Does paving a driveway increase home value? The short answer is yes. According to data from We Love Paving, driveway improvements can boost home value by $5,000–$20,000, potentially representing a 5-10% increase in property value.
While these numbers vary by location and home type, it’s clear that curb appeal matters. It’s the first thing potential buyers see in your home. Still, the return on investment (ROI) of a paved driveway depends on the type of material you choose, local norms, and market conditions.
Paving your driveway can be a solid upgrade — but is it worth it? Let’s break down the numbers.
How paving influences curb appeal & appraisals
Your first impression matters — and for potential buyers and appraisers, that impression starts with the exterior of a home, often called curb appeal.
Curb appeal is how attractive your house looks from the outside, and the driveway is one of the first things a buyer will see. A well-maintained driveway creates a strong first impression, while an unpaved driveway creates a negative first impression, even if the rest of the home is beautiful.
Additionally, curb appeal impacts appraisal values. Appraisers assess curb appeal by looking at the driveway type, condition, and how it compares to other homes in the neighborhood. They record driveway materials and conditions in their reports, and in areas where paving is the norm, an unpaved driveway can hurt a home’s value.
What the data says: Value uplift & ROI
Market research shows that new paved driveways add $5,000–20,000 in home value. Paved driveways often boost a home’s value by 5–10% on average.
The average cost of installing a driveway is $4,900, but this cost will vary depending on the material type.[1] However, the ROI of paving varies by region.
In areas where paved driveways are the standard, the ROI will be lower because you’re simply maintaining the standards in your neighborhood. But in regions where driveways are rare, your ROI will be higher.
Pro Tip: If you want maximum ROI, fill a local gap. For example, if you’re the only one with a block paving driveway in the neighborhood while everyone else has concrete driveways, your value uplift will be significantly higher. Fill the “neighborhood gap” and stand out.
Want to know your home’s current value before investing in a paved driveway? Use this home value calculator to run the numbers.
Driveway materials compared
Choosing the right driveway surface is crucial for homeowners. So, what type of driveway adds the most value?
The best driveway depends on what you need and how that aligns with your budget and aesthetics. Here are the most common driveway materials and how they compare based on cost, lifespan, curb appeal, maintenance, and ROI:
Asphalt
If you’ve seen a driveway with a blacktop surface, it’s probably made of asphalt. Consisting of a mix of aggregate and asphalt cement, asphalt driveways cost between $7 and $13 per square foot.[2] They typically last between 15 and 30 years and are relatively easy to maintain, requiring sealing every 3–5 years, which is cheaper than a full repave.
Asphalt is stain-resistant and appealing in areas that experience heavy snowfalls due to its dark surface, which helps melt snow. While not the most attractive, asphalt offers a solid ROI.
How much value does an asphalt driveway add? Agents say it could boost the value of your home by 5–10%.[3]
Concrete
Concrete is a popular driveway material because of its aesthetic flexibility and a high lifespan of up to 100 years.
Concrete driveways cost more compared to other materials — anywhere from $8 to $18 per square foot — and are low-maintenance, requiring annual cleaning and resealing every two to three years.[2]
However, concrete can be prone to cracking in freeze-thaw regions, but light color improves heat reflection. Because of this, concrete is ideal for warm weather areas.
Block paver/decorative
Decorative or block paver driveways offer a more upscale curb appeal but come at a premium cost. At $10–$50 per square foot, block paving is easy to maintain and offers a premium finish that can increase the perceived value of your home.[2]
These driveways often last 20–25 years with proper maintenance. And in higher-end neighborhoods, this type of driveway can deliver the highest ROIs.
Gravel
Gravel driveways are the least expensive types of driveways, costing anywhere between $1 and $2 per square foot.[2] While they’re the cheapest and easy to install, gravel driveways have high maintenance compared to other driveway materials.
For this reason, gravel is perfect for longer driveways in rural areas. And since they offer short-term appeal, the ROI is relatively low.
Emerging eco surfaces
Driveway surfaces like resin-bound paving, grass, or permeable pavers are gaining popularity in communities that value sustainability.
The cost of installing such driveways starts from $4 per square foot and offers benefits like improved drainage and potential compliance with regulations like Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS).
Should you pave your driveway?
The big question if you’re getting ready to list your home is: “Should I pave the driveway before selling?”
This decision comes down to these three key factors: neighborhood norms, your parking needs, and crawl space refinancing concerns. Here’s a quick checklist to help you decide whether you should pave your driveway or not:
| Do most neighbors have paved driveways? | Paving helps you compete in the market | A paved driveway can give your home an edge |
| Is off-street parking valued locally? | A driveway can help with curb appeal and convenience | Driveways are less important with ample street parking |
| Are driveways in the area taxable upgrade assets? | Paving might increase your taxes | Paving could boost value without a tax increase |
Should you pave your driveway now or wait? Timing matters.
If you’re planning to sell your house soon, paving right before listing is ideal to boost curb appeal. This will make your home way more attractive to buyers. If you pave too early, it could show wear by the time you find a buyer.
Current market conditions also matter. In a buyer’s market, upgrades like a paved driveway can increase the appeal of your home. But during a seller’s market, a driveway upgrade won’t make much difference.
Another thing to consider is the current condition of your driveway. If it’s significantly worn, you may think repaving will add substantial value, but in most cases, repaving a worn driveway yields less ROI than a first-time one.
Cost considerations & cost-saving tips
How much does it cost to pave a driveway? According to Angi, the cost of paving a driveway is $4,909 on average and ranges from $2,525 to $7,293. Costs vary significantly based on location and material choice.
If you have a tight budget, there are several ways to reduce your out-of-pocket costs without compromising on the quality of your driveway.
Start by getting at least three quotes from licensed contractors. Prices can vary widely, so shopping around can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars.
If you don’t mind doing prep work yourself, that could save you money. For example, removing an old gravel driveway or clearing debris from the installation area can cut down labor costs. Let an expert do complex stuff like base layering and drainage.
If your existing base is still solid, consider resurfacing instead of a full replacement to save on the overall costs. Ask your contractor if this is a viable option for your driveway.
Maintenance and long-term value retention
A paved driveway is only as good as you maintain it. Neglecting maintenance reduces the driveway’s lifespan, curb appeal, and ROI. Here are maintenance guidelines by material:
- Asphalt: Seal every three to five years to prevent water damage and oxidation
- Concrete: Annual cleaning and resealing cracks every two to three years
- Gravel: Regrade annually
- Block pavers: Annual cleaning, weed removal, and occasional re-sanding
- Eco-friendly surfaces: Depending on the material, they may require occasional power washing or re-coating
Conclusion and next steps
Does paving a driveway increase home value? Yes, but it depends on the local norms in your area and the material you choose.
Ready to upgrade your driveway? Here are the next steps you should take:
- Talk to a local agent about neighborhood standards. Professional insights can help you make an informed decision about materials and timing.
- Get cost estimates from at least three licensed contractors and compare quotes.
- Time the paving before listing. If you’re planning to sell soon, pave two to three months before listing.
Paving a driveway isn't necessarily just a "nice-to-have" upgrade. It can be a strategic investment that will enhance your curb appeal and potentially increase the value of your home.