How much does it cost to convert a front garden into a driveway (UK)?
This cost guide was written in partnership with our professional estimators here at Checkatrade. Our estimators are Chartered Members (MRICS) of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and Members of the Chartered Institute of Building (MCIOB).
Convenience, security, and increased property value – there are many reasons to create a coveted parking spot on your front lawn. But how much does it cost to turn a front garden into a driveway in the UK? We explore all the relevant costs in this handy guide.
How much does it cost to turn a front garden into a driveway?
There are several different costs to budget for if you’re converting your front garden into a driveway. You’ll find these outlined in the table, below.
These costs are based on a new 50m² front driveway.
| Item (labour & materials) | Cost low - high | Average cost |
|---|---|---|
| Removals/excavation of original garden | £1,000 - £2,000 | £1,400 |
| Drainage | £2,000 - £4,000 | £3,000 |
| Foundations/sub-base | £750 - £1,500 | £1,100 |
| Tarmac | £2,500 - £4,500 | £3,500 |
| Block paving | £3,500 - £5,500 | £4,500 |
| Resin bound | £4,000 - £6,000 | £5,000 |
| Concrete pattern (imprinted) | £3,000 - £5,000 | £4,000 |
| Gravel | £1,000 - £3,000 | £2,000 |
| Dropped kerb & planning permission | £1,500 - £5,000 | £2,500 |
Last updated: July 2024
Our costs are ballpark averages – get a local tradesperson to quote now
Excavating the original garden
Unfortunately, you can’t lay a driveway over grass without proper preparation. The area must be excavated in order to create an even, suitable foundation on which to build the driveway.
The average cost to excavate and remove the original garden is £1,400.
Drainage
Adequate drainage is a must for a new driveway, especially if you’ve chosen an impermeable surface such as concrete or tarmac.
The average cost of installing driveway drainage is £3,000.
Sub-base
Without a proper sub-base, any driveway materials laid on top will likely sink and become uneven.
Driveway foundations/sub-base typically cost on average £1,100.
Driveway materials
With numerous materials available, you can create whatever style you desire for your driveway. However, different materials have different price points.
Based on a new 50m² front driveway, here are some average costs for the most popular types of driveway materials:
- Gravel £2,000
- Tarmac £3,500
- Concrete pattern (imprinted) £4,000
- Block paving £4,500
- Resin bound £5,000
Dropped kerb & planning permission
In addition to the preparation and installation of the driveway itself, you may also need a dropped kerb if you don’t already have one. There will also be planning permission costs.
To drop a kerb in order to access your new driveway, you must apply for planning permission from your local authority.
On average, the cost of dropping a kerb and submitting the necessary planning applications for your driveway costs around £2,500.
If you’re dropping a kerb as part of your driveway plans, you may incur additional costs depending on your situation.
For example, you may need to factor in the cost of moving a lamppost, manhole cover, or tree removal. You’ll find more detailed information in our dropped kerb cost guide.
How much to tarmac my front garden?
The average cost of laying a tarmac driveway:
- The average cost of removal and excavation, drainage, and sub-base is £5,500
- Laying the tarmac driveway is, on average, £3,500
- For a dropped kerb and all necessary planning permissions, factor in a further £2,500 (on average)
To tarmac your front garden, budget around £11,500 on average.
Do I need planning permission to tarmac my garden?
Yes, as tarmac is an impermeable material, you will need planning permission to tarmac your garden if it’s more than 5m². This is due to legislation to ensure rainwater has proper drainage.
How much would it cost to create a gravel driveway?
To create a gravel driveway that doesn’t need a dropped kerb, you’re looking at, on average, £4,750. These costs are based on the lower end of the scale.
Gravel is a permeable material, and therefore, you do not need to factor in the cost of planning permission.
How much would it cost to install a block paving driveway?
Drawing from the costs in the above table, but based on the higher end of the scale, you can expect to pay, on average, £18,500 for a block paving driveway with a dropped kerb.
How much would it cost to lay a concrete driveway?
The average cost of laying a concrete pattern (imprinted) driveway with a dropped kerb typically averages around £12,000.
Do I need permission to turn my front garden into a driveway?
Before turning your front garden into a driveway, it’s worth contacting your local authority to check whether you need planning permission.
In 2010, the government introduced Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) legislation to help reduce the impact of new and existing developments on surface water drainage discharges.
You’ll find the ins and outs of this in our driveway planning guide.
Simply put, any hard surface over 5m² between the home’s front and the public road requires planning permission unless it is SuDS-compliant.
What does SuDS compliant mean?
A ‘SuDS‘ compliant (Sustainable urban drainage system) surface is any surface where water can drain through to natural ground or is directed into an installed soakaway or swale.
On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.
How much does a driveway add to house value in the UK?
So is it worth turning your front garden into a driveway?
As well as the obvious benefit of creating off-street parking, it can also offer greater security for your vehicles, lower your vehicle insurance premiums, and save money on parking permits.
But more than that, a driveway could add between 5-10% to the value of your home. Some might say it’s an investment that pays for itself!
Find an approved driveway installer for your project
With some costs in your back pocket, all that’s left to do is find a reputable driveway installer for the job. Look no further than Checkatrade.
Only trades who pass our checks and meet our high standards are on Checkatrade.
And we’re so confident in the quality of the trades on Checkatrade that if you book through us, we guarantee their work up to £1,000. Guaranteed for 12 months – Eligibility and T&Cs apply.
Ready to get started? Search your postcode to find driveway installers near you.
Working with professional estimators, we collate cost estimates for the common home improvement and repair jobs in the UK.
All the costs are estimates only. For accurate costs for your particular requirements, you are encouraged to reach out to professional tradespeople to receive a quote for your job.
Our estimators are Chartered Members (MRICS) of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and Members of the Chartered Institute of Building (MCIOB). See full disclaimer.
No comments yet!