Why locals are struggling to rent their homes for Wimbledon this year

By Blaise Cloran

Wimbledon locals say they can make up to $26,000 by renting out their homes during the tournament — but there has been less interest this year after line judges were axed.

The All England Club (AELTC) announced it would not be hiring the usual 300 officials for its famed grass courts in 2025 — breaking 148 years of tradition.

Instead, around 80 "match assistants" were employed, with Hawk-Eye ball-tracking technology doing the majority of 'line calling': telling players if their shots are in or out.

The move caused controversy in the tennis world and has had a surprising knock-on effect for the residents of the area.

Previously, line judges from across the world would descend on the southwest London suburb, perhaps renting a room or a house during the fortnight.

But after the AELTC's decision — which has continued for the 2026 tournament — locals say they have seen lower interest in homes.

Catherine Bailey, who is in her 60s, lives a 15-minute walk from Center Court.

She 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 anymore. They have replaced them with cameras.”

Bailey says she herself was offered $26,000 for three weeks in her three-bedroom detached property, which she turned down.

She added: "My kids are in college and I didn’t know where we would go.

“You have to empty all your stuff as they want the house to be minimalistic, they don’t want any personal stuff."

Bailey, who has lived locally for 10 years, said the AELTC has been making “quite the effort” with residents in recent years following plans to expand the grounds.

The $260 million expansion plans include building 38 new tennis courts and an 8,000-seat stadium on Wimbledon Park Golf Club land.

The plans were met with opposition and a legal row from The Save Wimbledon Park campaign group (SWP), who believe it will ruin the beauty of the surrounding green area.

Bailey 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.”

Simon Blenkiron, 50, had an offer to rent out his bedroom just days before the championships — but said he was thwarted by the UK's soaring temperatures.

He said: “We thought about offering $4,550 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.

“When you are walking around in your underwear because it is so hot — it’s not a good look when you have strangers in your house. Although, I would have spent the money on air conditioning.”

Inga Harris, who has lived in the area for six years, said residents often see famous players coming and going from their matches.

Harris, 58, said: “Serena Williams lived right around the corner a few years ago. It makes total sense as you can walk to the tournament.

“We see tons of players walk past; Jannik Sinner walked past my husband and me last year.

“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.

“I have heard people can get upwards of $19,500 for renting their house out in the area.”

The brand Wilson Tennis rented out a house for three weeks for their global team to host events and network with players attending the tournament.

Wilson 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.

“It is special because at other Grand Slams we have to commute to go to the site.

“Tennis was not the most welcoming sport originally, it was secured for the wealthy, so to see the origins and how it has transformed over time is so special.

“From a brand side, being able to walk to see agents and have players come to our house is also special.

“We host parties where agents come and we chat with them. We have athlete appointments too and we present gear.”

When asked about the cost of renting the house for the brand, they joked “it costs coin,” but explained it is easier than a hotel.