Long-term non-car rental : a solution still underutilized
Numerous advantages to long-term leasing (LLD) excluding cars
In 2025, the consumption behavior of the French continues to evolve, marked by a renewed relationship with property. Now, nearly one in two French people (48%) consider that owning a good or equipment is no longer as essential as before — a trend that is up 7 points compared to 2021.
This detachment from possession is even more pronounced among younger generations: 54% of those under 35 share this view. People aged 50 and over are also 42% in this case, a gap of 12 points compared to young people.
In this context of questioning ownership, long-term leasing without cars is a solution offering many advantages. Three main dimensions stand out:
-Flexibility of use: For 61% of French people, the LLD allows them to test a good or equipment before purchasing it, which meets a growing need for freedom and adaptability in consumption patterns. The possibility of “trial consumption” is seen as reassuring, especially in a technological environment where products are evolving rapidly.-Easier access to innovation: The LLD also represents an opportunity to remain at the forefront of technology without significantly reducing its budget and recurring. Indeed, 45% of respondents say they might consider using the LLD precisely to access new equipment, which is difficult to finance otherwise.-A more sustainable and responsible choice: The ecological dimension is also valued.55% of French people believe that long-term leasing is a more sustainable option than buying (+5 points compared to 2021). This perception is part of a broader expectation around the responsibility of the brands: 8 out of 10 French consider it important that the actors of the LLD actively engage in favor of the second life of the equipment offered.
Finally, from a practical point of view, the LLD is interesting to meet a need for one-off equipment (51%), not to manage product breakdowns and repairs (34%) or to allow the use of equipment beyond the financial reach at purchase (26%).
Non-automotive LLD: a solution to support tight budgets
In a context marked by concerns about purchasing power, the LLD appears to be an economically advantageous solution for some consumers. For 31% of French people, renting a property is even more profitable than buying it. And even 4 out of 10 agree that the context of declining purchasing power encourages them to consider the LLD rather than purchasing (39%).
Thus, the maximum monthly amounts envisaged for renting different types of property are less than €20: -€19.5 for high-tech products-€19 for household appliances -€14.5 for soft mobility products
These small amounts, however, testify to the difficulty for the LLD to make its way: the French are on average 45% not willing to pay even 1 euro to rent these equipment.
A practice still marginal, held back by negative perceptions
Despite these perceived benefits, the effective use of long-term leasing outside the car industry is still very limited: only 11% of French people say they have used it, including 6% only once, and 5% several times. Among the most popular products for this option are: 1.High-tech products: 36%2.One vehicle without an engine (bicycle, scooter, etc.): 30%3.Small household appliance products: 27%
This low level of recourse can be explained in particular by persistent psychological obstacles. Thus, the anticipated cost is generally perceived as high: 34% are disinterested in the LLD because they fear paying more than for a purchase.
Beyond the financial aspect, it is mainly psychological and practical obstacles that weigh on the development of the LLD. The lack of associated services, including guarantees, is a major concern: 87% of respondents fear that they will not receive sufficient support in the event of a problem. In addition, 85% of French people consider subscription procedures complex, which discourages many of them from taking the plunge. Finally, the perceived rigidity of the model is an additional brake: 81% fear that they will not be able to change equipment easily according to the evolution of their needs.
In short, while the non-automotive LLD is attractive on paper, it still suffers from a lack of readability, confidence and flexibility in its practical implementation.
This study confirms a profound change in consumption patterns: the French are increasingly looking for flexible, responsible uses adapted to their budget, rather than the ownership of the equipment they use. At Sofinco, we support this transformation by offering solutions that contribute to the circular economy and enable consumers to equip themselves differently, according to their real needs and financial capacity.
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About SofinscopeSofinscope is the barometer of Sofinco, a Crédit Agricole Personal Finance & Mobility brand. Intended to survey the French on their consumption habits and to better understand them, this barometer which is part of the daily lives of the French is carried out by OpinionWay for Sofinco, with representative samples of the French population.This study was conducted on a sample of 1,069 people, representative of the French population aged 18 and over. The sample was selected according to the quota method, taking into account the criteria of sex, age, socio-occupational category, agglomeration category and region of residence. The interviews were conducted from 4 to 6 June 2025 by self-administered online questionnaire on a CAWI (Computer Assisted Web Interview) system. All the results are available online on the Sofinscope website: the barometer that gives you a head start on consumption
About SofincoIn France, Sofinco is the trademark of Crédit Agricole Personal Finance & Mobility, which distributes a wide range of loans to individuals and associated services across all distribution channels: direct sales, point-of-sale financing (home equipment) and partnerships. Sofinco offers flexible, responsible solutions tailored to the needs of its customers and partners (major retail, specialized and institutional retailers). Google’s UX Finance 2023 Benchmark has awarded Sofinco.fr the title of “Best Mobile Customer Journey”. For more information : www.sofinco.fr