LCV values at BCA rose 9.0% in January, reversing a run of three consecutive monthly falls.
Values improved by £727 over the month to reach £8,764, marking the highest point since September 2023.
BCA said the rise was due to both increasing buyer participation and a much-improved mix of vehicles entering the market.
Anecdotal reports suggested that momentum steadily grew throughout the month, with retail demand rising as January progressed and the improving economic backdrop undoubtedly helping to generate more confidence in the used LCV sector.
The rise in used van values comes as the new van sector also continues to return positive results, growing for the 13th consecutive month. SMMT figures show UK new van registration volumes rose 8.4% to 23,962 units in January, the highest volume recorded for the month in three years.
Stuart Pearson, chief operating officer at BCA UK, commented: “There has been a steady lift in confidence in the used LCV sector since the turn of the year, although it still feels like there is room for this to improve further. As we said last month, the LCV wholesale market is likely to see a return to more seasonal trends in the coming weeks and we expect to see good levels of stock availability, particularly from rental, fleet, lease and contract hire sources.”
However, he warned that condition remained a key factor to ensure that product is attractive to the widest addressable market.
“We’re continuing to work closely with a number of customers to ensure that optimal values are achieved through a data driven approach to refurbishment,” Pearson added.
“With our online sales programme offering thousands of light commercial vehicles each week, our buyer customers can be confident that they will be presented with the stock they need, when they need it.”
