Short Answer
A shared driveway is an easement that gives you and your neighbor the right to use the same driveway. You must disclose the shared driveway to buyers, including any maintenance agreements or cost-sharing arrangements. Shared driveways can be a concern for buyers due to potential disputes over maintenance, snow removal, and parking. Having a written maintenance agreement can help alleviate buyer concerns and make the sale smoother.
Shared driveways are common in older neighborhoods and attached townhome communities. The legal arrangement is typically an easement that grants each property the right to use the driveway. When selling a home with a shared driveway, you must disclose the easement and any agreements regarding maintenance and repairs. Buyers often have concerns about shared driveways. They worry about conflicts over snow removal, landscaping, parking, and the cost of repaving. If you have a written maintenance agreement with your neighbor that clearly outlines each party's responsibilities, it can be a strong selling point. If no written agreement exists, consider creating one with your neighbor before listing. The agreement should cover who is responsible for snow removal, landscaping, and repairs, and how costs are shared. A shared driveway can also affect financing. Some lenders have specific requirements for properties with shared access, so check with your lender early in the process.
Bob's Advice
Redfin Senior Agent · AI Certified Agent
Shared driveways are very common in certain South Jersey neighborhoods, and they are not a dealbreaker for most buyers. But they do require clear communication. If you have a good relationship with your neighbor and a clear understanding of who does what, that goes a long way. If you have ever had a disagreement about snow removal or parking, a buyer will want to know about it. Let me help you think through how to present the shared driveway in the best light and whether a written agreement would help your sale.
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