Dutch lease market rebounds sharply in third quarter

The Dutch market for business-asset leasing bounced back strongly in the third quarter after a notably weak performance earlier in the year, according to figures released by Leasing Nederland–NVL.

New lease contracts totalled nearly €2 billion in Q3, a 7.5% increase compared with the same period in 2024 and a 13.2% jump from the second quarter of 2025. The rebound follows a 10% market-wide decline in Q2, driven in part by a steep drop in van sales early this year following the increase in BPM.

Despite the mid-year setback, the sector is now almost back in line with its 2024 performance after three quarters. With the fourth quarter typically the busiest period for lease activity, it remains uncertain whether the market will surpass the €8 billion threshold – an all-time record if achieved.

Leasing continues to hold strong appeal for SMEs investing in business assets. More than 18,000 companies used leasing in the third quarter, with SMEs accounting for over 75% of all contracts, underscoring the product’s role as a key financing tool for small and medium-sized businesses. NVL also noted renewed growth in leasing volumes through banks, alongside rising direct sales by leasing companies.

Leasing firms are expected to play a crucial role in the Netherlands’ accelerated energy transition. Significant numbers of electric trucks and construction machines will need to be financed in the coming years, with these assets still costing substantially more than diesel-powered alternatives. NVL says asset financing remains the most suitable route to support these investments.