Latest news with #leasing
The Independent
10 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Independent
Think electric cars are expensive? My new EV costs me less than a couple of posh coffees a day
When new car time came around in the Fowler household, the Vauxhall Grandland wouldn't have been at the top of our list. We'd decided to buy an EV, and my wife had her sights set on the new Renault Scenic – although I was trying to persuade her that the Renault 5 would be more up her street. But as with any big purchase, saving cash is always high on the agenda. And it's amazing how attractive things can look when they're cheap – finding a new car for less than the cost of a couple of coffees a day was too good a deal to ignore. Our previous family car was a Peugeot 2008, which cost us around £190 per month, and before that we had a Citroen C3 Aircross. Neither were our first choice, but both were boosted by great leasing deals. Leasing is simple: you pay a deposit, have an agreed monthly payment, a defined term and a strict mileage limit. At the end of the deal, you just hand the car back and go again. There's no chance to buy the car and own it. Why would you want to? You just head to the leasing websites again, check out the latest deals and see what's on offer. This is where it gets interesting. You'd be amazed at the cars you see pop up on these leasing sites for not much cash each month. So how do they do it? Car makers often have stock to shift. They might have made promises to head office to take a certain number of cars in a certain spec. They might need to keep cars rolling off production lines – it's really expensive to stop or even slow production – or they might need to sell more EVs to avoid fines under the government's ZEV mandate. Sticking it on the leasing sites with a low monthly price is a great way to sell cars. As you can imagine, deals come and go quickly. Once targets are hit, prices go up. It wasn't long before the bargain Scenics we saw on offer but weren't ready to lease yet (we didn't want to pay for two cars at the same time) disappeared. Keep in mind that there are some hidden costs to consider, like deposits and arrangement fees. And if you go over the agreed mileage, you'll have to pay extra, too. But in many cases, when you get your calculator out, leasing can work out way cheaper than a PCP, or 'personal contract purchase', one of the most popular financing options today for people who want more car for their money. Back to the Grandland, a car we're warming to, not least for its value. Our Grandland Electric in mid-spec GS trim has a list price of £38,255. The deal that's still currently on offer at (but could disappear any day) shows a deposit of £2,265.96, an arrangement fee of £349.99 and then 23 monthly payments of £188.83. That monthly payment means we're paying less each day than you might spend on a couple of posh coffees. And if you're a business owner and VAT registered, you can claim some of that tax back to make it even cheaper. This is no entry-level compromise, either. The GS is very nicely kitted out with a 16in infotainment screen that seamlessly blends into a 10in driver display, heated seats and steering wheel, wireless Apple CarPlay, adaptive cruise control, ambient lighting inside and fancy matrix-beam LED lighting on the outside, with the Vauxhall badge on the front and wording on the back all cleverly illuminated at night. It's close to a luxury car. We didn't get a choice of colour, but the white paint with the black roof looks good. And the the 77kWh battery gives a claimed range of 319 miles, although we charged to 100 per cent and the readout said 327 miles. We've no complaints about efficiency so far. Nearly three weeks into ownership, we haven't had to plug in again after its initial charge. And with our last car going back with 8,400 miles on it, we're unlikely to be bothered by the 5,000 mile limit for each of the two years we'll 'own' the Grandland. And for anyone who thinks EVs are expensive to insure, the Grandland is cheaper than the petrol Peugeot 2008 we had before. We got £194 back on our insurance for the six months left to run by swapping in the Peugeot for the Vauxhall. Vauxhall obviously has a few EVs to shift, but the Grandland is the cheapest (and best) of the lot. Electric Mokkas and Astras are also currently showing as under £200 a month (plus deposit) on The only other models that come in cheaper than the Grandland are the budget Dacia Spring and Leapmotor T03 – making the Vauxhall even more of a steal – while the Peugeot 2008 is the only other electric car under £200 at £199. Bargains just over the £200 mark currently include the brilliant Citroen eC3 and eC3 Aircross, the smaller-battery Renault 5 and the MG4 – but that all changes quickly. acts like a comparison site for leasing brokers, but you can go direct to the brokers themselves, too. is one of the better known, not least as it sponsors Reading FC who play in the Select Car Leasing stadium. Window shopping on the leasing sites can be addictive. For me it's become a hobby – I'm often swapping links to new deals with pals, seeing what we could get for not a whole lot of cash. If two years and 5,000 miles doesn't suit you, you can play around with the numbers on the leasing sites to see how moving the mileage and deposits changes the monthly payments. You can work with smaller deposits, but obviously the monthly payments will go up. Regular visitors to these sites will also learn much about the dynamics at play in the car business, seeing who has spare stock to sell and when. And there are some great deals on premium models, too: the brilliant Volkswagen ID.7 is often under £300 a month. BMWs can be very cheap, Lotus Eletres were on sale a while back and Polestars can be pretty tempting at times. Window shopping on the leasing sites can be addictive. For me it's become a hobby – I'm often swapping links to new deals with pals, seeing what we could get for not a whole lot of cash. EVs are popular on leasing sites as car makers rush to hit their ZEV mandate targets, and you may well see real desperation towards the end of the year as car makers rush to get credits or avoid fines. But there are plenty of excellent hybrids and petrol models available too. The British-built Nissan Qashqai is a regular amongst the bargains, as Nissan balances the need to keep the Sunderland factory flowing with the need to make money. Leasing may not be right for everyone. My advice is to think hard about what you need, how you'll use it and how you want to pay. Always have a budget in mind and stick to it – it's very easy to be persuaded to pay more to get something just a little bit nicer. If you're a deal hunter like me, it pays to not be fussy. That way you can end up with something that's still really nice, but at a price that have friends' jaws dropping at the dinner table. In the meantime, the Fowlers will be rolling around in a rather lovely and extremely cheap Vauxhall Grandland, counting down the days until I can jump online and grab another bargain.
Al Bawaba
2 days ago
- Business
- Al Bawaba
Chestertons Reports 50% Surge in Commercial Leasing as Legal Reforms and Investor Confidence Accelerate UAE Real Estate Momentum
Chestertons MENA, one of the world's most established real estate advisories, has released new data confirming a sharp rise in commercial real estate activity across the UAE. The firm's Q1 2025 Market Report shows a 50.4% year-on-year increase in commercial leasing, alongside double-digit growth in villa and townhouse transactions — underscoring the powerful convergence of market demand, investor confidence, and regulatory leasing led the commercial sector, recording over 101,000 transactions — a 62.7% increase compared to Q1 2024 — while retail leasing saw 36,000 transactions, amounting to AED 3.4 billion. Land leasing also posted steady gains. The data points to robust corporate expansion, growing business formation, and sustained appetite for commercial space across key UAE zones.'Commercial real estate is no longer a peripheral category — it's at the centre of the UAE's next economic chapter,' said Mohamed Mussa, Executive Director of Chestertons. 'What we're seeing is not a temporary rebound but a redefinition of the region's investment profile. From the performance of off-plan markets in Ras Al Khaimah to the legal reforms enabling long-term ownership, this is an ecosystem ready for scale.'These trends were unpacked during Chestertons' Commercial Conference held in May 2025, which brought together senior leaders across valuation, advisory, and legal practice. The panel included:Andrew Elliott, Director of Commercial AgencyBenjamin Cullum, Head of Valuations and AdvisoryConor Henry, Director of Valuations and AdvisoryJake Wright, Director of Investment and AdvisoryMichael Kortbawi, Corporate & Finance Law Expert (BSA Ahmad Bin Hezeem & Associates LLP)The conference highlighted key structural enablers:100% foreign ownership across most mainland sectorsA newly introduced 9% federal corporate tax, with 0% options for qualifying free zone income structuresExpansion of investor-friendly zones such as RAKEZ, which is set to overtake JAFZA in activityLong-term renewable lease models, digital incorporation platforms, and streamlined dispute resolution through RERA, DIFC, and specialized courtsIncreasing demand for REITs, sale-and-leaseback structures, and institutional-grade commercial assets amid Grade A supply constraints'Recent legal reforms have shifted the UAE from being merely attractive to being strategically compelling,' said Lawyer: Michael Kortbawi, Corporate & Finance Law Expert and panelist at the Chestertons Commercial Conference. 'Investors now have clarity on ownership, tax, and dispute resolution, along with access to digital tools and long-term visas. This is a legal framework built for global capital and long-term business planning.'Residential demand also remained strong. Townhouse and villa transactions rose 51.93% in volume year-on-year, reaching a total value of AED 76.5 billion, while apartment sales climbed 16.25% in value to AED 75.1 billion. Buyer appetite was concentrated in communities such as JVC, Business Bay, and Dubai Marina, driven by location, lifestyle, and long-term rental yield activity reflected similar growth. Apartment leasing was up 21.4% year-on-year, totaling AED 11.3 billion across 151,000 rental transactions, while villa and townhouse leasing rose 21% in value to AED 3.4 billion. The report attributes these trends to population growth, long-term residency programs, and a shift toward larger living spaces post-COVID.'Across every segment — commercial, residential, leasing, and investment — the UAE is showing clear signs of structured, sustainable growth,' added Mania Merrikhi, Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director at Chestertons MENA. 'The legal infrastructure, investor protections, and macroeconomic vision are all working in tandem to create one of the world's most investible property markets.' Chestertons — established in London in 1805 and active in the UAE since 2008 — has built a deep regional presence from its headquarters in Dubai Marina. The firm's team of over 165 professionals offers services across brokerage, valuation, building consultancy, asset management, and market research, property management and investment advisory. In Q1 2025 alone, Chestertons reported a 155% year-on-year increase in MENA transactions, and is now targeting 220% regional growth by 2026.
Auto Express
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Express
Car Deal of the Day: new Omoda 5, with all the kit you might need, for less than £200 per month
Distinctive-looking family SUV Range-topping model with extensive kit list £193 per month with £2,675 initial payment The Omoda 5 arrived in the UK just last year, in the hope of tempting customers away from the ever-popular Nissan Qashqai by going big on value. That's especially true now, because you can get a range-topping model of the rather snazzy-looking SUV for less than £200 per month through the Auto Express Find A Car service. This two-year lease deal we found for the new petrol Omoda 5 Noble comes from Leasing Options and it requires an initial payment of £2,675, followed by monthly payments of £193. The deal is based on a 5,000-mile annual limit, which should be plenty if you're just pottering around town, but bumping it up to 8,000 miles per year costs less than an extra £20 per month. Advertisement - Article continues below In top-flight Noble trim, the Omoda 5 features dual 10.25-inch displays, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an eight-speaker Sony sound system, 50W wireless charging pad, a sunroof, a powered tailgate, heated seats, heated steering wheel and keyless entry. On top of all that, you also get a well equipped driver-assistance suite, including a 360-degree surround-view camera system, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot detection and traffic-jam assist. Meanwhile, under the bonnet is a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine that produces 183bhp and 275Nm of torque, and is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. It's not the most powerful car in its class, but has enough oomph to get from 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds. Although the car does without any level of hybrid assistance, Omoda says you'll average up to 31.4mpg at best. The Car Deal of the Day selections we make are taken from our own Auto Express Find A Car deals service, which includes the best current offers from car retailers and leasing companies around the UK. Terms and conditions apply, while prices and offers are subject to change and limited availability. If this deal expires, you can find more top Omoda 5 leasing offers from leading providers on our Omoda 5 deals hub page… Check out the Omoda 5 Deal of the Day or take a look at our previous Car Deal of the Day selection here… Find a car with the experts 2026 Land Rover Defender updates look subtle, but they fix one huge annoyance for owners 2026 Land Rover Defender updates look subtle, but they fix one huge annoyance for owners Land Rover has introduced new, larger white-painted steel wheels for models with big brakes, fixing one massive irritation with the previous generatio… Electric car drivers won't ever go back to petrol or diesel Electric car drivers won't ever go back to petrol or diesel Editor Paul Barker thinks the EV transition is coming whether we like it or not The MG HS just got hot! New 221bhp Hybrid+ model joins line-up The MG HS just got hot! New 221bhp Hybrid+ model joins line-up The Hybrid+ gives the MG HS another tool to take on the Dacia Bigster
Auto Express
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Express
Car Deal of the Day: Super sci-fi Kia EV6 for an exceptional £260 per month
Star Trek styling with spacious cabin 265-mile range plus lightning-fast charging Only £260 per month The Kia EV6 is now more affordable to buy than ever thanks to the recent introduction of a new entry-level model, but if you'd rather lease the super sharp-looking, very spacious electric car, it's available from only £280 per month through the Auto Express Find A Car service. Advertisement - Article continues below That price is being offered by Milease through Auto Express, and is for the new Kia EV6 Air Standard Range. The two-year lease deal requires an initial payment of £3,414, followed by monthly payments of £260. Included in the offer is an annual mileage allowance of 5,000 miles per year, but if you have a longer commute or enjoy a road trip – which the EV6 is very good at – you can increase the limit to 8,000 miles a year for just £17 extra a month. Or you can stretch it to 10,000 miles per annum, and still only pay £288 per month. The EV6 feels very stable cruising on the motorway, and it's quiet inside, too, plus Kia's Lane Follow Assist 2.0 system helps make long journeys easier. But unlike some other electric family cars, this is a fun and enjoyable car to drive on some twisty roads. This may be the bog-standard EV6, yet it still comes generously equipped with dual 12.3-inch curved displays, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, LED lights all-round, 19-inch alloy wheels, a reversing camera, and smart cruise control with stop-and-go functionality. It also uses a 63kWh battery to provide up to 265 miles of range, and features the same type of 800-volt charging system as the £100k+ Porsche Taycan. This allows for a 10 to 80 per cent top-up in just 18 minutes, if you can find a 350kW DC ultra-rapid charger. The Car Deal of the Day selections we make are taken from our own Auto Express Find a Car deals service, which includes the best current offers from car dealers and leasing companies around the UK. Terms and conditions apply, while prices and offers are subject to change and limited availability. If this deal expires, you can find more top Kia EV6 leasing offers from leading providers on our Kia EV6 deals hub page… Check out the Kia EV6 Deal of the Day or take a look at our previous Car Deal of the Day selection here…
Khaleej Times
7 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Dubai Aerospace Enterprise sells 75 aircraft, focuses on modern, fuel-efficient fleet
Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) Ltd, a leading global aviation services company, has finalised agreements to sell approximately 75 aircraft to two counterparties, marking a significant step in optimising its fleet. The deals, announced on May 28, 2025, involve a mix of aircraft types and are expected to enhance the efficiency and youth of DAE's portfolio, though financial terms remain undisclosed. The first transaction involves the sale of around 50 Embraer E-JETS to a specialist aircraft lessor. The second deal includes approximately 25 out-of-production aircraft sold to a financial investor, with DAE providing lease, asset, and technical management services. These transactions align with DAE's strategy to streamline its fleet by focusing on newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft, reducing the weighted average age of its passenger fleet while extending the average remaining lease term. Upon completion, DAE's pro forma fleet will consist of 45 per cent Boeing aircraft, 42 per cent Airbus aircraft, and 13 per cent ATR aircraft. This shift reflects DAE's commitment to modernising its portfolio, prioritising aircraft types that meet current market demands for efficiency and sustainability. Addressing rising fuel costs and environmental concerns The aviation industry has increasingly emphasised fuel-efficient fleets to address rising fuel costs and environmental concerns, with global aircraft leasing markets projected to grow by 4.5 per cent annually through 2030, according to recent industry reports. Firoz Tarapore, DAE's CEO, emphasized the strategic importance of the deals, "These transactions align our portfolio with our target aircraft types, improving fuel efficiency, reducing fleet age, and extending lease terms. They reflect our commitment to delivering value to stakeholders while adapting to evolving market needs." The transactions are subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions, with completion expected before the end of 2025. DAE was advised by Allen Overy Shearman Sterling LLP and KPMG, ensuring robust legal and financial oversight. This move comes as the aviation leasing sector navigates post-pandemic recovery and geopolitical challenges. Demand for newer aircraft models remains strong, driven by airlines' need to replace aging fleets amid stricter emissions regulations. Aviation industry expert Manoj K. John, founder and CEO of Aero Connections, said DAE's proactive portfolio management positions it to capitalise on these trends, reinforcing its role as a key player in the global aviation market. "With a fleet valued at over $14 billion, DAE continues to strengthen its position through strategic divestitures and investments in next-generation aircraft," he said.
