Is It Cheaper to Lease a Car at the End of the Month or Quarter?

If you’ve ever wondered whether timing your car lease application could save you money, you’re not alone.

Some drivers wait until the end of the month, hoping to catch a last-minute deal. Others target the end of a financial quarter or registration period. But is there any truth to this strategy? And can you actually get a better leasing deal just by picking the right date?

In this guide, we’ll break down when the best time to lease a car in the UK is, and whether it’s worth waiting for the right window.

Do Lease Prices Really Change Throughout the Year?

Unlike buying a car, leasing is based on monthly rentals calculated from depreciation, mileage, and finance rates. But even in leasing, timing can affect the final price.

Why? Because stock levels, manufacturer targets, and seasonal demand fluctuate — all of which influence the pricing you see online.

Are End-of-Month or Quarter Deals Better?

Dealer & Broker Targets

Like traditional car sales, many leasing brokers and dealers work toward monthly and quarterly targets. If they’re behind on volume, they may apply extra discounts or waive fees to close a deal before the period ends.

Manufacturer Campaigns

Car manufacturers often provide quarter-end incentives to hit delivery quotas. These bonuses are sometimes passed down to brokers as subsidised rates — meaning you might see cheaper rentals at the end of Q1, Q2, or Q4.

In-Stock Clearance Pushes

When a dealership or leasing provider has a batch of in-stock vehicles they need to move, they’ll often reduce prices temporarily — especially near the end of a month or during quieter periods.

Seasonal Trends in the UK Leasing Market

Besides calendar timing, the UK’s Car leasing cycle also follows seasonal patterns.

March & September – Plate Change Months

These months see a surge in registrations due to new number plates. Deals may be harder to find due to high demand — or better for outgoing plate stock.

January & Q1 – Quiet, Competitive Start

Early in the year, providers often run aggressive lease campaigns to jumpstart sales after the holidays. This can be a great time to secure a competitive deal.

July–August – Summer Slump Deals

Car leasing slows down during the summer holidays, and stock vehicles may be discounted to avoid stagnation.

Q4 – Year-End Clearance

Manufacturers and dealers push to hit annual targets, and in-stock vehicles from earlier quarters may be discounted.

Should You Wait to Lease?

Risks of Waiting

• A specific vehicle or trim might go out of stock

• Finance rates can increase while you wait

• Factory order lead times could get longer

When to Act

If you see a lease deal that fits your budget and is in stock, don’t delay too long — as some campaigns end quickly or have limited units.

Factory Order vs In-Stock

In-stock cars are more likely to benefit from end-of-month discounts. Factory orders are priced according to manufacturer schedules, and less likely to fluctuate.

Tips to Get the Best Lease Deal at Any Time

• Subscribe to deal alerts or follow providers on social

• Be flexible on colour, trim, or optional extras

• Ask about fast-track or cancelled orders

• Compare personal and business lease rates if eligible

• Work with a reputable broker that passes on manufacturer savings

👉 Browse Our Current Best Lease Deals

Want to Time Your Lease Deal Perfectly?

At All Car Leasing, we stay ahead of seasonal changes, factory promotions, and stock offers to bring you the best lease deals year-round.

✅ Updated monthly offers
✅ End-of-quarter pricing strategies
✅ In-stock vehicles ready for quick delivery

Contact us to time your application perfectly.