Auction giant BCA has reported that demand for used LCVs remains strong, despite several external pressures and economic concerns.
Van values fell 6.8% (£595) in April to £8,131, retracing from March’s exceptionally strong two-year high of £8,726. But sold values were ahead of April 2025’s figure of £7,990 by £141 (1.8%) and outperformed price guide expectations by 2.8 percentage points.
Sold volumes and conversion rates remained elevated as anecdotal reports from customers indicated that retail demand remained generally good, with strong demand for lower-mileage, well-specified examples.
Stuart Pearson, BCA chief operating officer UK, said the light commercial vehicle sector had settled into a steady pattern of demand following a stronger-than-expected Easter period when sold volumes and values rose compared to previous years.
He said: “Condition remains the driver of demand for LCVs and we continue to see exceptional levels of interest for well presented, lower mileage vehicles as well as improving interest for electric LCVs as confidence grows in the sector.
“Correspondingly, we are seeing some evidence of a two-tier market developing as older, higher mileage vehicles, typically in poorer condition, are proving less desirable and it is critical that sellers take a pragmatic approach to pricing, as well as investing in appropriate refurbishment to broaden the potential buyer audience.”
