The driveway could be your home's ultimate selling point that you're overlooking
While it may seem like nothing more than a road to your garage, your driveway can actually have a significant impact on the first impression homebuyers have on your property, according to Realtor.
And first impressions mean a lot!
Your driveway could actually sell your house faster
A thoughtfully designed and well-maintained driveway can make a huge impact on a homebuyers perception of a home – and even how quickly it sells.
'Buyers make snap judgments on a home the moment they pull up to it, and the driveway is one of the first things they see,' says real estate expert Daniel Blake.
A driveway made of interlocking stoke pavers or decorative stamped concrete, for example, instantly adds luxury and craftsmanship.
The condition of a driveway can also be a deal maker or breaker. Cracks, oil stains and weeds growing through the pavement may all give the impression of neglect.
'I've shown buyers beautiful homes where they hesitated because the driveway looked like it needed to be replaced,' Blake notes.
'Conversely, a freshly sealed, asphalt driveway or a newly power-washed paver surface says the home has been well taken care of and often translates to peace of mind for the buyer.'
Lastly, functionality matters.
For example, a driveway that connects to a two-or three-car garage – especially with a side entry – adds value and visual appeal.
'Buyers with children usually look for driveways that allow for safe play areas. And families with dogs love when the driveway provides easy access to a fenced backyard,' says Blake.
Some homes even have a gated driveway, which adds an extra layer of privacy and security – a huge selling point for high-end buyers.
Types of driveways and their benefits
Driveways are not created equal, and each one has its own unique advantages. Some examples of driveways on residential properties include:
Straight
A straight driveway is the most traditional style and works well for home with narrower lots. It's typically found in planned suburban communities or starter neighbourhoods.
'Simple, cheap, and easy to shovel,' says real estate agent Andrew Fortune.
Curved
A cured driveway wads a nice visual element and is often seen in custom homes or Craftsman, Tudor or French country-style homes, where the architectural character is complemented by the soft bend of the driveway.
'A curved design also increases privacy and provides a more dynamic approach to the front entry, which many buyer appreciate,' Blake explains.
Circular
Circular driveways are great for estates or older homes with charm with many buyers looking for a driveway that means they don't have to back out of one.
Horseshoe
While they're similar to circular driveways, horseshoe driveways are a better option for those who want extra parking space.
'A horseshoe driveway is good for homes with lots of visitors because it has two entry and exit points,' Fortune points out.
Y-Shaped
Y-shaped driveways are less common but are often found in homes built on irregularly shaped or sloped lots, especially in rural or wooded areas.
'They offer flexibility for turning vehicles around or separating access points – like one branch leading to a garage, or the other to a worship or quest quarters,' says Blake.
S-Shaped
An S-shaped driveway has a very elegant, estatelike feel. This style is poplar in Mediterranean plantation or upscale modern farmhouse-style homes.
'it creates a scene of grandeur that sticks out in buyers' mind,' explains Blake.
Semicircle
Semicircle driveways are a good compromise for medium-sized lots and often pair well with ranch-style or single-storey homes. They're more common in older neighbourhoods.
'Semicircle driveways give a classic look and allow for smooth exits,' says Fortune.
Double
A double driveway, which is wide enough to park two cars side-by-side, is becoming a standard expectation for many buyers today.
It adds flexibility for homeowners who may have multiple vehicles, boats, motorcycles or even a home-based business that requires extra parking.
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