Residents of Wimbledon have traditionally earned up to £20,000 by renting out their homes during the tennis championships, but demand has dropped after the All England Club (AELTC) replaced line judges with Hawk-eye technology. The decision, announced in 2025, ended 148 years of tradition and eliminated the need for the usual 300 officials, replacing them with around 80 match assistants and ball-tracking cameras.
Decline in rental interest
Catherine Bailey, a 60-year-old resident living a 15-minute walk from Centre Court, said: "There is a lot less of it now as they used to rent out houses to all the line judges and they aren't there any more. They have replaced them with cameras." Ms Bailey herself turned down an offer of £20,000 for three weeks in her three-bedroom detached home, citing the inconvenience of vacating and storing personal belongings.
Simon Blenkiron, 50, had an offer to rent his bedroom for £3,500 just days before the championships but declined due to soaring temperatures. "We thought about offering £3,500 for the room. It's a lot, but we were going to have to give up our bedroom and sleep at the top of the house. It is just too hot to do it this year," he said, adding that the heat made walking around in minimal clothing uncomfortable with strangers present.
Impact of AELTC expansion plans
The AELTC's £200 million expansion plans, which include building 38 new tennis courts and an 8,000-seat stadium on Wimbledon Park Golf Club land, have also stirred local sentiment. The Save Wimbledon Park campaign group opposed the project, citing harm to green space. Ms Bailey noted the AELTC has been "making quite the effort" with residents to mitigate opposition, but she added: "I don't think we need more show courts for two weeks of the year but it is a huge industry. They are trying to keep us sweet all the time."
Ongoing rental opportunities
Despite the decline, some residents still see high earnings. Inga Harris, 58, who has lived in the area for six years, said: "I have heard people can get upwards of £15,000 for renting their house out in the area." She noted that famous players often walk past, recalling Serena Williams living nearby and Jannik Sinner passing her and her husband last year.
Brand Wilson Tennis rented a house for three weeks to host events and network with players. Tour manager Juan Diego Cuadrado, 35, said: "For us at Wilson, staying in Wimbledon village is the most special part of our year. I feel connected with the roots and origins of tennis and how far it has come." He noted that renting a house is easier than a hotel, though the cost is significant.
Local perspectives
Residents acknowledge minor frustrations from road closures during the tournament but generally accept the disruption. Ms Harris said: "I can understand why residents might get frustrated at people renting out their homes in the area, they close off all the roads here and people get a little annoyed, but it is all very minor."
