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.

The rental market remains active in May 2026, but conditions are changing. Demand is still strong, rent growth has eased, and tenant expectations are rising. Here is what landlords should be thinking about now.

April is the final window for landlords in England to prepare for the first phase of the Renters’ Rights Act. With the new tenancy regime starting on 1 May 2026, now is the time to review paperwork, processes and whether self-management still feels realistic.

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.