Reading named the UK’s car leasing capital as drivers turn to flexible car deals
August 06, 2026 by Siobhan Doyle
From how we work to how we travel, flexibility has become a bigger part of everyday life – and our approach to cars is no different.
In fact, new research from Carwow shows more UK drivers are considering leasing and finance instead of buying their next car outright.
Carwow surveyed 1,158 UK drivers and analysed leasing activity across the country. While 60% of motorists currently own their car outright, that figure would fall to 40% if they were choosing a new car today.
Instead, the number of drivers who would choose leasing rises from 11% to 18%.
Did you know you can lease a brand new or used car right here on Carwow? We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.
Reading tops the UK for leasing
Reading has been named the UK’s car leasing capital, with 56.8% of vehicle enquiries in the area showing a preference for leasing. That’s the highest proportion anywhere in the UK. Our research found leasing searches in Reading have also increased by 40.5% over the past year.
Leasing is also growing across the UK too, with Glasgow, Plymouth, Manchester, Southampton and Coventry among the areas seeing strong demand.
| # | City | Demand index | Demand per 1k people | Annual growth | Leasing preference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reading | 100 | 23.6 | 40.5% | 56.8% |
| 2 | Glasgow | 88.9 | 19.5 | 5.6% | 42.5% |
| 3 | Plymouth | 79.9 | 18.7 | 30.8% | 35.5% |
| 4 | Manchester | 79.1 | 23.4 | 4.8% | 35.9% |
| 5 | Coventry | 76.7 | 13.8 | 13.4% | 38.3% |
| 6 | Bristol | 75.9 | 15.9 | 1.6% | 39.4% |
| 7 | Warrington | 71.9 | 10.8 | 23.1% | 40.2% |
| 8 | Norwich | 71.5 | 19.2 | -13.8% | 39.6% |
| 9 | Southend-on-Sea | 70.1 | 11.5 | 2.8% | 40.9% |
| 10 | Liverpool | 68.8 | 14.8 | -9.8% | 38.9% |
But why are more people leasing?
For many drivers, leasing means lower upfront costs and fixed monthly payments that are easier to budget for.
Carwow’s research found the cost of living is also influencing decisions, with 21% of drivers saying they’re now more likely to lease because of rising costs.
Around 65% of men and women aged 35-54 say they would choose either leasing or finance for their next car too.
What are the most popular lease cars?
According to Carwow’s leasing data, Tesla, Volkswagen, Jaecoo and Vauxhall are among the most popular brands, while the Tesla Model 3, Jaecoo 7, Vauxhall Frontera Electric and Kia Sportage are some of the most searched-for models.
Many drivers also use Carwow’s Sell My Car service to sell their current vehicle before moving into a lease.
Find your next lease with Carwow
Through Carwow, you can compare lease deals, choose your next car and have it delivered straight to your door.
Leasing isn’t just for private drivers. Business Contract Hire can offer tax advantages for some businesses, while Salary Sacrifice schemes are becoming an increasingly popular employee benefit. Learn more about Business Contract Hire and Salary Sacrifice.
Carwow is continuing to invest in its leasing offering, helping more drivers access lease deals and understand the options available.
The right choice depends on your needs, but for drivers seeking flexibility and the chance to drive a newer vehicle every few years, leasing can be a practical option.
Car change? Carwow!
Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.
Click here to follow us on WhatsApp, where you can keep up-to-date with all the latest news, reviews, advice guides and videos.
Compare cars using Carwow
