Residual value leasing simply explained

If you're leasing a car, you've probably heard the term "residual value". Put simply, this is the value of the car at the end of the lease.

It sounds simple in theory, but the reality is a little more complicated. That's why in this article you'll find out how the Residual value for leasing is determined and what you Residual value leasing must pay attention to.

What is the residual value for leasing?

The residual value for leasing is the The estimated value of a vehicle at the end of the lease term.

This is specified in the leasing agreement by the lessor, but is a calculated value. This is because it is almost impossible to estimate the exact future value of a car.

The higher the expected residual value, the lower your monthly leasing instalments will generally be. However, a residual value that is set too high can also be risky. Because if the Actual value of the car at the end of the term below the specified residual value you may have to use the Pay difference.

As a rule of thumb, you can remember that the Residual value after one year for 75% and after 2 years at 50% of the purchase price lies. With the estimated residual value, you can use our Leasing calculator by the way, you can calculate the total cost of your car directly.

Calculate car current value Switzerland

While the residual value is determined by the lessor, it is usually the same as the current value at the end of the term. The latter describes the effective value after a certain period. Various factors are used for the calculation. These include the Age of the vehiclethe kilometres travelled Kilometres, the Condition and the Demand on the used car market.

So the calculation is concrete: Current value = new value - depreciation due to age & wear and tear. However, to obtain an accurate result, it is best to contact a garage or use the Eurotax calculator of the TCS.

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Leasing residual value transfer, what should I bear in mind?

With the residual value transfer, you have the option of buying the leased vehicle at the end of the contract term at the agreed residual value. In most cases, this is possible, but you have only one right when it contractually agreed has been taken over. If this is not the case, the lessor can theoretically refuse to take over the vehicle. It is therefore best to ask first.

Before you decide on this, you should read the current market value - i.e. compare the current market value of the vehicle with the specified residual value. If the market value is higher than the residual value, it may be worthwhile for you to take over the vehicle.

Also pay attention to the condition of the car and any repairs that may be required. It is best to have the car inspected by an independent expert before you take it over to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

When is residual value leasing worthwhile?

At Residual value leasing the monthly leasing instalments are calculated on the Difference between the New value and the residual value is determined. For example, if the new value is CHF 30,000 and the residual value is CHF 10,000, you will have to pay a total of CHF 20,000 over the entire leasing term.

The opposite of residual value leasing is Mileage leasing. The leasing instalments are determined solely on the basis of the kilometres driven. In Switzerland, a Mixture offered. Both the Residual value as well as the desired Number of kilometres a Influence on the amount of the instalments.

Residual value leasing can be worthwhile if you want to drive a new car regularly without making a long-term commitment. It gives you the flexibility to decide at the end of the leasing period whether you want to take over the vehicle or return it.

However, the residual value may be determined by the lessor itself and it can happen that this is significantly higher than the effective current value. In this case, you would have to pay the difference at the end of the term. Conversely, you will receive money back if the current value is higher than the residual value at the end.

Can I get the leasing deposit back?

As a rule, you do not get the leasing deposit back. It is used to reduce the monthly instalments and is written off over the term of the leasing contract. The Down payment is part of your total costs for the leasing and will not as a deposit or security deposit considered.

However, there are exceptions, for example in the event of premature cancellation of the contract or if this has been explicitly agreed in the contract.

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Conclusion on the article: Residual value leasing simply explained

The residual value for leasing is determined by the lessor and indicates how much the car will probably be worth at the end of the leasing contract. In most cases, this corresponds to the Time valuei.e. the effective value reduced by wear and tear.

At the end of the term, however, you have no right to take over the car at its residual value, unless this was stipulated in the contract.

With the so-called Residual value leasing you also have to pay the difference if the vehicle ends up being worth less. Conversely, you will generally not get any money back if you have been particularly careful with the car and it is therefore valued at more than the residual value.

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Residual value leasing simply explained

Table of contents

What is the residual value for leasing?

Calculate car current value Switzerland

Top recommendations for 2026

Leasing residual value transfer, what should I bear in mind?

When is residual value leasing worthwhile?

Can I get the leasing deposit back?

Our financial tips for 2026

Conclusion on the article: Residual value leasing simply explained

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