Second hand vinyl records in the UK: where to buy used LPs online and in person, and how to check a record before you pay. A used copy of a well-known album often costs less than a new pressing. When we checked 11 classic albums on 30 October 2026, the cheapest used copy for sale cost less than the new price for 8 of them.
Table of Contents
Used vinyl LPs for sale now
Second-hand albums graded VG+ or better by the seller, which means light signs of play at most. The list refreshes every day.
Where to buy second hand vinyl in the UK
- Online marketplaces. The widest choice, from £3 singles to rare first pressings, with photos and a grade for each record. Buyer protection covers items that do not arrive or are not as described.
- Charity shops. Still good for cheap finds. Oxfam runs dedicated music shops in several cities, such as Southampton, where vinyl is the main stock alongside 7-inch singles and 78s (Oxfam).
- Record shops and fairs. Dealers grade their stock and let you look at the record before you buy. Fairs are also the place to haggle.
- Car boot sales and house clearances. Hit and miss, but the cheapest source of all, especially if you are happy to buy a whole box. Our guide to vinyl job lots covers buying in bulk.
Looking for something specific? These links open current used listings by genre:
- Rock on vinyl, used
- Soul and funk on vinyl, used
- Jazz on vinyl, used
- Punk and new wave on vinyl, used
- Reggae on vinyl, used
- Classical on vinyl, used
For blues records, see our guide to blues vinyl.
How vinyl grading works
Most UK sellers use the same grading scale, with one grade for the record and one for the sleeve:
- Mint (M). Unplayed and perfect. Rarely used for second-hand records.
- Near Mint (NM or M-). Looks almost unplayed, with no marks on the playing surface.
- Very Good Plus (VG+). Light marks that do not affect play. The best grade for most buyers who want a record to listen to.
- Very Good (VG). Surface noise in quiet passages and visible marks, but plays through without skipping.
- Good (G) and Poor (P). Heavy noise and wear. Worth buying only if the record is rare or very cheap.
Our Beatles vinyl guide goes into more detail with examples.
What to check before you buy
- Photos of the actual record. Stock photos tell you nothing about condition. Ask for pictures of both sides under a bright light if they are missing.
- The exact pressing. Check the catalogue number and the label in the photos, especially if you are paying extra for an early pressing. Our guide to rare vinyl explains what to look for.
- Postage and packing. A record should travel in a proper LP mailer with the disc out of the sleeve, so the sleeve does not split in transit.
- Your rights. Buying online from a business gives you 14 days to cancel after delivery without giving a reason (GOV.UK). Private sellers do not have to offer this, so read the returns policy first.
Buying on a budget
Plenty of used LPs sell for under a tenner. Our page of vinyl records under £10 lists the cheapest ones available today, and the cheap vinyl shop covers new records at £20 or less. Still need something to play them on? See our guide to the best cheap record players.
Second hand vinyl questions
Is second hand vinyl worth buying?
Yes, if you check the condition. A record graded VG+ plays well and often costs much less than a new pressing. Older pressings of some albums are also preferred by collectors for their sound.
Can second hand records damage a stylus?
Dirt can wear a stylus faster and make records sound worse. Clean used records before playing them, with a carbon fibre brush for light dust or a proper cleaning fluid for grime.
What does VG+ mean on a record?
Very Good Plus. The record shows light signs of play, such as faint marks, but plays without obvious noise. It is the most common grade for well-kept second-hand records.
How much does a second hand LP cost?
Common albums in good condition usually sell for £5 to £20. Classic albums in demand and early pressings can cost far more, sometimes more than a new copy.