ROI vs. Cost to Build: Is a Garage Worth It in South Africa?

Deen Gabriel
3 days ago
2 min read

In South Africa’s property market, adding a garage isn’t just about protecting your car, it’s a strategic investment. But is the cost of building a garage justified by the value it adds to your home? Let’s break down the numbers and explore whether this upgrade is worth your hard-earned rands.

What Does It Cost to Build a Garage?

Garage construction costs vary based on size, materials, and finishes. As of 2025, here’s what South African homeowners can expect:

Garage Type	Size (m²)	Estimated Cost Range (R)
Single Garage	18–25	R100,000 – R200,000
Double Garage	36–45	R180,000 – R350,000
Attached Garage	Varies	Slightly lower due to shared walls
Detached Garage	Varies	Slightly higher due to standalone structure

Factors influencing cost:

Type of brick and roofing
Foundation and drainage
Electrical and security features
Location (urban vs. rural)

What’s the ROI of a Garage?

Adding a garage can increase your home’s resale value by 5–10%, depending on location and buyer demand. In high-density urban areas like Cape Town or Johannesburg, secure parking is a premium feature.

Example ROI Scenario:

Home value before garage: R2,000,000
Garage cost: R180,000
Estimated value after garage: R2,150,000–R2,200,000
ROI: R150,000–R200,000 (≈ 83–111%)

Beyond resale, garages offer:

Lower insurance premiums (due to secure parking)
Protection from weather damage
Extra storage or workspace
Potential conversion to flatlet or studio

When Is It Worth It?

Building a garage is most cost-effective when:

You live in a high-crime or high-density area
Your home lacks secure parking
You plan to sell within 3–5 years
You want to add a rentable space (e.g. studio flat)

If your property already has ample parking or you’re in a low-demand area, the ROI may be lower, but the lifestyle and security benefits still count.

Final Thought

A garage isn’t just a box for your car, it’s a value-adding asset. With construction costs ranging from R100K to R350K, the key is smart planning and accurate estimating. Use our cost estimator to see how a garage fits into your budget, and your long-term property goals.