How Many People Use Their Garage for a Car

Garages were originally built to store cars yet most UK households now use them for storage, workshops or converted living space. This detailed guide explains how many people actually park a car in their garage and why usage has changed.

Introduction

Garages have been part of British homes for decades but their purpose has evolved significantly over time. Although garages were originally designed to house cars, many UK homeowners now use them in completely different ways. The shift in how garages are used raises interesting questions about modern home design, changing lifestyles, vehicle sizes and the value people place on accessible space.

This article explores how many people still use their garage for a car, why garage use has changed, how garage sizes compare with modern vehicles, real world patterns across the UK, property market trends and what garages are used for today. It also explains how homeowners can reclaim garage space, whether it makes financial sense to park indoors and how this trend affects resale value and future home planning. By the end you will have a clear understanding of how modern garages are used and why so few households now keep a car inside them.

What It Means to Use a Garage for a Car

Using a garage for a car refers to parking a vehicle inside an enclosed garage rather than on a driveway or the street. The garage protects the vehicle from weather, theft and vandalism. In the past the garage was considered essential for car owners.

Modern homes often include garages but the function has changed. Many garages are now too small for modern vehicles which makes indoor parking impractical. Others have been repurposed because homeowners prefer accessible storage or living space. Understanding this shift helps explain why fewer people use their garage for a car.

How Common Car Parking in Garages Used to Be

In the mid twentieth century cars were smaller, garages were built to match those sizes and parking indoors was typical. A single garage built in the 1970s often measured between 2.4 metres and 2.7 metres wide. This was adequate for vehicles of the time. Many homes built during these decades advertised garages as desirable features for exactly this reason.

As homes grew in density and vehicles became larger, the practicality of parking inside diminished. By the late 1990s a clear shift was already underway. Many households began using garages for storage as consumer goods increased. Today storing vehicles inside the garage has become relatively uncommon compared to historical levels.

How Many People Use Their Garage for a Car Today

Although the exact figure varies by region and household type, numerous surveys, property studies and industry assessments indicate that a minority of UK households use their garage for cars.

Across multiple building and property reports, estimates frequently suggest that only between 20 percent and 30 percent of UK homeowners regularly park their car inside their garage. In many new housing developments the figure drops closer to 10 percent. Integral garages in newer estates are often narrower than older designs which reduces practical use for vehicles.

Detached properties with larger garages see higher usage although even there a considerable number use the space for storage or conversion rather than car parking.

The majority of UK homeowners therefore do not use their garage for the purpose it was originally intended.

Why So Few People Park Their Car in the Garage

Garage Size and Modern Car Dimensions

One of the biggest reasons is that cars have become wider, longer and taller. Many standard UK garages simply cannot accommodate modern family vehicles comfortably. An average garage built in the eighties may be only 2.4 metres wide which leaves very little room to open doors safely.

Growth in Household Storage Needs

Homes are filled with seasonal items, tools, sports equipment, DIY materials and goods bought online. The garage has become the easiest place to store them. The convenience of accessible storage often outweighs the value of indoor parking.

Driveway Parking Is More Convenient

Parking on a driveway is quicker and avoids the inconvenience of manoeuvring into a tight space. For many families with multiple cars the garage becomes impractical as day to day parking.

Rise of Garage Conversions

Thousands of UK garages have been converted into home offices, playrooms, utility rooms, gyms or bedrooms. Once converted the space can no longer serve as a parking area.

Modern Security Improvements

Car security has improved with alarms, immobilisers and smart trackers. As a result fewer owners feel the need to park inside for security reasons.

Electric Vehicle Charging Patterns

Some EV owners park on driveways to access outdoor charging points. Unless they install a charger inside the garage, driveway parking is more practical.

Real World UK Scenarios

A family in a suburban semi detached home may own two cars but only have one narrow garage. They park both cars on the drive because the garage is filled with bikes, camping gear and household items.

A homeowner with a new build property may find the garage too small for a modern SUV. Although marketed as a garage it functions more as storage.

A retired couple in a detached property with a larger double garage may continue to park one or both cars indoors because the garage is spacious and provides easy access.

A self employed tradesperson may use the garage as a workshop for tools and equipment. Parking the van indoors becomes unnecessary and impractical.

A growing family may convert the garage into a playroom or utility room, removing its parking function entirely.

How Garage Sizes Compare with Modern Cars

Many garages built before 2000 were designed around vehicle dimensions that are no longer common. Today’s cars are often wider due to safety features and larger internal space. Parking a modern car in an older garage may leave only a few centimetres on either side which makes everyday use inconvenient.

Typical internal garage widths in older homes are around 2.4 to 2.6 metres. Many modern family cars exceed 1.8 metres in width. When door clearance is added, garages become too tight.

This mismatch contributes heavily to the decline in indoor parking.

What UK Garages Are Used for Today

Since most homeowners no longer park indoors, garages have taken on new roles:

Storage

Seasonal decorations, sports equipment, gardening tools, bikes and household items commonly fill garage spaces.

Workshops

DIY enthusiasts and tradespeople use garages as small workshops for woodworking, repairs or hobbies.

Home Gyms

Fitness equipment is often placed in garages because they provide space and ventilation.

Utility Rooms

Some homeowners move washing machines, dryers or freezers into the garage to free kitchen space.

Living Space Conversions

Garages are frequently converted into home offices, extra bedrooms, playrooms or studio spaces.

Hobby Rooms

Model building, crafting or music practice often take place in garages.

The garage has become one of the most flexible spaces in the home which explains its shift away from being a car storage area.

Does Using a Garage for a Car Add Value

Whether using a garage for a car adds value depends on the buyer and the property type.

Where It Adds Value

• Older buyers or classic car owners often prefer indoor parking
• High value detached homes may expect functional garages
• Urban areas with limited parking sometimes benefit from secure indoor parking

Where It Adds Less Value

• New build estate buyers often view garages as overspill storage
• Families often prefer converted space rather than indoor parking
• If the garage is too small for modern cars then its value as a parking space is reduced

Using a garage for a car does not harm value but converting it to functional living space can often increase it significantly.

Benefits of Parking a Car in the Garage

Although relatively few people do it, parking indoors does offer advantages:

Protection from Weather

Car paintwork suffers less damage from UV exposure, frost or bird droppings.

Improved Security

Garages reduce risk of theft or vandalism.

Better Starting Conditions

Engines start more easily in warm environments. EV battery performance can also benefit from reduced temperature swings.

Cleaner Appearance

Garages reduce dust and grime on the vehicle.

Insurance

Some policies offer reduced premiums if a vehicle is kept in a locked garage although the savings vary.

Downsides of Parking Indoors

Despite the benefits there are reasons many people choose not to park inside:

Inconvenience

Repeatedly opening and closing doors takes longer than parking on a driveway.

Limited Space

Small garages make it hard to exit the vehicle.

Storage Trade Off

Using the garage for a car means sacrificing storage or workspace.

Moisture Buildup

Bringing a wet vehicle inside can increase humidity which may cause rust or damp issues unless the garage is ventilated.

Tips for Making a Garage Suitable for Car Parking

If you want to reclaim your garage for parking, simple improvements can help.

Declutter and Organise

Install wall mounted shelving and ceiling storage racks to free floor space.

Measure Your Car

Check whether your vehicle will fit comfortably with room to exit.

Improve Ventilation

Use vents or a small dehumidifier to prevent moisture buildup.

Upgrade the Door

If your door is old or hard to lift consider a modern automated door for quicker access.

Add Lighting

Bright lighting makes parking easier and safer.

Improve Flooring

Epoxy coatings or rubber mats create a clean durable surface.

Could Garages Become Car Spaces Again in the Future

Changes in home design may influence future usage patterns:

Electric Vehicle Charging

If more homeowners install internal charging stations some may return to parking indoors.

Modern Larger Garages

Some new build developers are designing larger garages in response to consumer feedback.

Rising Vehicle Crime

If theft increases some homeowners may reconsider indoor parking.

Changing Lifestyles

If storage demand is met through garden buildings or loft conversions garages may again be used for their original purpose.

Time will tell whether parking trends shift.

Conclusion

Although garages were originally intended for cars only a minority of UK homeowners still use them for indoor parking. Most households treat the garage as valuable storage or flexible living space that supports modern lifestyles. Storage needs, larger vehicles and the rise of conversions all play a major role in this change.

Understanding how many people use their garage for a car helps homeowners make informed choices about space planning, conversions, storage solutions and property improvements. Whether you park indoors or repurpose the space your garage remains one of the most adaptable parts of your home.