Wanted by Homebuyers: Kitchen and Bath Amenities

Homebuyers are seeking out homes with abundant kitchen and bathroom amenities, according to the National Association of Home Builders. 

The survey included more than 3,000 recent and prospective homebuyers, who rated each amenity out of four points based on how desirable they were.  

In the kitchen, a top feature homebuyers wanted was a walk-in pantry, which was rated as desirable by 51% and essential/must have by 29%. Tied with walk-in pantries, 80% also wanted table space for eating, again with 51% rating the amenity as desirable and 29% as a must have.  

Other desirable kitchen amenities included:  

• Double sink (side-by-side) (78%) 
• Drinking water filtration (75%) 
• Pull-out shelves (74%) 
• Central island (74%) 
• Granite/natural stone countertop (73%) 
• Recessed lighting (69%) 
• Customized backsplash (68%) 

Homebuyers don’t just want amenity-filled kitchens, though. Bathroom features were top of mind for many recent and prospective buyers.  

Having both a shower stall and a tub in the primary bathroom was desirable for 48% of respondents and essential for 30% (78% total). A linen closet in the primary bath came in close behind, with 51% finding it desirable and 25% naming it as an essential feature (76% total).  

Also desired in the bathroom:  

• Private toilet compartment in primary bath (70%) 
• Double vanity in primary bath (67%) 
• Toilet, tub and sink in white (67%) 
• Ceramic tile walls (65%) 
• Granite vanity (64%) 
• Multiple shower heads in primary bath (63%) 
• Body spray panel in primary bath (60%)