and there’s a nice bathroom with loo at the top of the stairs…

Those who have or haven’t got one, who is reasonable?

(It would bring the total of loos in the house to two.)

I'd have one just for the convenience [sorry].
As someone with a downstairs bathroom who wishes there was space for an upstairs loo...

Scarlettpixie · 13/04/2026 12:50

Definitely put in a downstairs loo if you have the chance.

I would choose a downstairs loo over an ensuite (currently have both).

I would not buy a house without a downstairs loo (or space for one).

TubeScreamer · 13/04/2026 12:50

Essential

My elderly father is confined upstairs 24/7 because my parents couldn't see the need for a downstairs bathroom.

DramaAlpaca · 13/04/2026 12:50

I wouldn't buy a house that didn't have a downstairs loo.

I regret not putting a downstairs shower in our house; it would have been so handy.

Anonymousfivetrillion · 13/04/2026 12:49

I would never buy a house without a downstairs loo.

DoctorMarten · 13/04/2026 12:49

Obviously get a loo downstairs. Total no brainer.

Bristolandlazy · 13/04/2026 12:48

I don't have one but would love one. I don't love it even guests are upstairs to use the loo. No reason for anyone but family to go upstairs with a downstairs loo. If I moved I don't know if I would move to a house with one loo.

MotherofPufflings · 13/04/2026 12:48

I'd say you'd add at least the £15k it would cost you to the value of the house. BUT - does it absolutely have to be off the boot room? It decreases the convenience if you have to go through another room to get to it.

Endoadnowarrior · 13/04/2026 12:46

A downstairs toilet is ALWAYS a plus for a family home!
It would be a wasted opportunity not to do it when already doing work, IMO, as doing it in future likely to add costs and further disruption etc

thejadefish · 13/04/2026 12:45

I'm very much team second loo. We only have the one toilet and what with 2 adults, one school age child and one only recently potty trained child I can't imagine why anyone wouldn't want more than one assuming that they weren't living alone. Plus if any visitors have mobility issues downstairs would be so much easier.

Mosaic80 · 13/04/2026 12:45

I think it’d be so useful especially if you only have 1 other loo in the house. I’d definitely include.

DoAWheelie · 13/04/2026 12:44

Downstairs loo is mandatory for me - especially if it's somewhere you'll stay long term. Everyone ends up with mobility issues at some point in their lives even if it's temporary.

I want my home to be accessible to all my friends and family and many of them struggle with stairs now.

Frugalgal · 13/04/2026 12:44

TheBeaTgoeson1 · 13/04/2026 11:58

Please help settle an argument…

Starting on a small renovation. One person thinks that a downstairs loo is important as part of the work, there is space for it.

The other doesn’t see that it adds attraction to a property, and there’s a nice bathroom with loo at the top of the stairs…

Those who have or haven’t got one, who is reasonable?

(It would bring the total of loos in the house to two.)

I would give my right arm for one. It will of course increase the value of the house.

Ilusionada · 13/04/2026 12:42

We have a porch loo/utility and office. It has the washing machine and tumble driers.

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