When youre talking about homes, the term en suite is generally used to describe a connected bathroom.
What is an En Suite?
An en suite is a bathroom that can only be accessed from within the bedroom.
Credit: Kimberly Gavin
There is no door to the hallway.
This limited access makes this bathroom feel like a private retreat.
But does the term en suite have other applications?
And what does the presence of an en suite (or lack thereof) mean for resale?
We turned to a few experts to weigh in.
Laura Bierman works as an interior design consultant atYouthfulHome.com.
Bailey Carsonis a home care expert at home services finderAngi.
Kristina Moralesis a Realtor ateXp Realtyin Cleveland, Ohio.
Beatrice de Jong is broker and consumer trends expert atOpendoor, a home buying service.
Is an En Suite the Same as the Primary Bath?
The literal definition is “so as to form a suite.”
“The term is used almost exclusively to refer to a connecting bathroom.”
Bierman says using this term for any use other than a bathroom can cause confusion.
Typically, en suite bathrooms have a shower, toilet, and vanity with sink.
Upgraded en suite bathrooms might feature a double vanity and a soaking tub or Jacuzzi.
Instead, many older homes have a second floor where all bedrooms share asingle hallway bathroom.
In some cases, that just might mean the house sits on the market longer.
“You have to price it appropriately,” she says.
However, when a home does feature anen suite bathroom, it’s a major perk.
“The head of the household basically always wants the privacy of that bathroom,” Morales says.
“In general, nine out of 10 people want that en suite bath.”
Buyers feel en suite adds a certain style and feel to the primary bedroom overall.
A2022 survey by Opendoorshows that outdated bathrooms were a turnoff for 66% of home buyers.
“It’s a big boost that isn’t necessarily only tied to en suite bathrooms.”
Still, that en suite might be key to a quick, high-value sale.
“A home without this feature will probably not be valued as highly as one that does.
“It’s just one way to upgrade the home,” de Jong says.
“You’re selling a lifestyle, and it’s one way to up the ante.”
Carson suggests turning the exhaust fan on or opening a window each time you take a shower.
Do this for the duration of the shower and for about 10 to 20 minutes afterwards to remove moisture.
It’s important tokeep your exhaust fan clean, too.
And, as with all bathrooms, you’ll need to watch for leaky plumbing and fixtures.
