April is a good time for buyers to focus on readiness rather than guesswork. In a market where choice has improved but confidence remains mixed, being organised can make all the difference when the right home comes along.

May is a key month for sellers, but more homes are competing for attention. If you are thinking of moving this spring, here is how the current market is shaping buyer behaviour and what helps a home stand out.

A few weeks ago, we published our guide on preparing for the Renters' Rights Act ahead of the 1 May 2026 deadline. Since then, we have been speaking to landlords across the region every day — and the honest truth is that many are further behind than they realise.

If you read our recent guide on the upcoming rental reforms, you will know that the biggest changes to the private rented sector in a generation are just around the corner. Phase 1 of the Renters' Rights Act comes into effect on 1 May 2026, and for landlords, the time to prepare is now, not next month.