If you've got a driveway, side yard or spare patch of land that sits empty most of the time, you're sitting on something a lot of Australians are short of: off-street parking.
Across the country, people are quietly earning extra income by renting out driveways for vehicle storage. Not as a business. Just as a practical way to cover bills, rates or rego.
This guide explains how renting out your driveway in Australia actually works, what you can earn, and what to think about before you say yes to anyone parking on your property.
What does "renting out your driveway" usually mean?
In practice, this isn't about short-stay parking for commuters.
Most driveway rentals are for long-term storage of:
- Caravans
- Boats on trailers
- Camper trailers
- Extra cars or utes
- Occasionally small trucks or equipment
The vehicles are usually parked and left. No daily coming and going. That's why neighbours and councils are generally less concerned.
How much can you earn renting out a driveway in Australia?
Prices vary by location, access and demand, but these are realistic ranges in 2026.
| Vehicle type | Monthly earnings | Annual earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Cars | $50–$120 | $600–$1,440 |
| Caravans or camper trailers | $80–$200 | $960–$2,400 |
| Boats on trailers | $70–$180 | $840–$2,160 |
| Larger vehicles or equipment | $150–$300 | $1,800–$3,600 |
Inner and middle-ring suburbs earn more than regional areas, but even outer suburbs do well if councils are strict on street parking.
One driveway spot might not sound like much, but $150/month is $1,800 a year for space you weren't using.
What makes one driveway earn more than another
Not all driveways are equal.
The big value drivers are:
- Location — Suburbs with parking restrictions or density issues
- Access — Easy entry without tight turns
- Space — Ability to fit a caravan or wide trailer
- Security — Fencing, gates or cameras help
- Surface — Concrete or hardstand beats grass
You don't need all of these. Even a simple side yard can work if it solves someone's problem.
Who usually rents driveway storage?
The most common renters are:
- Caravan owners who've been warned or fined by council
- Boat owners who can't keep trailers on the street
- Apartment dwellers with extra vehicles
- People between trips who need seasonal storage
Most are locals who want something close to home, not a commercial storage yard 40 minutes away.
Got unused space?
Turn your empty driveway, garage, or yard into a steady income stream. Listing is free and takes about five minutes.
Is it actually "passive" income?
Mostly, yes. But not completely.
Once the vehicle is parked, there's usually very little day-to-day involvement. No customers dropping in. No noise. No ongoing work.
The small bits of effort are:
- Showing the space initially
- Agreeing on access rules
- Being available if the owner needs the vehicle
If you want zero interaction, this probably isn't for you. If you're happy with occasional messages, it's very low effort.
Things to check before renting out your driveway
This part matters.
Council rules
Rules vary by council. In most cases, parking vehicles on your own property is allowed, but limits can apply to:
- Commercial activity
- Number of vehicles
- Heavy or oversized vehicles
If you're unsure, search your council name plus "parking on private property".
Insurance
Check your home insurance policy. Some insurers want to know if you're earning income from the property.
Often it's fine, but it's better to ask than assume.
Neighbour impact
Even if it's legal, think about sightlines, noise and access. A quiet, low-traffic arrangement keeps everyone happy.
What renters usually expect from you
Most people renting driveway storage are reasonable.
They generally want:
- Clear access rules
- Honest photos of the space
- Agreement on how often they can access the vehicle
- Confidence the vehicle won't be blocked in
You don't need to provide power, lighting or services unless you want to charge more.
How people usually find renters
Traditionally, this happened through:
- Word of mouth
- Local Facebook groups
- Gumtree listings
That still works, but it's hit and miss, and you end up fielding a lot of messages.
StorageFinder makes this simpler. You list your space once with photos and details, and renters in your area can find and contact you directly. No back-and-forth on marketplace threads. For a step-by-step walkthrough, see our how to list your space guide.
Common mistakes first-timers make
A few things to avoid:
- Underpricing the space — Check what others in your area charge before setting a rate
- Being vague about access — Set clear expectations upfront
- Not setting boundaries early — Treat it like a simple agreement, not a favour
- Ignoring council or insurance questions — A quick check now avoids problems later
Is renting out your driveway worth it?
For a lot of households, yes.
It won't replace a salary, but it can:
- Offset rising living costs
- Turn unused space into steady income
- Help someone nearby solve a real problem
And unlike many side hustles, there's no inventory, no marketing grind, and no late nights.
Curious how peer-to-peer storage stacks up against commercial facilities? Our P2P vs self-storage comparison breaks it down.
Where to from here
If you've got spare space and you're comfortable having a vehicle stored there, renting out your driveway in Australia is one of the simplest ways to earn extra income from what you already own.
Ready to see what your space is worth? List your space on StorageFinder — it takes a few minutes and there's no cost to list.
Got unused space?
Turn your empty driveway, garage, or yard into a steady income stream. Listing is free and takes about five minutes.