What it’s like to live next to Wimbledon, the venue for the most famous tennis tournament in the world

LONDON – For 50 weeks a year, the southwest London borough of Merton is considered by many Londoners to be an almost sleepy part of the vast capital, offering quiet, open spaces and – often expensive – family-friendly housing to only 200,000 of London’s estimated nine million residents.

However, when more than 500,000 people – a group equivalent to the population of Atlanta, Georgia – flock to the world-famous Wimbledon tennis tournament for two weeks each summer, the impact on the surrounding buildings is, as you would expect, enormous.

But for homeowners and renters in the area where the tournament has been held nearly every year since 1877, it’s more of a showpiece – for some, even a financial opportunity – than an obstacle that overwhelms their neighborhood for two weeks.

“The enduring popularity of tennis has long kept the local property market in people’s consciousness,” said Cory Askew, head of Savills Estate Agents in Wimbledon. “While there are a variety of reasons why people choose to live here, it’s fair to say that one of the reasons international renters and buyers in particular are attracted to or become aware of the area is because of the Championships and the references to Wimbledon in popular culture.”

In terms of population, Merton is the sixth smallest of London’s 32 boroughs, but the 12th most expensive, according to a 2023 report from the Office of National Statistics. While the name “Wimbledon” may draw many people to the area, it’s the area’s renowned school system, tree-lined streets, sense of community, as well as its proximity to central London – just a 16-minute train ride away – and that bit of extra space you might not get elsewhere in the city that keep property interest high and supply low.

“Ultimately, Wimbledon is a global event in a local setting,” said Laura Watts, head of lettings at Knight Frank Estate Agents. “There’s a real community spirit and a sense of local pride. Honestly, it just has such charm and it’s so British.”

“Wimbledon has always been a desirable place to live due to its proximity to central London as well as the excellent schools and green spaces on Wimbledon Common,” said Askew. “Away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, Wimbledon Village has a very family atmosphere, which is why it is often very popular with families who want to experience a taste of country living whilst being conveniently located for everything the capital has to offer. We see a real mosaic of nationalities looking to settle locally, including people from Europe and Asia Pacific, as well as many North American clients who find that Wimbledon meets many of their requirements in terms of lifestyle and property.”

Perhaps it is the quiet, provincial character and flair of Wimbledon that draws people to the area all year round, but local residents – both landlords and tenants – know they can capitalise on their location when the world’s tennis elite make the sleepy village their temporary home for a few weeks.

“People often rent their properties to many of the well-known tennis players, their coaches and physical therapists,” Watts said. “A lot of people, especially on the main road that leads to the tennis courts, also rent their driveways to food trucks. Then there are the broadcasters who want to rent properties for a longer period of time.”

“It’s a busy place,” Watts continued. “And when the bigger houses are full, the residents will move away for a few weeks and with the money they earn from renting, they can fund a new kitchen, school fees, a vacation or whatever. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved.”

The world watches the Wimbledon Championships for two weeks each summer, but it’s important to remember that even when spectators aren’t glued to their seats watching the world’s best tennis players duel, the stadium complex is home to a thriving community.

“The Championships undoubtedly adds to the attractiveness of the area and there is a real excitement and atmosphere locally in the run-up to the tournament,” said Askew. “Any impact of the Championships, such as increased attendance, is far outweighed by the benefits it brings, particularly to local businesses thanks to the influx of visitors. The All England Club also involves the local community through a variety of outreach activities throughout the year, including an Open Weekend which is always well attended as it gives Wimbledon residents the chance to see the Championship trophies up close and gives children the chance to play mini tennis with coaches.”

For most people, having half a million people on their doorstep for two weeks a year would be enough of an incentive to live elsewhere. But the historic and sustained integration of the tournament and the local community over the past 157 years has turned what could be seen as a negative into a huge benefit for the community, according to Christopher Bruton, sales director at Knight Frank.

“The vast majority of people in the area, as well as the tremendous hospitality of the local community, are welcoming the tournament,” said Bruton. “They know it’s happening and that there’s going to be a lot of hustle and bustle over the next few weeks, but they just enjoy having it on their own doorstep and having the opportunity to watch it.”

“The overwhelming majority of local residents love the excitement the tournament generates. It is a smooth-running event for visitors and residents alike, and the numerous public transportation options serving the tournament also help to control traffic,” Askew added. “And for those who are not interested in tennis or would rather avoid the large crowds in the area, the tournament provides an excellent opportunity to rent out their property or even their driveway on a short-term basis to take advantage of the event.”

And the lucky few may even be able to host one or two famous players in their homes during the championship.

“Some tennis players are very superstitious and take the same properties every year. Some don’t mind at all as long as they’re close to the stadium,” said Watts. “There are even well-known and high-profile tennis players who move around a lot. It’s funny because Americans often want air conditioning in their rental properties, but Australians don’t usually care because the English weather seems cold to them. So everyone has their little quirks.”

“Tall guys might want a walk-in shower,” Watts continued. “Some want to stay with their coaches and physios and their girlfriends or boyfriends and their coaches. Others want to be separated from them. So it’s very individual. There are no hard and fast rules about what they want during the championship phase.”

The competition on the hallowed ground of Wimbledon may end each year when the champions raise their trophies on Centre Court, but just outside the stadium gates you can be sure that a very different competition in the property market is just beginning.