Over the past year, I’ve watched the UK property market closely, and one pattern keeps surfacing: buyers are increasingly looking for homes that offer more than just four walls. A tennis court is no longer a niche luxury — it’s a genuine selling point that can transform how you use your home. According to market data, there have been 7,276 homes with tennis courts listed in the year to date, down from 13,436 in 2023 and 43,930 in 2022. That drop tells me supply is tightening, which makes knowing what to look for even more important if you’re serious about buying.
That median price tag of £1.35 million tells you this isn’t a casual purchase. But the range is enormous — from under £220,000 in parts of Scotland to over £4 million in central London. The key is knowing where to look and what questions to ask before you commit. Here’s what you actually need to know.
What “apartment with tennis courts” actually means in the UK
When you search for an apartment with tennis courts in the UK, you’re usually looking at one of two things: a purpose-built block with a communal court as part of the development, or a converted country house where the grounds include a private court. The first is far more common in cities and commuter towns. The second tends to appear in the South East and the Home Counties, where 37% of available homes with courts are concentrated.
The distinction matters because it changes your costs and your rights. A communal court means you share the upkeep bill with neighbours. A private court attached to a converted mansion flat means you’re responsible for everything yourself. I’ve seen buyers assume a court is “free to use” only to discover a hefty annual levy buried in the leasehold documents.
Why the location of your court matters more than you think
Regional pricing for homes with tennis courts is wildly uneven, and that creates real opportunities if you’re flexible. In West Dunbartonshire, the average price sits at just £216,599 — less than a studio flat in parts of London. Glasgow averages £291,741. Compare that to Westminster at £4,434,566 or St Albans at £3,703,913, and you can see how dramatically the postcode changes the price.
But price isn’t the only factor. A court in Scotland faces more rain and frost, which means more frequent resurfacing. A court in the South East may get heavier use from a larger resident population. If you’re buying in a block, ask how many households share the court and whether there’s a booking system. I’ve walked developments where the court is permanently booked by the same three residents — not ideal if you were hoping to play weekly.
What I’d do in your shoes: before you fall in love with a property, ask the estate agent or management company for the last three years of maintenance records for the court. If they can’t produce them, that’s a red flag. A well-documented court is a sign of a well-run development.
Where buyers slip up when looking at apartments with tennis courts
I’ve covered the property market long enough to see the same mistakes repeat themselves. Here are the three I come across most often.
Overlooking the service charge breakdown
The biggest surprise for most buyers is the cost of maintaining a communal court. In a block of 20 apartments, the annual maintenance bill for a single court — line marking, net replacement, surface cleaning, insurance — might be £3,000 to £5,000. Split 20 ways, that’s manageable. But if the development has only six apartments and the court needs resurfacing, you could be looking at a £3,000 levy per household. Always ask for the full service charge breakdown and check whether the court is itemised separately.
Assuming the court is usable year-round
Not all courts are created equal. Some are floodlit, some aren’t. Some have all-weather surfaces, some are grass. A grass court in the UK is playable maybe six months of the year. An all-weather court with floodlights can be used almost daily. If you’re buying for regular use, check the surface type and lighting before you commit. A video doorbell won’t help with the court itself, but it’s a practical addition for any apartment — especially one with shared amenities where you want to keep an eye on deliveries and visitors.
Ignoring the leasehold restrictions
Some leasehold agreements restrict when and how you can use communal facilities. I’ve seen clauses that ban play before 9am or after 8pm, limit guest access, or require advance booking through a management portal. If you’re a competitive player who wants early morning practice, those restrictions could be a dealbreaker. Read the lease carefully, or better yet, have a property lawyer review it before you exchange contracts.
→ Scroll right to see all columns
| Location | Average price (with court) | Price change vs 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| West Dunbartonshire | £216,599 | N/A |
| Glasgow | £291,741 | N/A |
| Westminster | £4,434,566 | +19% |
| St Albans | £3,703,913 | N/A |
| North Norfolk | £3,521,153 | N/A |
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How to buy an apartment with a tennis court: a practical guide
Once you’ve decided this is the right move for you, the process is straightforward — but there are specific steps you need to take that differ from a standard apartment purchase.
Step 1: Narrow your search by region and budget
Start with the data. If your budget is under £300,000, focus on Scotland — West Dunbartonshire and Glasgow offer the best value. If you have £1 million to £2 million, the South East opens up, particularly Surrey, Sussex, and Buckinghamshire. For budgets over £3 million, Westminster, St Albans, and north Norfolk are realistic options. Use property portals with keyword filters for “tennis court” and set up alerts — these listings move fast.
Step 2: Verify the court’s condition and ownership
This is where most buyers drop the ball. You need to know: who owns the court (the freeholder, the management company, or is it part of your leasehold demise), what condition it’s in, and what the long-term maintenance plan looks like. Commission a specialist survey if the court looks worn. A real estate lawyer can check the lease to confirm your rights and obligations regarding the court.
Step 3: Check the sinking fund and service charge history
Ask the seller or management company for the last five years of service charge accounts. Look for any major works related to the court — resurfacing, floodlight replacement, fencing repairs. If the sinking fund is low and the court is due for resurfacing, factor that £17,000 cost into your negotiation. I’d also ask whether any special levies have been raised in the past and what they were for.
Step 4: Consider the future — resale and lifestyle
A tennis court can be a strong selling point when you come to move on, but only if it’s well maintained. A neglected court with cracked surfaces and broken nets is a liability, not an asset. Think about how often you’ll realistically use it. If you play twice a week, the court adds genuine value to your life. If you’re buying mainly for the prestige, you might be better off in a development with a gym or pool instead. For peace of mind once you move in, a home security starter kit can help protect both your apartment and the shared amenities.
Frequently asked questions about buying apartments with tennis courts
Can I build a tennis court if the apartment doesn’t have one? ▾
Does a tennis court increase property value? ▾
What insurance do I need for a communal tennis court? ▾
How do I find apartments with tennis courts for sale? ▾
What’s the cheapest place in the UK to buy a home with a tennis court? ▾
If you’re serious about buying an apartment with a tennis court, the key is preparation. Know your budget, check the court condition, and understand the service charge before you make an offer. The market is competitive, but with the right approach, you can find a property that works for your lifestyle and your finances. If this was useful, you might also want to read smart strategies for buying apartments in the UK.
Sources and Further Reading
Essential tips for buying an apartment in the UK — A comprehensive checklist covering surveys, leaseholds, and negotiation tactics for first-time buyers.
Want a home with a tennis court? Here’s £220k to £3.5m. Daily Mail, 2024.
Serving up style: homes for sale across the UK with tennis courts. Knight Frank, 2024.
Love all: homes with tennis courts on the market during Wimbledon. Lancaster Property Blog, 2024.
