On a new van, “how much per month?” depends mainly on the van’s price, your deposit, the term and mileage, and (crucially) the interest rate. As a very rough guide, many mainstream new small/mid-size vans end up somewhere in the low-to-mid hundreds per month on a business lease, while larger vans or higher-spec models can be noticeably more. The only reliable way to compare is to look at the total cost over the term, not just the headline monthly figure.
What drives the monthly payment?
Vehicle price and spec: A basic panel van will be far less than an automatic, high-roof, long-wheelbase, or crew van.
Deposit / initial rental: Leasing is often quoted as an “initial rental” (e.g. 3, 6, 9 or 12 months up front) followed by fixed monthly payments. More up front usually means less per month.
Term and mileage: Longer terms and lower annual mileage typically reduce the monthly cost. Exceeding contracted mileage can trigger extra charges.
Interest rate (APR) and credit profile: Rates move with the market and your business’s trading history. Two identical vans can differ a lot per month purely due to APR.
Finance types you’ll see on new vans
Business Contract Hire (lease): Often the lowest monthly, but you don’t own the van and you must stick to mileage/condition rules.
Hire Purchase (HP): Higher monthly than a lease in many cases, but you own it at the end (useful if you keep vans long-term).
PCP-style options: Sometimes available on vans; can lower monthly payments but you’ll have a final balloon/GMFV decision.
VAT and running costs (easy to overlook)
Leasing rentals usually have VAT added. VAT treatment varies by use (business-only vs some private use), so check with your accountant. Also factor in insurance, servicing, tyres and VED (a flat £345/year for vans as of 2026, but always check Gov.uk for updates).
Quick follow-up: If you’re comparing diesel vs electric, ask for quotes on both—EV list prices can be higher, but fuel and maintenance can be lower, and the Plug-in Van Grant (subject to annual review) may reduce the upfront cost on eligible new electric vans.
