By Rebecca Whitehead
The year has begun promisingly in the rental market, with a steady flow of new instructions and an impressive number of landlords entering the market for the first time. Investor confidence remains high, driven by consistently strong rental values and quick turnaround times on lettings. With the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act (RRA), many new tenancies are also expected to become longer?term, welcome news for landlords seeking stability.
While demand is robust, the rental market continues to face certain pressures. With rents now at record levels, it’s crucial that tenants can meet referencing criteria. This is even more important as the abolition of Section 21 “no?fault” evictions comes into effect on 1 May, meaning tenant selection must be approached with care. We strongly recommend using a registered, professional agent to manage referencing, ensure compliance and reduce future risk.
While the new legislation may create some uncertainty, we do not anticipate a negative impact on rental yields. In fact, the opposite may be true. The RRA still permits annual rental increases and places no additional restrictions on setting market?value rents. The key message for landlords is clear: don’t panic when forecasting yields, the fundamentals remain stable.
There has also never been a better time for landlords to protect their investment. Rental and legal protection insurance provides reassurance in a market undergoing significant legislative change.
With legislative change comes the need for clarity, compliance and expert guidance. Selecting the right agent ensures you fully understand any potential pitfalls and remain protected as regulations evolve. At Gascoigne Halman we pride ourselves on ensuring all our landlord clients are fully briefed on the changes underway. For a full recap of the RRA – please visit our YouTube channel and watch the videos we recorded late last year.
Top?Performing Areas: Didsbury & Sale
Our strongest-performing investment locations continue to be Didsbury and Sale, two areas characterised by exceptionally high demand from young, professional tenants. These vibrant, transient neighbourhoods consistently deliver excellent occupancy rates and attractive yields.
Landlords in these areas are achieving around 7% yields, supported by strong demand and rapid lettings. If you’re looking to add to your portfolio in 2026, this is a very safe bet.
