How UK Number Plate Changes Impact Your Car’s Resale Value

When Is the Best Time to Sell Your Car for Maximum Value?

The UK car market is unique in many ways, but one of the biggest factors influencing car depreciation and resale value is the bi-annual number plate change. Every year in March and September, new number plates are released, signaling the latest vehicle registrations.

For car owners looking to sell their car for the best price, understanding how these number plate changes affect depreciation and buyer demand is crucial. In this guide, we’ll break down how the UK number plate system works, its impact on resale values, and the best times of the year to sell your car.

Understanding the UK Number Plate System

Unlike some countries where car plates remain constant, the UK follows a structured number plate system. The format includes two key numbers indicating the car's age:

• March registrations: The number represents the year (e.g., "24" for 2024).
• September registrations: The number is the year plus 50 (e.g., "74" for September 2024).

For example:

• A car registered in March 2024 will have a plate like "AB24 XYZ"
• A car registered in September 2024 will have a plate like "AB74 XYZ"

This system plays a major role in the UK car market, as buyers often look for the latest number plate to get the newest vehicle.

How Number Plate Changes Affect Your Car’s Value

The bi-annual number plate change influences car values in several key ways:

1. Immediate Depreciation for New Cars 🚗📉

• When a new number plate is released in March and September, cars registered just before that immediately drop in value.
• A car with a 23-plate (registered in March 2023) will look "older" compared to a 24-plate (March 2024) car, even if they’re just months apart.

2. Increased Trade-Ins & Market Flooding 🔄

• With each plate change, dealerships see a surge in people trading in their old cars to upgrade to a newer model.
• This increases the supply of used cars in the market, which can drive prices down.

3. Buyer Demand for Newer Plates 🏆

• Many buyers prefer newer plates, meaning cars with the latest number plates hold their value better.
• If you own a March-registered car, its resale value will likely drop in September when the new plate comes out.

4. The Best Time to Sell for Maximum Value 💰

• If you’re selling a one-year-old car, listing it before the next plate change (in February or August) will likely get you a better price.
• Selling just after a plate change means competing with many newer models, reducing your negotiating power.

When Is the Best Time to Sell Your Car?

📆 Best Months to Sell: February & August

• Just before the new number plates come out in March and September.
• Buyers are eager to get a recently registered car before it looks outdated.

📆 Worst Months to Sell: March & September

• Right after new plates are introduced, as buyers shift focus to newer registrations.
• Trade-in values may drop due to high inventory at dealerships.

📆 Alternative Good Months: May & November

• Two months after plate changes, when the rush for new registrations dies down, used car demand increases again.

How to Get the Best Price for Your Car

If you’re planning to sell your car, timing isn’t the only factor. Here are a few extra tips to maximize your car’s value:

✅ Get a Free Car Valuation

• Before selling, get an accurate valuation from a professional car-buying service like Premium Car Buying Service.
• Automated valuation tools can undervalue cars, so expert assessments ensure a fair offer.

✅ Keep Your Car in Top Condition

• Service history, MOT status, and minor repairs can significantly impact your car’s final sale price.
• A well-maintained car with full-service history fetches a higher value.

✅ Sell to a Trusted Car Buying Service

• Avoid the hassle of private sales and unreliable buyers.
• PCBS offers a quick, fair, and hassle-free process with no hidden fees.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the impact of UK number plate changes can make a big difference when selling your car. If you sell at the right time, you can get hundreds or even thousands of pounds more than if you wait until after a plate change.

🔹 Thinking of selling your car? Get a free, no-obligation quote today at Premium Car Buying Service!