You've finally found the perfect lease deal — but when you enquire, you're told the vehicle isn’t available right away. In some cases, it might be a matter of weeks or even months before it arrives.
So, why the delay, and what can you do about it?
In this guide, we’ll explain the most common causes of lease delivery delays in the UK, how the “in-stock” label actually works, and how you can get on the road faster by choosing the right leasing option.
Why Can't I Get the Car I Want Immediately?
If you’re trying to lease a specific make, model, or trim, it might not be available for immediate delivery. Here’s why:
Stock Allocation and Factory Orders Explained
Many lease deals are based on factory-ordered vehicles — meaning the car hasn’t been built yet. In these cases, the order goes directly to the manufacturer and enters their production schedule.
High Demand and Limited Supply
Certain cars, especially hybrids, EVs, and popular SUVs, may face extended wait times simply due to high demand. Popular trims or colours may be sold out or reserved for large fleet customers.
Chip Shortages & Shipping Delays
Since 2021, global supply chain issues — including semiconductor shortages — have impacted car production timelines across nearly every brand. This bottleneck can lead to delivery delays, even for vehicles that have already been built.
What “In-Stock” Really Means in Leasing
You’ll often see lease deals marked as “in-stock” — but it’s important to understand what that actually means.
Dealer-Allocated vs Broker-Allocated Stock
"In-stock" cars may already be physically built and assigned to a dealer network or broker. However, they might still need to go through registration, delivery prep, and paperwork before they’re ready.
Pre-Registered vs Brand-New
Some in-stock vehicles are pre-registered, meaning they’ve already been assigned a number plate and may have been sitting for a few months. This can speed things up — but you may have less choice in spec.
Lease Providers vs Manufacturer Lead Times
Some brokers have priority allocation from manufacturers and may have faster access to delivery slots — while others rely on public stock updates. This is why timing varies between leasing companies.
Factory Orders: Pros, Cons & Lead Times
Ordering a car directly from the factory allows you to customise it fully — but it comes with drawbacks.
Customisation Takes Time
Choosing specific paint colours, tech packs, or interior finishes adds complexity to your order, and your vehicle may be slotted into a production batch weeks or months away.
Average Lead Times by Brand
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BMW: 10–16 weeks
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Hyundai: 12–20 weeks
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Renault: 14–18 weeks
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Lexus: up to 6 months in some trims
These are just estimates — actual times vary depending on availability and production schedules.
Factory Delays and Price Changes
Even after placing a factory order, global events or material shortages can result in build delays — and, in some cases, price changes before delivery.
How to Speed Up Your Lease Delivery
Need a lease vehicle urgently? These tips can help you get behind the wheel faster:
Choose From In-Stock Lease Deals
This is the quickest path to delivery. These cars are already in the UK or en route — they just need processing and registration.
Browse: In Stock Car Leasing Deals
Be Flexible on Trim, Colour, or Tech
Willing to compromise on colour or optional extras? You’ll have more stock options available and significantly shorter lead times.
Ask About Fast-Track Options
Some brokers (like All Car Leasing) offer express delivery vehicles that have already been registered and can be delivered in as little as 7–10 days.
Use a Reputable Leasing Broker
Working with a trusted broker gives you access to real-time availability, cancellation slots, and better factory order insights.
In-Stock Lease Cars: The Fastest Way to Get on the Road
If speed is your priority, in-stock lease vehicles are your best bet. These cars are already built and ready to go, often with delivery in under 2 weeks.
Need a Lease Car Delivered Quickly?
At All Car Leasing, we specialise in in-stock lease deals for both personal and business customers — with fast delivery available across the UK.
✅ No hidden delays
✅ Flexible lease terms
✅ Wide choice of EVs, SUVs, and hatchbacks
✅ Transparent lead times, always
Call at 01565 880 880 speak to our expert team for personalised car leasing options.
It depends. In-stock cars can be delivered in 7–21 days, while factory orders can take 10–26 weeks depending on brand and spec.
Delays can be due to factory build queues, part shortages, high demand, or vehicle shipping issues. Documentation and registration timeframes also contribute.
Yes, choosing an in-stock car can significantly reduce wait times and avoid factory order delays.
Factory orders are built from scratch to your spec. In-stock vehicles are already built and ready for quick delivery, but offer fewer customisation options.