Finding a reliable stock to buy for income isn’t always easy. But right now, institutional analysts are pointing to several compelling opportunities hiding in plain sight on the FTSE 100 and FTSE 250.

Here are three dividend stocks that experts believe deserve a closer look in May 2026.

The income heavyweights

First up is Legal & General (LSE:LGEN). As one of the UK’s largest insurance and asset management groups, it provides a host of retirement and investment management services.

The bull case is straightforward. The stock currently yields 8.7%, backed by nearly two decades of consecutive dividend growth. And several institutional analysts are pointing to Legal & General’s expanding pension risk transfer business as a powerful long-term growth engine as defined benefit schemes continue to offload their liabilities.

However, not everyone is convinced, with some analysts rightfully flagging earnings coverage. With dividends currently running slightly ahead of earnings per share, any unexpected pressure on profitability could force management to reconsider the payout trajectory.

That’s a risk worth watching closely.

Another high-yield income stock to consider is Primary Health Properties (LSE:PHP). This is a specialist tax-efficient REIT that owns and leases primary healthcare facilities as well as GP surgeries across the UK.

Please note that tax treatment depends on the individual circumstances of each client and may be subject to change in future. The content in this article is provided for information purposes only. It is not intended to be, neither does it constitute, any form of tax advice.

‘Dependable’ is probably one of the best words to describe its dividend, with the healthcare landlord raising shareholder payouts for 28 years in a row, underpinned by long-term leases predominantly funded by the NHS.

However, it’s important to highlight that while renting the majority of its properties to the NHS, the REIT is somewhat captured by its flagship customer.

The UK government has significant negotiating leverage when it comes to renewing leases. And if political priorities shift, budget cuts to certain parts of the NHS could translate into expiring leases not being renewed.

That’s potentially a big problem given that higher interest rates are already putting pressure on cash flows and, in turn, dividends.

A consumer retail dark horse

Another pick from the experts is Dunelm Group (LSE:DNLM) – the UK’s leading homewares retailer, selling everything from bedding and curtains to furniture through its nationwide store network and rapidly growing online channel.

Analysts at Barclays and Berenberg both have Buy ratings, citing Dunelm’s exceptional cash generation and management’s consistent ability to grow market share even in tough consumer environments. The icing on the cake? The board recently declared a special dividend of 25p per share on top of its regular payout.

That’s certainly an encouraging sign for investors looking for a new income stock. However, it’s important to highlight the group’s sensitivity to the British consumer.

If UK household spending comes under renewed pressure from higher taxes or sticky inflation, discretionary homewares purchases are often one of the first things customers cut back on.

The bottom line

These are three very different businesses. But while none are perfect, they are all currently generating strong cash flows that are being used to reward shareholders with impressive yields.

Out of the three, Primary Health Properties looks like it’s the most secure in my eyes. But all three deserve a closer look. So, for income-focused investors hunting for a quality stock to buy this month, these might be worth mulling over.