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.

Stamp Duty is one of the biggest reasons the UK property market has slowed, restricting movement and causing deals to fall through. Research shows removing this outdated tax—especially for property traders—could dramatically boost transactions and help get the market moving again.

As borrowing costs climb back to levels last seen in late 2023, landlords are being forced to rethink not only how they finance their portfolios, but how they sustain profitability in a more challenging and complex market.

Reports that Rachel Reeves is considering a potential one-year rent freeze across England have sparked widespread discussion—and concern—throughout the property industry. While the proposal is still in its early stages, its potential impact is already being closely analysed, particularly in high-demand cities like Birmingham.