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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:
puddycat1 · 13/04/2026 15:01

Yes downstairs loo

Cornonthecob17 · 13/04/2026 15:02

Essential for me. My dad couldn’t spend a lot of time at my old house because he couldn’t get upstairs to the loo. It was also a nightmare with multiple kids and two adults all sharing one loo. Moved recently and refused to see anywhere without a downstairs loo. We have ended up in a house with four toilets and it’s bliss 🤣

MrsVBS · 13/04/2026 15:02

Oops pressed the wrong vote button, downstairs loo essential, madness not to if there is space for one.

FirstWorldProblemSolver · 13/04/2026 15:02

What lunatic would omit the downstairs loo when there is

a) space for it
b) only one other toilet in the house

downstairs loos are the most basic of house commodities nowadays

Brightanddrywithsunnyspells · 13/04/2026 15:04

YES!! to the downstairs loo. It will be used constantly, and will help you sell the house further down the line.

Busybeemumm · 13/04/2026 15:04

Definitely yes to a downstairs loo. So handy for guests and in case someone in the family is unwell and unable to climb stairs etc. It's so handy to have a second loo and will add value to your home.

Busybeemumm · 13/04/2026 15:04

I would consider adding a shower as well as a loo if you have the space.

IMustDoMoreExercise · 13/04/2026 15:10

I wouldn't buy a house without a downstairs loo.

Apprentice26 · 13/04/2026 15:15

Apparently they add 2 to £5000 to the value of your property and new build. Houses are not allowed to not have one so if that’s the market that you might be competing within years to come.
Definitely worth having

Loobyloot · 13/04/2026 15:17

We have four loos for four people (we live in a house that comes with DHs job and are super grateful!). That's about the best you can get. Have as many as possible.

ZanyMaker · 13/04/2026 15:18

Buyers of our last house said downstairs loo was one of the selling points to them because their elderly parents would struggle with the the stairs to get to the upstairs bathroom when visiting. So, yes, if it fits with the plans then do it!

Kidsrold · 13/04/2026 15:19

I wouldn’t buy a house with no downstairs loo because I’d want one and couldn’t be bothered with putting one in.

Nocameltoeleggingsplease · 13/04/2026 15:23

I know it’s off topic but I’m not fussed for an en-suite (we do have a downstairs loo). I’d rather have the storage.

Pistachiocake · 13/04/2026 15:24

If at all possible, I would have 2.
Right now, one of ours is broken, and I already miss it (plumber's on way)!
Seriously, the likelihood is you will one day have food poisoning/a virus/one loo broken/kids or adults visiting.
I believe all newer council housing have to have at least 2, unless they're built specifically for singles?
Yes, people used to share one outside loo between 4 families, before anyone says that.

GargoylesofBeelzebub · 13/04/2026 15:26

My last house didn’t have a downstairs loo and it was extremely annoying. I’d put one in.

Doineedanothercat · 13/04/2026 15:34

My elderly parents could not use the stairs in my house due to arthritis.They would have to go home to go toilet if they came to visit me. Also useful for washing up after the garden. If you have the space go for it

LadyVioletBridgerton · 13/04/2026 15:42

Absolutely yes to downstairs loo.

Lavender14 · 13/04/2026 15:44

I love that we have a downstairs loo under our stairs. Never had it before and plenty of times have been uncomfortably waiting on someone to finish upstairs so I could go. Would never go back!

It's definitely something I'd look for in a property unless you have an en suite.

Trainup · 13/04/2026 15:44

Absolutely yes to a downstairs loo. We didn’t ’need’ one when we first got our house but DH’s parents have since developed mobility issues and would be unable to visit if we didn’t have a downstairs toilet.

Trainup · 13/04/2026 15:45

Or what if you both get food poisoning!

Inertia · 13/04/2026 15:48

TheBeaTgoeson1 · 13/04/2026 12:17

Thanks! We have an enormous garage / utility already which is why we aren’t doing utility room ☺️

Show quote history

Fair enough, if you have a utility area already then it’s a no- brainer.

Dogs/ wetsuits makes it sound like you have an outdoorsy lifestyle, so installing a boot room/ downstairs shower room during renovations makes perfect sense . Friends of ours fitted a warm-water shower hose outside to wash their dog.

As well as making your home more practical for you, it will make it more appealing when you eventually sell.

BillieWiper · 13/04/2026 15:49

Yes if it's not going to render any of the other downstairs rooms too small. Ideally if you can have a shower in there it would be better than loo alone.

But two is better than one. And it's good to have it when you've got guests. Someone with mobility issues. Or someone you maybe don't know that well, they don't need to go upstairs.

jessycake · 13/04/2026 15:51

As someone without a downstairs loo and no space for one , I would absolutely want one if I could

rockinrobins · 13/04/2026 15:54

Yep. We wouldn't live in a place without a second loo. If we bought a place without one then we would put one in, but a property that already has one is much more appealing.

Pollymollydolly · 13/04/2026 15:54

A second loo is a necessity imo - I wouldn’t consider buying a property with just one loo.