There's no getting around the fact that April has been an unusual month to try to read the property market. The ripple effects of the conflict in the Middle East — higher energy prices, inflation concerns, rising mortgage rates — have introduced a level of uncertainty that nobody was anticipating at the start of the year.

May is a key month for sellers, but more homes are competing for attention. If you are thinking of moving this spring, here is how the current market is shaping buyer behaviour and what helps a home stand out.

April is a good time for buyers to focus on readiness rather than guesswork. In a market where choice has improved but confidence remains mixed, being organised can make all the difference when the right home comes along.

For tenants, April is a useful point to pause and plan. With rents still rising across the UK and the first phase of rental reform approaching in England, this is a good time to review your budget, renewal options and next move.