A new driveway in the UK typically costs about £40 to £150 per square metre depending on the material, and a typical 50 m² two-car drive costs roughly £2,000 to £8,500. Gravel is cheapest, tarmac and concrete sit in the middle, and block paving and resin-bound surfaces cost most.
Groundwork such as digging out and laying a sub-base can add about £30 to £50 per square metre, and a dropped kerb, drainage and permissions are often extra.
Driveway cost estimator
The estimator uses indicative prices from the sources below and does not replace a quote. Whether groundwork is included in the per square metre price varies, so the dig-out extra is a separate tick box. The dropped kerb range is an allowance, because councils set their own charges.
Driveway cost per square metre by material
These are typical supplied and laid prices, and sources vary widely, sometimes by two or three times for the same material.
| Material | Typical cost per m² | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gravel | £40 to £80 | Cheapest and permeable, but needs edging and topping up. |
| Tarmac | £45 to £90 | Smooth, durable and quick to lay. |
| Plain concrete | £50 to £110 | Hard-wearing, plain finish. |
| Pattern-imprinted concrete | £70 to £110 | Looks like brick or stone, can fade and crack. |
| Block paving | £90 to £150 | Attractive and repairable, and typically among the dearer options. |
| Resin-bound | £90 to £140 | Smooth and permeable if laid correctly, often at similar prices to block paving. |
Published guides range from about £30 for gravel to £175 for block paving. For a typical 50 m² two-car drive, one guide gives about £2,000 to £3,000 for gravel, £2,500 to £4,500 for tarmac, £3,000 to £5,000 for plain concrete and £4,000 to £8,500 for block paving or resin. Check quantities with our paving calculator.
Driveway cost by size (block paving)
Block paving is a popular choice, so here is how its cost changes with size, using the typical range above.
| Size of driveway | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| One car (about 15 m²) | £1,350 to £2,250 |
| One car with extra width or a path (about 25 m²) | £2,250 to £3,750 |
| Two cars side by side (about 35 m²) | £3,150 to £5,250 |
| Two cars with room to turn (about 50 m²) | £4,500 to £7,500 |
| Three cars or a large front garden (about 70 m²) | £6,300 to £10,500 |
| Long or sweeping drive (about 100 m²) | £9,000 to £15,000 |
Typical driveway cost per m² at a glance
Typical supplied and laid price by material.
What pushes the cost up or down
- Material: gravel and tarmac cost least, and block paving and resin cost most.
- Groundwork: digging out, a compacted sub-base and removing the old surface all add cost.
- Drainage: rules on front gardens usually require permeable surfaces or drainage, which can add cost.
- Access and size: small or awkward sites cost more per square metre.
- Dropped kerb: a vehicle crossing needs highway authority permission and is usually done by approved contractors.
- Location: London and the South East are higher.
Costs people forget
| Item | Typical allowance |
|---|---|
| Dropped kerb (vehicle crossover) | £1,500 to £4,000, set by the council and varying widely |
| Dig-out and sub-base | £30 to £50 per m² if not included |
| Drainage or soakaway | £500 to £2,000 |
| Edging, steps and retaining walls | Often priced separately |
| Removing the old surface and waste | Skip hire and disposal costs |
| Contingency | 10 to 15 percent |
Planning permission is not needed if a front garden driveway uses a permeable material or drains to a lawn or border, but larger impermeable areas may need permission. Check the driveways planning guide.
Before you ask for quotes
Measure the area, decide where the water will drain and check whether you need a dropped kerb. Ask each firm to state the depth of sub-base and the type of edging.
Quotes that skip groundwork look cheaper but can fail within a few years.
Planning permission, permeability and dropped kerbs
In England, paving over more than 5 square metres of a front garden normally needs planning permission unless the surface is permeable or rainwater drains to a lawn or border within the property. A dropped kerb needs permission from the highway authority (usually the council), and planning permission is also needed if the drive meets a classified road. Listed buildings and conservation areas have extra rules. Our permeable paving glossary page explains the option, and see our driveways planning guide.
Cutting the cost without cutting corners
- Choose gravel or tarmac for a lower price, or a permeable surface to avoid drainage costs.
- Keep the shape simple, as curves and cuts add labour.
- Get at least three itemised quotes that state the sub-base depth and edging.
- Do the groundwork and clearing yourself only if you can compact and level correctly.
- Use our gravel calculator and paving calculator to check quantities.
Sources and further reading
- Checkatrade: driveway cost guide Resurfacing and new driveway costs
- MyBuilder: driveway cost Price guide for common materials
- MyJobQuote: new driveway cost Cost ranges by material
- Planning Portal: paving your front garden Permeable surfaces and the 5 m² rule
External links open in a new tab. Costs combine several published price guides, which differ. Last checked November 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a driveway cost in the UK?
Typically about 40 to 150 pounds per square metre depending on the material, so roughly 2,000 to 8,500 pounds for a 50 square metre drive.
What is the cheapest driveway material?
Gravel, at about 40 to 80 pounds per square metre. Tarmac and plain concrete are the next cheapest.
How much does a block paving driveway cost?
Typically about 90 to 150 pounds per square metre, though some guides go up to 175 pounds.
Do I need planning permission for a driveway?
Not usually if the surface is permeable or drains within the property, but more than 5 square metres of impermeable paving in a front garden may need permission. A dropped kerb needs highway authority approval.
How much does a dropped kerb cost?
The council sets its own fees and the work is usually done by an approved contractor, often costing between 1,500 and 4,000 pounds in total.