The rental market continues to shift, with new rules, rising rents and affordability pressures all shaping landlord decisions. July is a good time to review your property and your plans.

A fresh coat of paint can help, but missing paperwork can delay a sale for months. Use August to prepare the information buyers and solicitors will need before an offer is agreed.

Scrolling property portals is useful, but registering with an estate agency can give buyers a more personal, proactive search experience, especially when the right home is about to come to market.

Are you spending your time growing your portfolio, or simply running it? In this week's article, Katie explores the difference between being a landlord and being a property investor, and why shifting your focus from day-to-day management to long-term strategy could transform both your returns and your lifestyle.