Shower and Tub in Primary Bath Essential for First-Time Buyers
When it comes to bathroom features, a shower stall and tub in the primary bath tops the list for first-time home buyers, according to a recent NAHB study, What Home Buyers Really Want, 2021 Edition.
In fact, 72% of first-time buyers rated both a shower stall and tub in the primary bath as “essential” or “desirable,” followed closely by a linen closet, rated essential or desirable by 70%.
After the top two, 67% of first-time buyers rated a private toilet compartment essential or desirable, followed by 65% for a whirlpool tub.
Next comes a group of bathroom features rated essential or desirable by 62% of first-time buyers: a double vanity, multiple shower heads, a granite vanity and body spray panels.
NAHB senior economist Paul Emrath provides further analysis in this Eye on Housing blog post.
Latest from NAHBNow
Economics | Indices
Jul 17, 2025
Builder Confidence Edges Up in JulyBuilder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes was 33 in July, up one point from June, according to the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) released today. Builder sentiment has now been in negative territory for 15 consecutive months.
Economics | Material Costs
Jul 16, 2025
Inflation Picks Up as Tariffs Take HoldInflation rose to a four-month high in June as consumer prices began to reflect tariff policy.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Jul 17, 2025
Builder Confidence Edges Up in JulyBuilder confidence for future sales expectations received a slight boost in July with the extension of the 2017 tax cuts, but elevated interest rates and economic and policy uncertainty continue to act as headwinds for the housing sector.
Economics
Jul 16, 2025
Producer Prices for Metals and Equipment Show Large IncreasesResidential building material prices rose in June, driven primarily by higher construction machinery and equipment part prices. Metal commodities also experienced significant increases, following recently implemented tariffs on steel and aluminum. Meanwhile, price growth for services used in construction continues to outpace both domestic and imported goods.
Economics
Jul 16, 2025
Permits Fall in May 2025Housing permits continued a downhill trend for the fifth month in a row, pointing to a broader residential construction slowdown for 2025. This slowdown is attributed to factors like higher mortgage rates, tariff concerns, and challenges about future housing demand due to economic uncertainty.