Padel is experiencing a surge in popularity. What began as a curiosity with four glass walls, a mini-tennis court, and a quirky mix of squash and ping-pong is quickly becoming the continent's favourite social racket sport.
We dive into what makes this sport so special, the property trends it's driving, and what you need to know when looking to source the perfect padel site.
What is Padel?
Padel is a racket sport that blends elements of tennis and squash. Played in doubles on an enclosed court about a third the size of a tennis court, Padel is fast, dynamic, and easy to pick up, especially for those who find tennis too technical or physically demanding.
Key features of padel:
- Enclosed court: Surrounded by glass and mesh walls that keep the ball in play longer
- Smaller court size: Allows for quicker reflex-based rallies, increasing accessibility
- Low barrier to entry: Players don't need years of training or elite fitness to enjoy it
Born in Mexico in the 1960s and gaining popularity in Spain in the 1990s, Padel is now conquering the UK — and bringing significant opportunities for property development and urban land use with it.
Why Padel is booming in the UK
Padel's simplicity is a huge part of its appeal. It takes just 20 minutes to grasp the basics, and the enclosed court keeps the ball in play, making it easy for beginners to enjoy sustained rallies. The sport is engaging, fun, and ideal for social groups and families.
Celebrity endorsements from the likes of David Beckham, Andy Murray, and Zlatan Ibrahimović, as well as support from the Lawn Tennis Association, have enhanced its credibility. In addition, the post-COVID shift toward outdoor, low-contact activities has further enhanced its appeal among the masses.
With its mix of sport and socialising, Padel is stepping into the space once held by golf — a go-to activity for leisure, networking, and light competition.
UK growth trends and key stats
Here's a snapshot of current trends:
- Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 32% in Padel participation from 2022 to 2025
- Growth from 150 to over 600 courts nationwide is forecast by the end of 2025
- Over 89,000 active players in 2024, expected to surpass 150,000 by 2026
- £60–£100/hour average court rental fee, creating strong revenue potential
- Growth in hybrid venues, e.g. Padel with F&B, coworking, fitness, and event spaces
London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Leeds are at the forefront, but emerging hotspots are appearing in commuter belts and affluent suburbs — ideal for operators targeting middle-class professionals and family segments.
What developers are looking for in Padel sites
At Nimbus, we've seen a notable rise in developer interest around Padel-specific schemes and mixed-use developments that incorporate Padel. Here's what operators and developers are prioritising:
1. Space efficiency
A key attraction is padel's high ROI per square metre:
- A single court requires less than 200 sqm - with some flexibility depending on wall structure and circulation space.
- Covered courts are preferred, as they allow for year-round operation and bookings. This makes Padel commercially attractive in urban infill plots, underutilised industrial units, or on rooftops and repurposed land.
2. High-footfall, accessible locations
Developers are scouting for:
- Brownfield sites that are located near town centres, retail parks, or transport nodes
- Retail-to-leisure conversions, especially post-COVID high street recovery schemes
- Former car parks, old gyms, or light industrial units, particularly those with good ceiling height and vehicular access
3. Community and commercial synergy
Padel works well as a "community anchor", drawing footfall and cross-promotion with other businesses. Operators want to plug into existing social infrastructure:
- Coffee shops, coworking spaces, boutique fitness studios
- Office parks and business hubs are seeking tenant wellness amenities
- Active travel links for eco-conscious users (cycling/walking)
Limitations and challenges in Padel site development
- Planning permission: The installation of Padel courts often raises some points of contention among nearby residents. For example, the noise from ball strikes and animated players, as well as floodlighting that's usually required with outdoor courts. Local authorities may also be unfamiliar with Padel-specific applications, requiring detailed engagement and potentially lengthy approval processes.
- Land availability: In densely populated urban areas, land prices can make Padel-only schemes economically unviable. This often prompts developers to pursue joint ventures, temporary installations, or modular construction approaches that reduce both costs and risks.
- Operator maturity: The UK Padel scene is still relatively young, and some developers report difficulty finding experienced operators with proven business models. Additionally, securing finance can be a challenge when pre-let agreements are absent and investor confidence is still building.
Nimbus: Your Padel site sourcing advantage
For developers and investors, Nimbus offers powerful tools to identify, assess, and secure Padel sites:
- Search by use class and planning history: Instantly spot sites with relevant permissions (e.g. D2/E class for leisure use), and review past applications for padel or similar schemes.
- Land and ownership intelligence: Access landowner contact details and tenure information, identify off-market opportunities, and facilitate JV discussions more quickly.
- Demographic and footfall layers: Assess affluence, catchment area, and activity levels to pinpoint neighbourhoods with optimal player demographics and demand.
- Local plan and planning constraints: Filter out sites with Green Belt, flood zones, or conservation restrictions to speed up your due diligence and minimise wasted effort.
The future of padel in the UK
Padel is rapidly transitioning from a niche to a mainstream sport in the UK. Its rise is not just a sporting phenomenon, but a shift in how people engage with wellness, community, and urban space.
For developers, it represents an opportunity to future-proof leisure offerings, revitalise unused land, and meet growing demand for inclusive, sustainable recreation. For landowners and local authorities, Padel can serve as a catalyst for placemaking, job creation, and community engagement.
At Nimbus, we're excited to enable this transformation, helping landowners and innovators bring Padel to new audiences, spaces, and communities.
Could Padel be the new golf? The numbers suggest it already is. The real question now is: Where will you build next?
Begin your search today. Request your personalised demo with Nimbus now.