New flooring, larger bedrooms, or renovated kitchens are typically the first things that come to mind when someone asks what makes a house more valuable. However, there is one aspect that is frequently disregarded, and it is right outside your front door. We’re talking about the value of a parking space and the true impact of having a garage.
Whether you're planning to sell or just want to understand your home's worth, it’s smart to know how much something as simple as a garage can help. If you’re using a free tool like Home Appraised to check your home’s value, this is one detail you’ll want to keep in mind.
Why Parking Matters in Home Appraisals
Even though it might not seem like much, homebuyers know the importance of a parking space, particularly in places with limited street parking or in busy cities. Parking spaces are important for reasons other than convenience. Every day, it saves time, improves security, and shields cars from bad weather.
When evaluating your property, appraisers take parking lots and garages into account. Why? because houses with garages, carports, or driveways tend to fetch higher prices when they are sold. Because of this, that’s why the value of a parking space is often underestimated until it’s missing.
Does a Garage Add Value to a Home?
In short: yes. But how much depend on the type, size, and condition of the garage? A simple detached garage may add less than a modern, attached one with storage or electricity. Still, if you're wondering, "Does a garage increase home value?"—the answer is almost always yes.
Here’s what makes a garage stand out:
- It adds usable square footage
- Offers weather-protected parking
- Can double as storage or workshop space
- Increases resale appeal in colder climates (hello, snowy driveways)
So, does a garage add value to a home? Absolutely. In fact, for many buyers, it’s a deal-breaker.
What If You Don’t Have a Garage?
If your property doesn’t include a garage, all is not lost. You can still add value in other ways. Some tips:
- Improve your driveway or install covered parking
- Convert part of your yard into a paved parking space
- Add a storage shed to compensate for lost storage
- Make your front entrance extra appealing for curb appeal
Even if you can’t build a garage now, highlighting your available parking (especially in crowded neighborhoods) still boosts interest. That's why the importance of a parking space should never be ignored.
How It Affects Your Home Appraisal
At, we help Canadians get a clear picture of what their home is worth. Parking space, garage size, and condition are all part of that formula. Our online system considers:
- Location and local market
- Property upgrades (yes, including garages)
- Recent sales of similar homes
- Curb appeal and functionality
When you request your free online appraisal, our tools and experts help you understand where you stand—and how to raise your home’s value even more.
Final Thoughts
Does a garage increase a home's value? It certainly does. Having a spotless, useful parking space makes a big difference, from simplifying daily life to impressing potential buyers.
Now is a good time to assess the value of your house, whether you plan to sell soon or are just making plans. See how your garage—or lack thereof—stands up in the current market by using Home Appraised, which offers a free online home estimate in minutes.
