Leasing is a popular choice for those who enjoy driving the latest models in a way that works for them. Not only can you take advantage of flexible upfront costs and fixed, affordable monthly payments, but knowing when to lease a car can also save you money.
Whether you’re looking for a personal lease deal or a business lease, we’ll take a closer look at how you can find the best lease deal for more money in your pocket.
UK plate changes
March and September see the launch of new car models each year, and this is when UK registration plates change. These changes have an impact on the lease deals as car dealerships and leasing companies typically want to move older cars on before a new model and reg lands. This makes February and August some of the best times to look for a new lease deal, as dealerships are often more competitive to get rid of older stock and so deals become more affordable.
Choosing a lease car with the latest plates might be important to some, with many drivers enjoying the prestige that comes with a new registration, but by choosing a model from the previous period, you’re more likely to save on a car lease of your choice.
End-of-year deals
Another way of securing a more affordable lease deal on the car of your choice is to wait until the end of the year. Many lease companies have deals on newer models in December as they prepare for new year allocations.
Take advantage of end-of-year targets
Not only will lease dealers be more likely to want to get rid of cars towards the end of the year, but many will also be trying to hit targets in December. As the end of the year rolls around, leasing companies are more likely to push sales, put incentives in place, and be more likely to negotiate deals.
Get a lease deal before Christmas
In December, with Christmas just around the corner, those looking to lease might put it off until the holiday season is over. But it might just work in your favour to look for a lease deal before Christmas – it’s likely easier to negotiate a deal that works for you in the run up to the holidays.
Early-year vs late-year leasing benefits
Wondering how leasing deals may differ from the start of the year, to the later months? We’ve pulled together some of the the pros of each so that you can make the right decision for your needs:
| Start of the year (Jan-Mar) | End of the year (Sept-Dec) |
| Fresh stock allocations | Bigger discounts on stock |
| Access to newer models | Lease dealers looking to get rid of stock |
| Can tie into financial planning for the year ahead | Shorter wait times, in-stock cars ready to go |
Tips for personal vs business leases
Whether you’re looking for a personal lease that allows you to drive the latest models at a more affordable price or a business lease to tackle inner-city driving, knowing the best time of year to lease a car means you can save without having to compromise on your preferences.
How to save on personal car leasing
- Look out for deals around the time of plate changes (February and August) to get the best deals on newer models.
- End-of-year offers are a great way to negotiate a deal that works for you.
- Persist with finding a lease deal before Christmas. Waiting until next year could mean a more expensive deal.
- Make sure you’re clear on how your lease will fit into your finances. Do the maths before you choose your lease to ensure your chosen deal works with your monthly budget to avoid missed payments.
How to save on business car leasing
- Align your business lease with your company’s financial year for tax efficiency.
- If you need a business fleet, it could be beneficial to lease more than one car at the same time, as you’re more likely to benefit from a deal.
- Determine when cash flow is strongest and make sure lease payments align with your company’s budget.
How to time your lease deal to maximise savings
We all want to save money, so how can you time your lease deal in a way that means more money in your pocket? Here are a few factors to consider:
- Seasonal demands: If you’re looking for an SUV in winter or a convertible in summer, you might find they’re more expensive. This is due to demand. Think about what type of car you’re looking for and take into consideration the time of year, as this can have an impact on pricing.
- Plan ahead: As well as demand, think about lead times. This can be anywhere from 3-6 months on new cars—make sure you plan ahead so you don’t miss out.
- Cost vs prestige: Leasing a month before new registration cars are on the market can make a big difference when it comes to savings, and you’ll still be getting the latest model with modern tech and exterior details. You’ll be able to drive the model of your choice for less.
- Quarter ends: March, June, September and December are key, as this is when leasing companies and dealerships tend to push the hardest.
- Pre-registered cars: Watch out for deals on pre-registered cars just before a new reg is released. Look for leases in February and August for the best deals. You’ll also not have the wait time you would with a factory order.
Leasing is a great way of driving newer models in a way that suits your budget, but there are further savings that can be made depending on when you decide to lease. Using the above tips means you can drive away in the car of your dreams at a fraction of the cost that comes with buying outright.
Explore our lease cars today for great deals on the biggest manufacturers.