Sales of second-hand laptops rose by seven percent in the fourth quarter of last year. Component shortages and the associated price pressure make second-hand devices an affordable alternative.
Amidst ongoing memory shortages, sales of refurbished laptops are on the rise, according to a report by market observer Context. Sales of second-hand laptops increased by seven percent year-on-year in the fourth quarter of 2025. This represents an increase across Europe’s five largest markets: Italy, the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, and France. According to the market analyst, the affordability of second-hand laptops is one of the major drivers.
Affordability
“Our latest analysis shows that second-life computing is definitively entering the mainstream, with the UK emerging as the fastest-growing market in Europe,” said Jacky Chang, ESG specialist at Context. Sales of second-hand laptops in the United Kingdom doubled in 2025.
According to the report, the price range for budget-friendly notebooks from 200 to 300 euros continues to dominate, accounting for approximately 40 percent of sales. The slightly more expensive segment, between 300 and 400 euros, grew from 15 percent of the market in 2024 to 23 percent in 2025. Consumers therefore seem willing to spend a bit more for better specifications.
Component shortage
The memory shortage also plays a role in the increasing demand for second-hand laptops. The persistent shortage of components and price pressure in the primary market ensure that retailers with refurbished devices still have an affordable alternative.
“With ongoing component shortages and price pressure in the primary market, refurbished devices offer retailers the opportunity to protect margins while meeting consumer demand for affordable computers,” the report states. Furthermore, it refers to the upcoming EU Right to Repair Directive, which officially comes into force in July 2026. This directive is expected to further increase the availability of repairable devices and spare parts.
“Refurbished is no longer a secondary niche. It is becoming a structural feature of the European PC market, led by a price-conscious and increasingly sustainability-conscious consumer base,” the report concludes.