The latest figures from UK Finance offer a fascinating snapshot of the UK’s buy-to-let sector as we moved through the final quarter of 2025. On the surface, the numbers paint a picture of growth and resilience—but as with much of today’s property market, the reality is more nuanced. Activity is up, but confidence remains cautious.

The UK rental market is entering a period of significant change, with new research suggesting that tenants could face increased housing costs from 2027 as landlords respond to upcoming tax changes. Combined with the wider economic backdrop shaped by interest rate decisions, this signals a pivotal moment for both landlords and renters across UK.

With new legislation coming into force from 1 May 2026, tenants across the private rented sector will have the legal right to request permission to keep a pet, & crucially, landlords will no longer be able to unreasonably refuse. While this marks a positive step for animal lovers, it also reshapes the way tenancies are assessed, agreed, & managed.

As we move through May 2026, buyers are seeing more homes come to market, but affordability still matters. Here is what today’s mix of greater choice, steady demand and higher mortgage costs means if you are planning a move.