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.

In a landmark speech delivered in Manchester, Andy Burnham set out an ambitious vision that could significantly reshape the housing landscape. Phe unveiled plans for what he described as the largest council housebuilding programme since the post-war period—alongside a broader strategy to rebalance power, investment and opportunity across the UK.

The UK government has launched a long-anticipated consultation looking at whether the legal rights of cohabiting couples should be reformed, following a noticeable rise in property disputes involving unmarried homeowners.

The UK property market has entered 2026 with a powerful statement, as investment into the build-to-rent (BTR) sector reaches an impressive £3 billion in just the first half of the year. This marks the second-strongest start to any year on record, reinforcing the continued confidence investors have in the UK rental market.