People on the lookout for prime property in the UK rank bathrooms as an important factor in the decision making process, according to new research.

A study from PrimeLocation shows that 80% of buyers in this sector say that the number of bathrooms is a significant influence when it comes to choosing which home to buy.

The typical buyer wants a ratio of at least two bathrooms for every three bedrooms, although the average number of bedrooms and bathrooms respectively needed for a property to be considered ‘prime’ is 4.5 bedrooms and three bathrooms.

Nearly a third of those polled would rule out a home entirely from their search if it had too few bathrooms, while more than 90% believe that the ratio of bedrooms to bathrooms could not be greater than 2:1 for a property to be considered as ‘prime’.

A few years ago it was a statement kitchen that was on every buyer’s wish list – the bathrooms were almost an afterthought, crammed under the stairs or in cupboard space.

James Mackenzie from Strutt & Parker’s National Country House Department comments: “Nowadays it is not uncommon for people to want washroom suites with jet showers, standalone bathtubs and in some cases spa rooms! As a nation we’ve never invested more time, effort or money into our bathrooms”.

In fact, 37% of prime buyers think it is vital to have an en-suite in each bedroom. En-suites are also more desirable than almost any other ‘prime’ features, including swimming pools, tennis courts and gyms.

“We’ve come a long way since the 70s and the ripe avocado and tangerine coloured bath tubs” adds Mackenzie; “it’s white all the way now!”