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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:
Lennon80 · 14/04/2026 16:41

Definite yes to a downstairs toilet - saves guests going upstairs so you can always be untidy upstairs and not have to worry!! We have two upstairs loos and one downstairs and it’s definitely been worth it!!

Spinksie · 13/04/2026 23:15

TheBeaTgoeson1 · 13/04/2026 13:19

Sorry!!! I was more interested in hearing the opinions rather than the poll, I confused myself 🤣

Show quote history

No problem!

IsThistheMiddleofNowhere · 13/04/2026 21:53

2
100% downstairs loo. I don't know what we would do without ours

FunMustard · 13/04/2026 21:42

We spent about £3k adding a teeny tiny loo downstairs in our large 3 bed Victorian semi. Best thing we ever did.

We've still only got one bathroom, but we have three teen boys and two adults living here. It was ok when they were little, but now it's a huge relief. The mobility when older is also key, especially in our house which has three landings for only two storeys!

timeforteaandcakes · 13/04/2026 21:24

Definitely a downstairs loo

Kpo58 · 13/04/2026 20:27

Team downstairs loo!

I don't want visitors going into personal spaces like upstairs. Also an extra toilet is great in situations where you both have food poisoning.

BCBird · 13/04/2026 20:23

Defo need a downstairs loo in addition to upstairs loo.

Youcantwinthemall · 13/04/2026 20:06

One of the non negotiables for me when I last moved was a downstairs loo. I now have one and I love it!

BeFastDreamer · 13/04/2026 20:01

As someone who has recently went from one toilet to three, absolutely get the second loo!!

OakleyStreetisnotinChelsea · 13/04/2026 19:45

Second loo definitely! No longer will you have to wait for the bathroom, no more being disturbed by someone needing a pee or worse when you are in the bath. A second loo is a marvelous thing.

We have 3. It's bloody brilliant. 2 upstairs and one in the basement. Sadly none on the ground floor. We moved here from a house with just one loo in the bathroom.

Ladygardenerinderby · 13/04/2026 19:35

Team downstairs loo everytime no visitors traipsing up your stairs and no crossed legs while waiting for someone to hurry up

Apprentice26 · 13/04/2026 19:34

Have we decided on the loo then is that settled?

PurpleFlower1983 · 13/04/2026 19:31

Definitely get the additional loo.

Phoenixfire1988 · 13/04/2026 19:16

Having a downstairs loo is amazing we have no queing for the toilet and when someones in tha bath or shower there's an alternative

KookyKoala007 · 13/04/2026 19:13

We wouldn’t by a property without a downstairs toilet. We have relatives who visit regularly who struggle with stairs

Sonny36 · 13/04/2026 19:07

I have a downstairs loo, it’s so handy if others are using the other loo, handy for children and older ones and easier than visitors traipsing upstairs. It’s definitely a bonus if you come to sell.

BaileyHorse · 13/04/2026 18:59

Downstairs loo 100%.

Imisssleep88 · 13/04/2026 18:58

If you have space, put one in, it is on alot of peoples must have lists. People with small children it is easier for taking to the loo, and also if people entertain it saves guests wandering around upstairs too if there is a downstairs loo. When we brought out house it was on my would like list as we were preparing to start a family after moving and I am so glad we did get a house with one. Also it means my elderly nan is able to visit as she doesn't have to negotiate the stairs to use the loo

Alwaysontherun · 13/04/2026 18:57

Having lived in a house without one and now a house with one it’s something that would be on my list of must haves, along with a utility room, if we were to move in the future.

ScaredSceptic · 13/04/2026 18:53

Currently house-hunting. Any house without at least two toilets is instantly ruled out, I won't even view them.

Dancingintherain09 · 13/04/2026 18:34

As a military wife Ive lived in lots of different houses. When it came to buying a house, a downstairs toilet was a non negotiable. I've just asked my brother who is an estate agent and he says most people want that now. And it does make a property more desirable.
If I had a choice of two houses that were of similar size and quality and one had the toilet and the other has a cupboard I'd definitely go for the extra toilet.

CarolinaLiar · 13/04/2026 18:32

Hugely important. You only have one loo in the house? Who wants guests traipsing up the stairs and using the family bathroom? I would hate this.

SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius · 13/04/2026 18:29

mydogisthebest · 13/04/2026 14:00

I am obviously in the minority but I don't think a downstairs loo is necessary. We have a lovely big walk in cupboard in our hall which I use as a larder and storage room and DH wants to make it into a loo. I really don't want that and think it is a waste of the useful space

@mydogisthebest - I assume you never have visitors with reduced mobility, and you know that you are never going to struggle with the stairs.

I used to be able to skip up and down the stairs with zero problems - and then I got older, got fatter, and worst of all, got Long Covid which decimated my mobility to the point where I need either a walker or a wheelchair for trips outside the house, and struggle to walk around at home. Climbing the stairs leaves me breathless, exhausted and shaking with fatigue, so if I did not have a downstairs loo, I would simply be restricted to my bedroom. Especially when I have a flare up of lymphocytic colitis, and need to get to a loo as diarrhoea strikes.

My FIL had to stop visiting my ds1 and his kids because he couldn’t get upstairs to the loo - I find it really difficult, and am glad they have put in a downstairs loo now.

Daftypants · 13/04/2026 18:16

Downstairs loo very important !

sunnydisaster · 13/04/2026 18:12

Would never buy a house without a downstairs toilet. Edited to say - we have 3 toilets as we have ensure and DC have shower room.