Are Automated Driveway Gates Worth the Investment?
A 2026 Guide for Homeowners in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and New England
If you’re a homeowner, the question isn’t just, “Do I want an automated driveway gate?” It’s “Will it be worth the price?” You may be wondering if a gate will add value to your property, improve security, and make life easier for you and your family.
Spoiler alert: The answer is yes.
For the right home, automated driveway gates are one of those rare upgrades that truly improve how you live and strengthen your property as an asset. This means they can deliver a real return on investment.
This 2026 guide walks you through the financial return, security benefits, insurance considerations, long-term costs, and when driveway entry gates make the most sense, especially in the Northeast, where weather and property layouts matter. It’s everything you need to be informed before you add a driveway entry gate to your property.
Why Automated Driveway Gates Can Deliver Real ROI
#1 Buyer perception is far better.
In real estate, perception matters, especially in certain neighborhoods. A well-designed gate immediately signals privacy, control, and thoughtful property planning. That’s particularly true for estates, long driveways, or homes on busy roads.
While the exact premium varies, many real estate professionals consider gated entry a premium feature for buyers. In certain situations, industry sources cite property value can increase up to around 5% when a gate improves privacy and access control.
Most often, you’ll see property values increase:
- On long, visible driveways in Westchester and Fairfield Counties.
- At vacation or second homes where owners aren’t always on-site (think Vermont, Berkshire County, or coastal Connecticut).
- In high-end neighborhoods where privacy is part of the lifestyle expectation.
Quick homeowner tip: You get the best ROI when your gate looks like it belongs. An automated driveway gate should match your home’s exterior architecture, including materials and proportions. It should also operate smoothly, quietly, and be very reliable.
#2 Safety and security is greater.
Unfortunately, homes without security gates are more likely to experience intruders, burglars, and persistent solicitors. After all, physical barriers are deterrents.
According to one research summary from the Crime & Justice Research Alliance, homes in non-gated communities were burglarized significantly (up to 33%) more than homes in gated communities. Now, that doesn’t mean a gate is a standalone security system. It just means it’s a powerful first layer, especially when paired with:
- Camera coverage at the entry.
- Smart access controls, such as codes, remote credentials, visitor logs.
- Lighting and clear signage.
- A fence line or landscape design that discourages intruders.
#3 Privacy is greatly enhanced.
In markets where privacy is a buying driver, properties with driveway entry gates often feel more finished and secure. Many driveway gates paired with privacy fences prevent walkers and drivers from seeing any activity in a home.
This level of privacy can translate into stronger buyer confidence and, in some cases, faster decision-making, particularly for buyers relocating from urban areas or buying a second home.
Another Consideration for ROI: Insurance Discounts
Some home insurance companies offer discounts on premiums for a home’s security features, and that can include an automated driveway gate with an access-controlled system. Home insurance companies often view this type of security as lower risk for a burglary claim.
That said, it depends on your insurer, your home’s location, and history of claims. It’s always worth asking if there are discounts available for adding an automated gate or other security features.
Regardless, whether you receive a discount or not, an automated driveway gate strengthens your overall risk profile by reducing exposure to theft, vandalism, and liability events at the entry. And, to us, that makes it a worthwhile investment.
When an Automate Driveway Gate Investment Makes the Most Sense
As you plan your 2026 home projects, you’ll want to pick the ones with the strongest ROI. At Tri State Gate, we believe an automated driveway gate adds significant value to most homes. This is especially true if:
- Your driveway is long and the property feels more like an “estate.”
- Your home is relatively close to a busy road and is exposed to onlookers.
- You place a high priority on privacy, whether you prefer estate-style living or own a second home that is often empty).
- You receive frequent deliveries or visitors, and want controlled access.
- Your property includes children and pets, and safety matters.
- You want to reduce trespassers, solicitors, or drivers turning around.
In other words: if your home is an asset you’re actively protecting, not just occupying, driveway entry gates often make practical sense – and are worth the cost.
Our Perspective: What “Worth It” Really Looks Like
You can crunch numbers and reassess your property value after an installation. But at the end of the day, adding an automated driveway gate is valuable – no matter what – because it makes your life easier. It’s hard to put a number to that type of value.
With access controls, you can monitor who enters an exits your property, making it safer, more secure, and more convenient for anticipated visitors. It also adds beauty and style to your home’s architecture. Chances are, after you install an automated driveway gate, it will increase your home’s property value and deliver a significant ROI. But it will also add enjoyment to your daily living – and that’s invaluable to most homeowners.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do automated driveway gates increase home value?
It depends on your property and market, but industry sources commonly cite significant increases (up to around 5%) when a gate meaningfully improves a home’s privacy, security, and curb appeal.
Do automated gates require special homeowner’s insurance?
Usually no. Most often, your existing policy can often cover it, but insurers may treat a gate as a security feature or property improvement, and ask for documentation. Discounts can exist for security systems and, in some cases, gated access setups, depending on your carrier.
