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Cost guide

How much does a concrete driveway cost in Sydney?

Exterior renovation work by Aurum Built in Sydney

A driveway is the first thing a visitor — or a buyer — drives over, and one of the most commonly replaced items alongside a bigger renovation. Here are honest 2026 Sydney ranges. Treat them as a sanity check for quotes, not a quote itself.

Cost per square metre (2026 Sydney)

  • Plain grey concrete: $65–$95 / m²
  • Coloured concrete: $80–$115 / m²
  • Exposed aggregate: $100–$150 / m²
  • Stamped / stencilled: $100–$160 / m²

A standard double driveway (roughly 40–60 m²) commonly totals $5,000–$12,000 depending on finish and site.

What moves the price

  • Demolition: removing an old slab typically adds $1,000–$3,000.
  • Slope and access: excavation, levelling and pump hire on steep or tight Sydney blocks.
  • Reinforcement: thicker slabs and mesh for heavier vehicles.
  • The council crossover: the strip between your boundary and the road needs council approval and must be built to their spec — budget for the application and inspection.
  • Drainage: falls, strip drains and stormwater connections done properly now beat pooling water later.

Concrete vs the alternatives

Pavers usually cost more per square metre than plain concrete but compete with decorative finishes; asphalt is cheaper up front but shorter-lived. Concrete's durability and low maintenance are why it remains the Sydney default. As with any trade work: three detailed quotes, scope in writing, and check the contractor's licence — the same vetting rules apply to concreters as to builders. A tired driveway is also one of the cheapest street-appeal fixes going — see our guide to renovation ROI and property value.

Pay for preparation, not just finish. The pretty top layer fails early if the base, falls and drainage underneath were rushed.

Renovating more than the driveway?

We handle the renovation, carpentry and remedial side — and can point you to the right trades for the rest.

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