Secondary laptop market goes 'mainstream' amid memory crunch

"Affordability is the primary driver in the secondhand segment, the analyst says, with around 40 percent of sales driven by budget-conscious users shopping in the €200 to €300 price band for laptops. The €300 to €400 tier is also expanding - representing 23 percent of the refurbished market, up from 15 percent a year earlier - indicating some buyers are prepared to spend a bit more for improved specifications."

"Our latest analysis shows second-life computing moving decisively into the mainstream, with the UK emerging as the fastest-growing market in Europe, said Context's environmental, social, and governance (ESG) specialist Jacky Chang in a statement. Sales volumes of refurbed devices in Britain effectively doubled in 2025, meaning it surpassed Germany as the largest market on the continent. We asked Context for unit volumes but it declined to provide the figures."

"The relatively upbeat tone contrasts with some mixed sales forecasts for new devices. Prices are already heading north and are projected to continue in that direction. Memory chipmakers are prioritizing production of high-value memory parts used in AI datacenter applications, rather than the types used for PCs, smartphones, and other devices. Amid ongoing component shortages and pricing pressure in the primary market, refurbished devices present a more affordable option."

Sales of refurbished PCs via distribution climbed 7 percent in calendar Q4 across Italy, the UK, Germany, Spain, and France. Around 40 percent of refurbished laptop sales occur in the €200–€300 price band, while the €300–€400 tier expanded to 23 percent from 15 percent a year earlier. The UK became the fastest-growing market, with British refurbed device volumes effectively doubling in 2025 and surpassing Germany. New-device prices are increasing as memory chipmakers prioritize high-value parts for AI datacenters over PC and smartphone memory. Component shortages and pricing pressure make refurbished devices a more affordable alternative, with EU Right to Repair legislation due July 2026.

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