From Ascot to Wimbledon: inside the summer surge in short lets

Wimbledon: tennis, tradition and demand

With its village feel and leafy surroundings, Wimbledon is one of southwest London’s most desirable addresses year-round. During June and July, however, it takes on a distinctly global profile as the Championships get underway, attracting international attention and strong demand for accommodation. 

“Some homeowners choose to let their property just for the two-week Wimbledon window, often to visiting spectators,” says Olivia Firmin, Knight Frank’s Head of Wimbledon Lettings. “Larger houses are typically taken by players and their teams, and corporate clients - and naturally, features such as a private tennis court are highly sought after. Those competing at both Queen’s and Wimbledon may stay for up to two months.”

Why homeowners are turning to short lets

Flexibility is one of the primary drivers behind the rise in seasonal short letting. “Many homeowners are away during the summer, leaving their property unoccupied,” says Jack. “Others choose to short let while their home is on the market. Working with an experienced agent enables them to secure high-quality occupants while generating additional income.”

With utilities remaining in the owner’s name, short lets can also sit outside some of the constraints associated with longer-term tenancies. “More and more homeowners are recognising that short lets offer a level of flexibility that traditional tenancies simply can’t match,” adds Keir Waddell, Knight Frank’s Head of Residential Client Advisory.

“In a market where circumstances and strategies can change quickly, retaining control over your asset - whether for personal use, future sale, or a shift in approach - is increasingly valuable. At the same time, we’re consistently seeing that, when managed properly, short lets can deliver a meaningful pricing premium. Particularly in prime locations, demand for high-quality, well-presented short-term accommodation remains strong, allowing owners to outperform standard rental levels while keeping optionality intact.”

Preparing your property for the summer season

For homeowners considering a summer let, preparation is essential. “Speed of readiness is a key factor,” advises Kavita. “Do you have a valid gas safety certificate? An Electrical Installation Condition Report? Are utilities set up and ready to go? These are all elements we work through with our clients ahead of time.”

Presentation is equally important in a competitive market. A well-maintained, thoughtfully equipped property can make a meaningful difference in attracting the right tenant. Attention to detail is also critical. “Reliable Wi-Fi, for instance, is non-negotiable,” she adds. “It may seem a small detail, but it can often determine whether a deal is secured.”