The UK used light commercial vehicle (LCV) market recorded a strong performance in August, with average used van values increasing by 5.3% as buyer activity and sales volumes also improved.
According to the latest data from BCA, the average value of a used LCV increased by £424 during August to £8,358, marking one of the stronger monthly performances of the year.
The improvement comes as demand for used commercial vehicles continues to strengthen, with buyer numbers increasing and vehicles performing better against price guide expectations.
For businesses, the latest figures provide further evidence that the used van market is beginning to settle after a period of weaker demand and changing vehicle values.
Used LCV Values Increase By £424 In August
BCA reported a 5.3% month-on-month increase in the average value of used LCVs during August.
The average vehicle sold for £8,358, representing an increase of £424 compared with July.
The latest figures also show that used LCV values are performing better than they were at the same point last year.
| Used LCV Market Measure | August 2026 Performance |
|---|---|
| Average used LCV value | £8,358 |
| Monthly increase | £424 / 5.3% |
| Year-on-year increase | £466 / 5.9% |
| 2026 average to date | £8,294 |
| 2025 average at same point | £7,974 |
| Year-to-date improvement | £320 / 4% |
| Used LCV sales volume vs August 2025 | +4.2% |
The year-on-year figures are particularly encouraging, with average used LCV values £466 higher than in August 2025, representing a 5.9% increase.
Across 2026 so far, BCA says used LCVs have achieved an average selling price of £8,294, compared with £7,974 during the equivalent period last year. The August increase is particularly notable because it came despite the seasonal pressures that can affect used vehicle markets during this period. The stronger performance suggests demand for used LCVs is proving more resilient, with buyer activity helping to support values as the market moves towards autumn.
That represents an improvement of £320, or 4%.
Buyer Demand Also Strengthens
The increase in average values was accompanied by a noticeable improvement in buyer activity.
BCA recorded its highest number of used LCV buyers since April, with more than 7,700 unique buyers purchasing LCVs through its sales during 2026.
Vehicles also performed better against their price guide expectations.
Performance against guide prices increased by 1.9 percentage points to 103.4%, its highest level since March.
This suggests that buyers are becoming increasingly willing to compete for the right vehicles, particularly where the condition, specification and pricing are attractive.
Why Is The Used Van Market Improving?
There are several factors that could be contributing to the stronger performance.
The used LCV market has experienced a period of adjustment, with supply, pricing and buyer confidence all influencing the value of commercial vehicles.
However, August’s figures suggest that the market may now be moving towards a healthier balance between supply and demand. BCA described the wider LCV market as becoming better balanced, with stronger buyer activity and increased competition helping to support used van values.
BCA also reported stronger interest in older stock, following adjustments to price guides to better reflect current market conditions. This suggests affordability remains an important consideration for buyers, particularly where older vehicles are priced realistically against current market conditions.
This highlights an important point for anyone buying or selling a used van: accurate pricing remains crucial.
When vehicles are priced in line with current market demand, they are more likely to attract buyers and achieve a successful sale.
Used Van Sales Volumes Also Increase
It isn’t just vehicle values that have improved.
BCA reported that used LCV sales volumes increased by 4.2% compared with August 2025.
The combination of higher values and increased sales activity provides a positive indication for the wider commercial vehicle market.
While the used van sector continues to face challenges, the latest figures suggest there is stronger competition for well-presented vehicles.
This could be particularly important for businesses that are considering replacing an existing van or reviewing their wider commercial vehicle requirements.
Condition And Specification Remain Important
Despite the positive August figures, the used LCV market isn’t without challenges.
BCA says buyers remain cautious when it comes to vehicles in poorer cosmetic or mechanical condition, while oversupply of certain models continues to place pressure on values.
The strongest competition is being seen for well-presented vehicles, meaning the wider improvement in used van values does not necessarily apply equally across every vehicle. Condition, specification and asking price can all influence how quickly a van sells and the value it ultimately achieves.
Vehicles that are well maintained, correctly specified and competitively priced are more likely to attract strong buyer interest.
For businesses, this reinforces the importance of considering the total cost of running a commercial vehicle rather than simply focusing on its purchase price.
Businesses looking at the cost of maintaining an existing van may also benefit from understanding the difference between vehicle maintenance and manufacturer warranty cover.
What Does This Mean For Businesses?
The improving used LCV market could provide some welcome confidence for UK businesses that rely on commercial vehicles.
For a company looking to sell an existing van, stronger used values could potentially improve the financial position when replacing a vehicle.
However, businesses also need to consider whether buying a used van is the right option in the first place.
A newer vehicle can provide access to the latest safety technology, improved fuel efficiency, lower emissions and manufacturer warranty support.
For many businesses, business van leasing can also provide a way of accessing a new commercial vehicle without having to purchase the vehicle outright.
Leasing Can Remove Residual Value Concerns
One of the advantages of leasing is that the business does not normally have to take responsibility for the vehicle’s eventual resale value.
Instead, the lease is structured around an agreed contract period, mileage and rental.
This can make budgeting more straightforward and means businesses can regularly replace their vehicles rather than holding onto them for longer periods.
Businesses considering their options can also read our guide to van leasing explained, which covers how leasing works and the factors that should be considered before entering an agreement.
For businesses with larger requirements, fleet van leasing can provide a more structured approach to managing multiple commercial vehicles.
Electric Vans Are Also Showing Stronger Used Values
The improvement in the wider LCV market comes alongside stronger performance from some areas of the used electric vehicle market.
Recent data has shown that values for three-year-old battery electric vehicles have increased significantly over recent months, suggesting that the rapid depreciation seen across parts of the used EV market may be beginning to moderate.
We’ve covered this separately in our article Used EV Values Rise 7.5% As Demand Strengthens, which looks specifically at the changing residual-value picture for electric vehicles.
The two trends are worth considering together, although they cover different areas of the market.
The latest BCA figures relate specifically to the wider used LCV market, while the CVC article looks at electric vehicle residual values.
Businesses considering an electric van can also read our guide to electric van leasing and the considerations involved in making the switch.
What Could Happen To Used Van Values This Autumn?
The latest figures provide an encouraging start to September, with BCA reporting that demand remained strong during the early part of the month. Competition has also continued to intensify, providing another indication that the improvement seen during August has carried into the early stages of September.
If buyer competition continues to increase and sales volumes remain healthy, the used LCV market could strengthen further as the UK moves into autumn.
However, the market is unlikely to move uniformly across every van, manufacturer or age category.
Supply levels, vehicle condition, specification and pricing will continue to influence individual values.
For businesses, this makes it important to look at the wider market when deciding whether to replace, sell or lease a commercial vehicle.
This is where fleet lifecycle management can play an important role, helping businesses consider when vehicles should be replaced and how changes in running costs, vehicle values and operational requirements could affect fleet decisions.
Choosing The Right Van For Your Business
The right commercial vehicle will depend heavily on the type of work being carried out.
A tradesperson, courier, construction company or facilities management business may all have very different requirements when it comes to payload, load space, vehicle size and specialist equipment.
CVC’s Best Vans For Tradespeople guide provides further information on choosing commercial vehicles for different industries.
There are also dedicated guides for individual sectors, including the best vans for builders, the best vans for electricians and the best vans for plumbers.
For businesses requiring a more specialised vehicle, CVC also offers a range of commercial vehicle conversions, including tippers, dropsides, flatbeds, Luton vans, box vans and other bespoke solutions.
A More Balanced Used Van Market Could Benefit Businesses
The latest BCA figures provide some welcome positivity for the UK commercial vehicle market.
Average used LCV values increased by 5.3% in August, year-on-year values were up by 5.9%, and sales volumes increased by 4.2%.
At the same time, buyer numbers and competition have strengthened, suggesting that confidence in the used van market could be returning.
For businesses, stronger used values could provide greater flexibility when replacing existing vehicles, while the availability of competitive new van leasing deals gives operators another route to upgrading their commercial vehicle fleets.
Whether a business is replacing a single van or reviewing a larger fleet, understanding the different vehicle finance options available to businesses can help operators choose an approach that suits their circumstances.
At Commercial Vehicle Contracts, businesses can also compare different approaches to funding their next vehicle, including Business Contract Hire, Finance Lease and Hire Purchase.
As the market continues to evolve, keeping an eye on used vehicle values, running costs and the latest leasing options can help businesses make more informed decisions about their next commercial vehicle.
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