New Driveway Cost

How Much Does a New Driveway Cost in the UK?

What should you budget for the cost of a driveway in 2025?

You can expect to pay between £1,000 – £12,000 for a driveway installation. This cost includes materials and labour prices.

The cost of a new driveway installation will vary depending on the type of driveway material you want to use, the size and shape of your driveway, and its current condition.

Below are the installation costs per square metre, based on a 30m² driveway:

Which is the most popular type of driveway installation?

Block paving driveways are a popular choice in the UK, as they're durable, provide good drainage, and look great! However, the cost of block paving driveways is higher than other types of driveways.

What if you're keeping to a strict budget?

Tarmac and gravel are the cheapest and most affordable types of driveway and cost between £1,000 – £7,100 in 2025.

Let's narrow down what driveways cost a bit more in the next section.

If you're looking to get a more accurate price for your new driveway, we can help connect you with local driveway specialists.

New Driveway Prices

So, how much do new driveways cost in 2025?

The table below highlights what the average cost for different types and sizes of driveways in the UK.

These are the total driveway costs, which include materials and labour prices. The price range listed is represenative of a small 30m² driveway up to a 90m² installation.

If you are looking to install a two-car driveway, the minimum size area you would need is 5.5 metres by 5.5 metres, which works out at 30m². This would fit two cars parked side by side.

Depending on material chosen, you would need to budget between £1,050 - £4,200 to complete this job.

Supply Cost of a Driveway

If you would prefer to install your driveway yourself, then you will need to consider the following supply costs for different types of driveways.

Driveway Installation Labour Costs

One of the most important elements you need to consider is how much labour will contribute to the cost of a new driveway.

Workmen installing a driveway tend to base their quote around an estimated cost of £150 – £200 per day. However, this varies depending on your location, the type of driveway and the company you choose, with fees for complex or specialised installations likely to be higher.

Labour costs will also vary depending on whether the tradesperson is self-employed or works for a business, as well as their experience and if you have any special requirements.

It’s also a time when you may need some additional renovation work doing around the same time, which could reduce the overall labour cost if you can get a good quote for it all in one go.

Remember: When choosing between driveway installers, the driveway cost you're quoted isn't the only factor to consider. The quality of their work, how many years of experience they have, and their reputation matter just as much.

Types of Driveways and Cost

Choosing a driveway material can be a hard decision to make.

So, to help you decide, here is a breakdown of the different types of driveway along with their costs.

Gravel Driveway Cost

A gravel driveway is made up of loose aggregate including rocks, stones, clay and sand.

Gravel driveways cost around £1,050 – £7,100. This works out at a cost of between £35 – £80 per m².

Below are costs based on the size of a gravel driveway:

Gravel is one of the most affordable types of materials you can use for a driveway and can remain functional for several decades without the need to be replaced once installed. However, with periodic maintenance and replenishment, gravel driveways will last for years to come.

The main issue with a gravel driveway is that it will need to be maintained regularly, as gravel can be displaced easily so replacement will be required. You may also have to pay for pothole repairs, as gravel driveways tend to soak up a lot of water.

Pros:

• Affordable – it is the cheapest of the available options.
• Can have a long life span of 100 years if correctly maintained.
• It comes in a variety of aggregates and colours to suit everyone.

Cons:

• It must be regularly maintained.
• Gravel is easily displaced so you will have to replace some gravel.
• You may have to pay for pothole repairs.

Tarmac Driveway Cost

A tarmac driveway is made up of tarmacadam which is a mixture of aggregate or crushed stone and tar.

The typical tarmac driveway cost is around £1,350 – £7,300 or £45 - £89 per per m² depending on the size of the driveway. This makes tarmac driveways one of the most affordable driveway options.

Below are costs based on the size of a tarmac driveway:

Tarmac driveways can be installed in just one day. The speedy installation is due to the fact that tarmac driveways can be installed over existing driveways.

A downside of a tarmac driveway is that it does not last as long as other driveway options such as concrete, so it may need replacing after 20 years or so. There are also limited design options, so it may not be the best option if you are looking for a unique driveway design.

Pros:

• Affordable – it is one of the cheapest of the available options.
• It has quick installation times.
• It can be installed over existing driveways.

Cons:

• It does not last as long as other options.
• Limited design options.

Concrete Driveway Cost

A concrete slab driveway is one of the most durable and long-lasting options which has a lifespan of around 50 years or more. Concrete is also extremely robust, so it can handle the weight of heavy vehicles without the worry of damage.

Concrete driveways don't need to be boring. By installing an imprinted concrete driveway you add real character. Pricing to do this will vary depending on the pattern you choose (such as cobblestone, herringbone, or wood plank). The more complicated the pattern, the higher the final cost of the job.

The average concrete driveway cost tends to range from £2,700 – £11,800. This works out at £91 - £132 per m². This might seem expensive, but they do offer great value for money.

Below are costs based on the size of a concrete driveway:

You will also need to consider the maintenance in your overall imprinted concrete driveway cost, as this type of driveway requires annual maintenance, including sealing. Although the amount of maintenance required can vary, depending on the type of finish that's been applied and how it's impacted by the local climate.

Pros:

• Robust and durable.
• Long life span of 25 to over 50 years (with maintenance).
• It can handle extreme weights being parked on it.

Cons:

• It can be expensive.
• It requires annual maintenance.
• Non-imprinted options are not always the most aesthetically pleasing.

Resin Driveway Cost

There are two types of resin driveway: resin-bound and resin-bonded.

Resin-bound driveways are made up of aggregate that's mixed with resin, while resin-bonded involves adding the aggregate on top of the resin on your driveway.

The average resin-bound driveway cost is around £1,230 – £7,800. This equates to between £44 - £82 per m².

Below are costs based on the size of a resin driveway:

The installation of a resin driveway can be a complex procedure, carried out by experienced tradesmen. It is also largely for domestic use, as the likes of HGVs, lorries and delivery trucks carry extra weight that may cause the resin to crack.

If you have any heavy commercial vehicles, you will need to avoid parking on a resin driveway, as it cannot withstand significant amounts of weight.

A resin-bonded driveway also requires a significant amount of maintenance, so you may need to consider that in your overall resin bonded driveway cost.

Pros:

• An affordable option.
• Quick and easy to install.
• It looks aesthetically pleasing.

Cons:

• It cannot withstand heavy commercial vehicles being parked on it.
• It requires a significant amount of maintenance.

Block Paving Driveway Cost

Block paving is a type of driveway made up of decorative bricks. One of the biggest benefits of choosing block paving is that it offers an array of designs which can help your driveway stand out.

The typical block paving driveway cost is around £1,200 – £12,200. Working out at between £41 - £136 per m².

Below are costs based on the size of a block paving driveway:

This puts it at the top-end of the driveway price range, although it may work out worthwhile in the long run, as repairs are generally low cost.

The driveway paving cost can be considerably more expensive if you choose specialist blocks, which many prefer considering budget blocks tend to fade over time. It is also susceptible to weed and moss growth, so it will need to be maintained regularly.

Pros:

• Aesthetically pleasing.
• Any repairs are usually low cost.

Cons:

• It is one of the more expensive options.
• It takes longer to lay than other options.
• It’s susceptible to weed and moss growth and therefore requires regular maintenance.

Dropped Kerb Cost

Another important element you need to consider in your new driveway cost budget is kerb dropping. This involves lowering the kerb to allow a vehicle to park on the driveway in a safe and easy manner.

If your home is located on a main road, then you will have to apply for planning permission with your local council before this can be done.

The average cost of kerb dropping is around £800 – £1,200, although the final cost will depend on how many kerbs need to be dropped along with the depth it needs to be lowered to.

Additional Costs of New Driveways

There are various other costs you need to consider when having a driveway installed as outlined in the below table.

Let's take a further look at what each of these costs involve.

Weed Membrane Cost

To prevent weed growth on your driveway, you will need to have a weed membrane installed. This normally costs around £30 – £50 per roll, and it is definitely worthwhile to prolong the lifespan of your driveway.

Extensive Groundwork Cost

Before installing a new driveway, it is important that the ground is prepared first to ensure that the driveway installation will be long-lasting. This tends to cost around £15 – £20 per square metre, which will involve excavating any soil and levelling out the ground.

Removal of Existing Driveway Cost

One of the biggest jobs involved in driveway installation is the removal of the existing driveway.

Driveway removals cost around £500 – £1,500, although this will vary depending on the material you choose and how big the driveway is. This will involve ripping up the floor material and removing it using a skip hire service, which may cost around £200 – £250.

Soakaway Installation

When installing a driveway, you may also need a soakaway installed to help drain excess water.

Installing a soakaway provides an extra layer of water management. This becomes especially useful during periods of heavy rainfall. Instead of water sitting on the surface or overwhelming your existing drains, a soakaway system helps disperse the excess water deeper into the ground. This reduces the risk of water pooling on the surface.

Reasons You Might Need a Soakaway

Here are 5 reasons when you may need to include a soakaway in your driveway budget:

• Your property has poorly draining soil such as clay.
• Installing a driveway over a non-permeable sub-base such as concrete.
• If your driveway is bigger than 5m².
• To comply with your local SuDS (Sustainable Drainage Systems) guidelines.
• If there are no surface drains near your driveway.
• The average cost to install a new soakaway is between £700 - £1,000.

What Is the Cost of Driveway Maintenance?

To ensure your driveway installation is worthwhile and long-lasting, you need to consider the following driveway maintenance costs.

The table below looks at the maintenance that may be required, depending on the surface type, with costs based on a 30m² driveway. After the table, we then go into what each of these tasks involves and why they're important.

Cost of Tarmac Driveway Maintenance

To prevent your tarmac driveway from damage, you should consider applying a sealant. You can hire a professional to seal your driveway which will cost around £8 – £13 per m².

Cost of Concrete Driveway Maintenance

Concrete driveways are quite low maintenance as they do not need to be resealed as often as other options.

If you do want to reseal your concrete driveway, this is usually the same price as tarmac driveway sealing. You can also consider sealing it yourself by purchasing sealant for around £3 – £6 per litre.

Cost of Block Paving Driveway Maintenance

Block paving can last around 10 years or more, if looked after properly.

One way to do this is by applying sealant to the driveway surface to protect it from oil stains or other types of damage. The average cost of block paving sealant is around £5 – £7 per m².

Cost of Gravel Driveway Maintenance

Gravel driveways are made up of loose rocks or stones which can easily be displaced if the driveway is not looked after.

To maintain it, you should try to clear it regularly with a high-quality rake, which will cost around £40 – £70.

Cost of Resin Driveway Maintenance

Resin driveways already contain a sealant and can, therefore, be more permeable than other driveways.

However, in the winter, you should maintain your resin driveway by applying de-icing salt, which will prevent ice and snow from sticking to the driveway. This normally costs around £0.70 – £1 per kg.

Driveway Repair Cost

After a while, your driveway may have scuffs or small holes on the surface, which may make you want to pay out for a replacement driveway. However, you might just need some small repairs.

Here is a top-level guide for different types of driveways and the cost of repairs, after which we take a look at each one in more detail.

Cost of Tarmac Driveway Repairs

If you have had your tarmac driveway for a long time, it may have dents or scuffs which cannot be repaired.

In this case, you may want to need to consider resurfacing it. This just means installing another layer of tarmac on top of your old driveway. The cost of tarmac resurfacing is usually around £40 per m² depending on location and size of the project

Cost of Concrete Driveway Repairs

Concrete is one of the most durable driveway materials — but after a while, it may be susceptible to cracking.

To fix cracks or holes that are less than ¼ inch wide, you can fill the cracks yourself with a concrete crack filler which costs around £8 – £16.

Cost of Block Paving Driveway Repairs

If you notice that any of the bricks in your block paving are loose, then this may be caused by failed or empty joints that need to be re-pointed.

This will involve removing the old mortar with a knife if there is any there, followed by cleaning the area and replacing it with new mortar. This can be done on a DIY basis; all you need is a sharp tool and some paving mortar, which costs around £20 – £30 per tub.

Cost of Gravel Driveway Repairs

Over time, potholes can start to form in gravel driveways which are not only unsightly but also inconvenient and can cause damage to car tyres.

To repair potholes on a gravel driveway, you should first remove any debris from the area to ensure it's level before filling in the hole with new gravel which will need to be compressed.

This can be quite a labour-intensive job, so it's recommended to hire a professional, who will likely charge around £150 – £200 per day. Although it's unlikely to take the whole day to complete.

Cost of Resin Driveway Repairs

If you have any small areas of damage on your resin driveway, then this can be chiselled out and repaired.

While this is only a small job, it can be quite complicated, as it is important the same resin is used. The edges of the damaged area need to be feathered to ensure a smooth finish, too.

To hire a professional for this job, you should expect to pay around £150 for a resin driveway repair.

How Long Does It Take to Install a Driveway?

The overall cost of installing a driveway will depend on the time spent on the job, which is usually determined by the size of the driveway and the material used.

A small (30m²) driveway is usually completed in less than 3 days, with the exception of resin that can take slightly longer. The timesframe for medium to large driveways can differ from one material to the next, due to the type of work involved.

To help you understand the time frame, take a look at the below table which sets out the durations of different driveway installations.

Planning Permission and Building Regulations

Planning Permission for a New Driveway

In most cases, you won’t need planning permission to replace an existing driveway. However, if you’re installing a new driveway, especially one that requires a dropped kerb or requires access to the road, you’ll need to apply through your Local Planning Authority (LPA).

If your property is a listed building or located in a conservation area, then additional restrictions apply — in which case it is best to contact your local council for advise.

Building Regulations for a New Driveway

New driveway installations don’t usually require building regulations approval. Unless additional work is being carried out such as amends to your drainage systems or if it has a direct impact on the public footpath or adjoining road, you should consult your local building control department.

For listed buildings, you may be required to provide details on if/how the driveway will affect the look of the property before you proceed.

What Does It Cost To Get a Driveway Removed?

If you want to replace your driveway, then the existing driveway will need to be removed.

Driveway removal costs are normally priced at between £400 – £700 for a tarmac driveway and about £150 – £450 for a resin driveway.

The cost of driveway removal for other materials like gravel tends to be priced at around £150 – £250, while removing a concrete driveway will range from about £500 – £1,500 and removing block paving could cost between £300 and £600.

It's worth noting the high-end cost of removal will relate to larger driveways or those made with reinforced concrete.

FAQs

Q: What is the cheapest driveway surface?

A: The cheapest driveway surfaces include tarmac and gravel with starting prices from £1,050. However, out of the two, gravel is the most affordable, as a large 90m² driveway only costs up to £7,100, while a tarmac driveway exceeds this with £7,300 for the same size driveway.

Q: How much value does a driveway add to a house?

A: Installing a driveway can add between 5% - 10% onto the value of a property. It adds value due to it adding an extra parking space, making your home look more attractive and improving security, as your car is safer parked on private land. It can also lower your car insurance cost as you could get a discount for off-street parking.

Q: How deep do you have to dig for a driveway?

A: For a typical domestic driveway, you should expect professional driveway installers to dig a depth between 200 to 250mm below the paving level.

Q: How often do you need to clean your driveway?

A: The amount of driveway maintenance required will depend on the type of driveway you have. However, you should try to clean your driveway as often as possible to remove leaves, dirt and general debris, as this will help prevent staining and other potential damage.

Q: When should a driveway be sealed?

A: You should avoid sealing your driveway until at least 6 – 12 months after it has been installed. After which, you can start to think abour resealing every 2–5 years for ongoing protection (depending on the material).

Sources

1. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/7728/pavingfrontgardens.pdf
2. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/paving-your-front-garden/planning-permission
3. https://londonlovesproperty.com/how-to-maintain-a-tarmac-driveway/
4. https://limitlesspavingandconcrete.com/asphalt-vs-concrete-guide/
5. https://jetwashseal.co.uk/dont-damage-your-tarmac-when-cleaning-your-driveway/
6. https://www.resininstall.co.uk/resin-driveways/how-to-clean-a-resin-bound-surface.html
7. https://www.southwayconstruction.co.uk/tarmac-v-block-paving-driveway-which-is-best/
8. https://www.pavingexpert.com/tarmac02

Author: Heather B

I am a seasoned copywriter from Liverpool - who after graduating with a BA (Hons) degree in English Media and Cultural Studies - went on to specialise in the creation of business and lifestyle copy for a wide range of industries across the UK and USA.