Garages have emerged as a major draw for UK homebuyers, according to new research from Zoopla, with demand concentrated in urban areas where space and secure parking are at a premium.

The London Borough of Barking and Dagenham tops the national rankings, where homes with garages now command an average asking price of £500,000 – some £129,000 above the borough’s average property value.

The figures reflect broader search trends, with “garage” ranking as the second most searched keyword on Zoopla in both 2023 and 2024.

MULTI-USE SPACE

The term “double garage” even entered the top five for the first time this year, signalling rising consumer appetite for adaptable, multi-use space.

In the context of hybrid working, constrained on-street parking and growing interest in home gyms and studios, the humble garage is increasingly viewed as a versatile asset rather than a single-purpose utility.

Despite the expansion of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), the capital continues to dominate demand.

LONDON HOTSPOT

Four of the UK’s top ten garage hotspots are London boroughs, reflecting the scarcity of off-street parking and the value of extra storage in high-density areas. Alongside Barking and Dagenham, Bexley also records an average price of £500,000 for homes with garages, although current search interest there is lower.

The data also points to a widening geographic footprint for garage-driven premiums. Leicester and Medway feature among the top ten, underlining demand outside London and the South East.

REGIONAL VARIATIONS

For buyers seeking affordability, several regional markets still offer strong value. Hull offers the lowest average asking price for a home with a garage at £180,000 – just £30,000 above the local average.

Similarly, Blackpool (£185,000) and Stoke-on-Trent (£220,000) provide accessible options for those prioritising secure parking or flexible living space.

In the South West, Plymouth leads for affordability at £301,000, while Gosport tops the South East list with garage-equipped homes averaging £338,000 – £57,000 above the town’s average, but still significantly below London levels.

EVOLVING ASSET CLASS

The findings highlight a growing consumer shift in how garages are perceived – not simply as vehicle storage but as an extension of the home’s functional living space. For mortgage lenders and brokers, this shift presents a nuanced consideration for valuation and buyer motivations, particularly in urban centres where outdoor space is limited.

As preferences evolve, features like garages – especially those that can be converted or reimagined – are likely to play a more central role in both buyer decision-making and lending criteria.

In a market defined by constrained supply and rising buyer expectations, multi-functional assets could command increasing influence over both pricing and competitiveness.

SERIOUS PRIORITY

Daniel Copley, Consumer Expert at Zoopla, said: “Our data paints a clear picture: for many homebuyers, a garage isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a serious priority, consistently ranking as one of the most sought-after features on Zoopla.

“The intense demand we’re seeing in areas like Barking and Dagenham, and Leicester, very much underscores the premium buyers are willing to pay for that secure parking or extra space, particularly in densely populated urban centres where parking is often a headache.”