Average used LCV values at BCA have dropped below £8,000 for the first time in nearly a year, driven by seasonal summer pressures and extreme UK heatwaves.

The data for July shows values fell in July by 2.3% (£183) to reach £7,934.

Year-on-year values were up however, and sold volumes improved by more than 8% month-on-month, as stock churn remained ahead of 2025 as it has throughout this year. Used LCV stock outperformed price guide expectations by 1.5 percentage points at BCA over the month and unique buyer numbers rose, with July recording a 4% increase compared to June.

Across the year so far, used LCV values at BCA have averaged £8,274, equivalent to 103.4% of price guide expectations – both figures ahead of the same period in 2025 – with over 7,200 unique buyers purchasing an LCV from BCA.

BCA said July’s downturn reflected the typical seasonal pressures that accompany the start of the summer holiday season, further exacerbated by the persistent heatwave conditions affecting much of the UK.

Stuart Pearson, BCA chief operating office UK, also warned of further development of a two-tier LCV market in July as entry volumes remained high with a lot of similarly specified vehicles on offer influencing pricing and demand.

“Buyers remain very focused on paying the right price for stock, with anything in average condition or worse coming under real pressure with the time and cost of refurbishment being closely scrutinised,” he commented.

“With dealers continuing to report relatively subdued retail demand, as would be expected at this time of year, auction buyers are focusing on those vehicles that represent an opportunity for a swift sale.

“As we head towards the end of the holiday season, there have been some pockets of improvement, however there is plenty of room for the market to lift as we head towards the final quarter, where traditionally activity lifts to support the seasonal countdown.”