When we think of adding value to our homes, it's likely that your mind goes directly to adding a new kitchen or upgrading all your appliances. But what about adding a garage?
In this guide, we will explore the monetary value that a garage can add to your home as well as the other benefits of having so much extra space to work with.
Quick Answer
Adding a garage to your home can add 5-20% to your house price depending on its size and the area you live in. It also provides plenty of extra space to use for a plethora of other reasons and contributes to your curb appeal.
How much can a garage add to your home's value?
When it comes to homeownership, it's always a good idea to keep your thumb on the pulse of what could add value to your property so it can benefit you down the line. If you can get a return on investment, then why not take action today for your future and for future buyers?
Having a garage, whether attached or detached, can significantly increase the average UK house price. According to professional brokers, a single garage can add 5-10% more value to your house, while a double garage can add up to 20% depending on the area you live in. This is a decent amount, especially since you will also have full use of the convenience and extra space for the entire time you live in the home.
So let’s look at a hypothetical so you can see what this might look like when it comes to money. For example, if you had a £300,000 home and it increased in value by 10%, that would represent £30,000 in additional value. That is a good amount of value, but you have to remember that you will be spending money to construct the garage in the first place, so you need to take that into consideration.
When it comes to garage construction, it can cost up to £1300 per square meter to build. So it could cost upwards of £21 000 to £58 000 depending on the size and finishes you are going with. This is a significant investment when considering that the extra value is just £30 000 on average. So you really need to decide if this is worth putting the extra money into.
Factors That Affect Garage Value
There isn't one figure that applies to every garage. Several factors can influence what buyers are willing to pay for a property with one.
Location and demand for parking
Location can make a significant difference. A garage can be particularly appealing in areas where off-street parking is difficult to find or where homes have limited driveway space. In places where parking is already plentiful, the financial benefit may be less significant.
It's therefore worth looking at properties similar to yours in the local area. Do garages appear regularly in comparable homes? Are buyers paying more for properties with secure parking? These questions can give you a better idea of how useful a garage could be in your particular market.
Garage size
A single garage may be enough if you have one car and limited space, while a double garage gives you room for two vehicles or additional storage and workshop space.
However, bigger doesn't automatically mean better value. A large garage takes up more of your garden and costs more to build, so the additional space needs to serve a genuine purpose. If a double garage would make the difference between having a useful parking and storage area and losing too much garden space, that needs to form part of the calculation.
Construction type and quality
The materials and construction method also affect both the initial cost and the finished building. Current UK cost guidance puts brick garages at a considerably higher price than many prefabricated alternatives, while timber and other construction types sit at different points depending on their specification.
For a buyer, the important thing isn't simply whether the garage is brick, timber or another material. Its condition, appearance, security, durability and usefulness all contribute to how appealing it is as part of the property.
Condition and appearance
A well-maintained garage can complement a property, while a poorly finished or neglected structure can have the opposite effect.
Think about how the garage looks alongside the house. A design that works with the existing property, has a well-maintained exterior and provides useful internal space is more likely to feel like an asset rather than an afterthought.
Single vs Double Garages
A single garage generally costs less and takes up less space, making it a sensible option where you have one vehicle or a smaller plot. A double garage costs more but gives you additional parking, storage or workspace.
The question isn't simply which one adds the most value. The better choice depends on what buyers in your area are looking for and whether the additional space justifies the extra cost and land required.
For example, a double garage may make more sense for a family with two cars, while a single garage could be more appropriate for a smaller property where garden space is limited.
There are also combinations between the two. Palmako's current range includes garage and carport designs that combine enclosed storage with additional covered parking, giving homeowners another way to use the available space.
Attached vs Detached Garages
Both attached and detached garages can provide secure parking and additional storage, but they offer different advantages.
An attached or integral garage gives you direct access to the house, which can be particularly useful in bad weather and for everyday convenience. A detached garage gives you more flexibility over where the structure sits and can be easier to incorporate into a larger garden or driveway layout.
Rather than assuming one will always add more value, consider how each option works with your property. The available space, access, appearance and expectations of buyers in your area can all influence which arrangement makes more sense.
Additional Space and Storage
A garage can provide much more than somewhere to park a car. The additional enclosed space can be useful for bicycles, gardening equipment, tools, seasonal items or a workshop, particularly when storage space inside the house is limited.
This can make a garage more useful to prospective buyers, but it's important not to confuse additional garage space with habitable living space. If you're considering a future conversion into an office, gym or another room, you will need to consider insulation, heating, electrics, building regulations and any relevant planning requirements separately.
Garage Costs and Potential Return on Investment
A garage can increase your property's value, but the increase isn't the same as your return on investment.
For example, if a £300,000 property increased in value by 10%, that would represent £30,000. If the garage cost £25,000 to build, the potential increase in property value would exceed the construction cost. If the project cost £40,000, however, the numbers would look very different.
There are also the benefits you receive while you own the property. Secure parking, additional storage and a dedicated workshop or hobby area can all make the investment worthwhile even if the eventual increase in property value does not cover the full construction cost.
The most useful approach is therefore to look at local property values, garage costs and buyer demand together, rather than relying on a single percentage.
The Cost of Building a Garage
The cost depends heavily on the size, materials, roof type, foundations, doors and specification. Current UK estimates put a typical new garage at around £21,000–£58,000, while prefab garages are generally less expensive.
Remember that the purchase price of the garage is not necessarily the total project cost. You may also need to budget for foundations, ground preparation, delivery, installation, electrical work, treatment and other site-specific requirements.
The Final Verdict
We hope this has inspired you to potentially add a garage to your home to increase its value and provide you with some much-needed extra space.
Before building, compare the likely cost of the garage with property values in your area, consider whether buyers would actually value the additional parking and storage, and choose a size and specification that make sense for your property.
If you're considering a garage, Palmako offers single and double garages, designs with additional canopies and different door options, with models made from slow-grown Nordic spruce. The range also includes free mainland UK delivery, a five-year warranty and optional professional installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a garage increase house value?
A garage can increase a property's value, particularly where secure off-street parking is limited. The amount depends on factors including location, garage size, condition, functionality and local buyer demand.
Does a detached garage add value?
A detached garage can add value by providing secure parking and additional storage, but its effect on property value depends on the property and local market. Consider access, position, condition and how well it fits with the rest of the property.
Are timber garages cheaper than brick garages?
Timber and prefabricated garages can be less expensive than traditional brick construction, but costs vary considerably depending on size and specification. Get quotes for the complete project, including foundations, installation and any extras, before comparing options.
What costs should I consider when building a garage?
Don't look only at the price of the garage itself. You may also need to budget for foundations and groundworks, the garage door, installation, electrics, plumbing, drainage and any required planning or building-control work.
Can a garage be used for more than parking?
Yes. A garage can also provide secure storage or space for tools, bicycles, gardening equipment and a workshop. If you want to turn it into habitable living space later, additional work and regulatory requirements will apply.
