More people are looking at leasing again – but the recovery is slow

Despite an improved interest rate situation, interest in private leasing continues to be relatively lukewarm. A survey we conducted through Kantar Sifo shows that only one in ten Swedes has become more interested in leasing – and more than one in two is still not interested at all.

After a year where interest rates have dropped significantly, private leasing has become more attractive to some, but the big breakthrough is yet to come. In the survey, only 2 percent responded that they have become much more interested in leasing than before, while 9 percent are somewhat more interested.

– We are seeing a cautious recovery in the market in interest in private leasing, but it is slow. Despite the fact that interest rates have fallen noticeably, households' caution has lingered. The economy is still uncertain, and many are unwilling to commit to a leasing agreement that runs over several years, says Daniel Odsberg, sales manager at Kvdbil .

– Previously, there were many very advantageous private leasing alternatives, but that changed when interest rates rose. Now we see that more people are thinking about buying a car instead – then it is easier to act if your life situation changes or if you need to change cars quickly, he continues.

Young people stand out

Young adults between the ages of 20 and 34 are the group where leasing interest has increased the most. 14 percent say they have become somewhat more interested and 3 percent much more interested – which is significantly higher than in other age groups. Among older adults between the ages of 56 and 79, the corresponding figures are 6 and 2 percent, respectively.

– It is logical that the increase is greatest among younger people. Private leasing does not require the same capital as becoming a vehicle owner – an advantage for a group that often has less financial space, especially today. However, uncertainty about both interest rates and their own finances means that many are still waiting.

Half say no – still

A total of 55 percent of respondents say they are still not interested in leasing , despite the lower interest rates. This applies to both women and men to an equal extent.

Resistance is greatest among the elderly (69% aged 56-79) and households with the very lowest incomes (58% among those earning less than SEK 25,000 per month).

Weak recovery – despite good conditions

According to Daniel Odsberg, the subdued interest is due to the fact that many households still feel uncertainty about economic developments. Interest rates have indeed fallen rapidly, but unemployment remains at a historically high level – and the Riksbank has signaled that further interest rate cuts are not to be expected.

– Many hoped for continued falling interest rates in 2025, but that hope seems to have been dashed. Instead, there has even been talk that the interest rate could be raised again. This is probably making some hesitant about leasing – and instead considering buying a used car to gain better control over costs and increased flexibility, says Daniel Odsberg.

Question: How are falling interest rates affecting your interest in leasing a car?

About the survey
The survey was conducted in Kantar Media's web panel (Sifopanelen) during the period 13–21 March 2025. A total of 1050 people aged 20–79 with access to a car were interviewed. The web panel is nationally representative and recruited based on random selection. There is no self-recruitment in Kantar Media's web panel (Sifopanelen).