Registration plate changes don’t just affect new car buyers – they also influence second-hand car prices, dealership stock levels and buyer behaviour.
While broader economic conditions always play a role, plate changes consistently create short-term shifts in supply and demand. For drivers who understand these cycles, they can present opportunities.
Understanding these shifts can help you make more informed decisions when buying a used car – and when setting your price.
Key facts at a glance:
- The new 26 registration plates launch on 1st March 2026.
- UK number plates change twice a year: March and September.
- Plate changes often trigger a rise in part-exchange vehicles, increasing a dealership’s used stock.
- Increased supply can lead to lower used car prices and faster depreciation for some models.
- Nearly-new cars (0-2 years old) tend to see the biggest impact on resale value.
- Buyers become more selective, making mileage and service history more important.
- Average UK repair rates have risen by 7.87% between 2023 and 2025*.
- Transferrable warranty plans can help improve buyer confidence and support used car resale appeal.
What are the new 26 registration plates?
In the UK, vehicle registration plates change twice a year – in March and September. The upcoming 26 plate will appear on new vehicles registered from 1st March 2026.
For many buyers, a new plate can signal a new generation of cars hitting the road. This often creates a ripple effect across the wider market:
- Drivers trade in their existing vehicles to upgrade.
- Dealerships refresh their stock.
- Used car supply can increase.
- Buyers may delay purchasing while waiting for the new plate release.
Even if you’re not buying brand new, these shifts can affect pricing and demand in the used car market.
How the 26 plate change impacts used car prices.
Registration plate changes don’t just influence new car buyers – they can create noticeable shifts in the used car market too.
While the impact varies depending on economic conditions and supply levels, plate-change periods often trigger short-term pricing movements and changes in buyer behaviour.
Here’s what typically happens:
1. A surge in trade-ins increases supply.
When the new registration launches, many drivers choose to upgrade to secure the latest plate.
That means dealerships receive a wave of part-exchange vehicles – often 2-4 years old, well-maintained with a typical mileage for the vehicle’s age.
This sudden increase in supply can:
- Create more competition between similar vehicles.
- Give buyers more choice.
- Increase pricing pressure, especially for cars that are only one registration behind the newest plate.
For example, when the 26 plate launches, vehicles registered in 2024 may face increased competition from newly traded 2025 registrations.
If supply rises faster than demand, sellers may need to adjust pricing to remain competitive.
2. Plate psychology can accelerate depreciation.
Some buyers focus heavily on registration year, even when two cars are mechanically identical. In reality, the plate reflects when the vehicle was registered – not necessarily differences in specifications of performance.
A vehicle that was considered ‘current’ in February can suddenly feel one step older in March once the new plate arrives.
This perception shift can accelerate depreciation in the short term, particularly for vehicles under 2 years old as well as lease-return stock, where buyers tend to prioritise the newest registration within their budget.
3. Age and depreciation benchmarks shift.
Depreciation tends to follow a curve, with the steepest drop happening in the first three years.
Plate changes can intensify this effect because:
- Cars move into the next ‘age bracket’ overnight.
- Finance and leasing comparisons often prioritise the newest registration within budget.
- Online marketplaces allow buyers to filter by registration year, pushing older plates further down search results.
For sellers, this means timing can matter. Listing just before a plate change may attract buyers looking to secure a deal before newer registrations hit the market.
4. Dealers adjust pricing strategically.
Around registration change periods, dealerships may reprice older stock to clear space, offer stronger finance options, be more open to negotiation, and adjust part-exchange valuations based on expected market saturation.
5. Market segments react differently.
Not all used cars are affected equally:
- Nearly-new (0-2 years old):
Most sensitive to plate changes, as buyers often prioritise the newest registration within budget.
- Mid-age vehicles (3-6 years old):
These vehicles typically feel a moderate impact from the plate change, as buyers focus more on condition, mileage and price than the exact plate.
- Older cars (7+ years old):
These vehicles will feel minimal impact from the plate change. Reliability, service history and mechanical condition are likely to matter more than the registration year.
Long-term reliability becomes increasingly important the older a vehicle gets – plate perception fades, but maintenance and service history do not.
While registration year can influence perception, long-term ownership costs vary significantly between models. Our Reliability Index highlights what kind of repairs and costs you might expect to see, helping buyers look beyond the plate year alone.
6. Increased competition makes buyers more selective.
When more stock enters the market, buyers gain leverage.
Instead of settling quickly, they may:
- Compare service histories more closely.
- Reject higher-mileage options.
- Negotiate harder.
This means that during plate change season, two similar cars can perform very differently in the market, depending on their condition and service records.
7. Tips to support your car’s value during a plate change.
If you’re selling around a plate release, there are practical steps you can take to strengthen your position:
- Ensure servicing is up to date.
- Address minor cosmetic issues before listing.
- Present full documentation clearly.
- Avoid overpricing based on emotional attachment.
- Highlight any remaining warranty on the vehicle.
The hidden cost of car ownership in 2026:
Beyond the registration year, it’s also worth thinking about the overall cost of owning a car, including planning for potential unexpected repairs.
Warrantywise internal data* shows that the average labour rate quoted has increased steadily over the past three years:
- 2023: £104.11
- 2024: £107.33
- 2025: £112.30
That represents a 7.87% increase between 2023 and 2025 based on the repair requests submitted during that period. Many repairers across the UK can quote hourly rates approaching, or above, £100 per hour.
For drivers, this means:
- Higher labour costs when repairs are required.
- Repair costs that can vary significantly depending on the issue and garage location.
- Greater importance placed on budgeting for maintenance and repairs.
When buying or selling around a plate change, it’s important to keep in mind not just the vehicle’s purchase price, but the potential cost of maintaining the vehicle over time.
Don’t overlook repair costs as cars get older.
As part of the hidden costs of ownership, it’s important to recognise that used cars in the UK are getting older on average — with the typical car now around ten years old, the highest level on record according to independent research from the RAC Foundation.
Older cars can mean more frequent repairs and maintenance bills, so before you buy, think about whether you can afford not just the purchase price but the cost of keeping it on the road. That’s where our Reliability Index comes in, helping you to budget for long-term ownership.
Is it better to buy before or after the 26 plate launch?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer – it depends on your circumstances.
Buying before the 26 plate launch:
- Potentially less buyer competition, as some delay purchasing until the new registration has launched.
- Dealers may be more open to negotiation ahead of incoming part-exchange vehicles.
- Current registrations can still feel ‘newer’ until the plate change takes effect.
- Choice may be slightly more limited, as the larger wave of trade-ins has not entered the market yet.
Buying after the 26 plate launch:
- Greater choice across makes, models and specifications due to increased part-exchange activity.
- Steeper price competition, particularly among nearly-new vehicles (0-2 years old) entering the market.
- Older registrations may be priced more attractively once the new plate is visible on the road.
- Mid-age vehicles (3-6 years old) often represent particularly good value, as condition and mileage matter more than registration year.
You can compare models using our Reliability Index data to see how they perform in terms of repair costs and reliability.
Whichever route you choose, when buying a used vehicle the key is focusing on long-term reliability and value rather than just the registration year.
What to consider when choosing a used car.
Before you start browsing, think about what you need from your next vehicle. Will it be a daily commuter, a practical family car, or something comfortable for a long weekend drive?
Alongside the purchase price, consider the full cost of ownership, including insurance, fuel or charging, road tax, maintenance and potential repair bills.
Looking beyond the initial price can help you avoid surprises and choose a vehicle that fits comfortably within your long-term budget.
Is it better to sell before or after the 26 plate launch?
If you’re thinking about selling, you may want to act before the market becomes saturated.
Selling before the 26 plate launch:
- Potentially less competition from freshly traded-in vehicles.
- Stronger perceived value while your car is still one of the ‘newer’ registrations.
- May avoid the surge of similar vehicles entering the market once drivers begin upgrading.
Selling after the 26 plate launch:
- Increased buyer activity as motorists shop around after viewing newer models.
- Opportunity to position your vehicle as a better-value alternative to brand-new cars.
- Potentially stronger demand in certain segments (particularly mid-age vehicles).
- May face increased competition from part-exchange vehicles entering the market.
Whichever route you choose, the key is focusing on presenting your car in the strongest possible way, with clear documentation, good service history and realistic pricing.
How to prepare your car for sale.
Before listing your vehicle, consider how buyers will assess it, especially during plate-change season when choice is high.
Think about:
- Is your service history up to date?
- Is the MOT valid and with a reasonable amount of time remaining?
- Have minor cosmetic issues been addressed?
- Do you have full documentation ready?
- Does the vehicle have a manufacturer’s or extended warranty?
How a warranty can support your car’s resale value.
Registration plate changes can create short-term volatility in the used car market, meaning buyers often look for added reassurance.
Here’s how a warranty can play a role:
Support during ownership.
A warranty plan can help with the cost of eligible repairs, based on your vehicle and the circumstances at the time.
It works alongside regular servicing and maintenance to help you plan for unexpected issues.
Added assurance when selling.
When buyers are comparing similar cars, knowing a warranty plan can be transferred with the vehicle may offer extra assurance, particularly during busy plate change periods.
At Warrantywise, you can transfer the remaining plan to the new owner, so the plan stays with the vehicle. Full details are outlined in your warranty plan book.
Making the most of the 26 plate change.
The arrival of the new 26 registration plates isn’t just a milestone for new car buyers – it can also have a real impact on the used car market.
As more vehicles enter the market, buyers often compare more closely and negotiate harder.
If you’re buying, it’s worth thinking beyond the newest plate. Labour and repair costs have risen in recent years, leading to more expensive repairs. A warranty plan can help with the cost of unexpected repairs, helping you prepare for long-term vehicle ownership.
If you’re selling, timing, preparation and a strong service history can strengthen your position when competing against increased stock levels. A transferable warranty plan may provide an additional point of reassurance when buyers are weighing up similar listings.
Whether you’re preparing to upgrade, sell, or secure your next used car, you can view our plans and find the warranty options for your vehicle.
Refer to your plan book for details.
*Labour rate figures are taken from Warrantywise propriety data, calculated using the average labour rates requested across all repair requests within the stated period. Data accurate as of February 2026.