UK PADEL BOOM triggers a surge in program applications as nearly 17,000 development sites identified
Padel’s rapid rise in the UK is exacerbating the wave of planned activity, with new figures showing a 113% increase in court applications in 2024 alone.
According to new data released by Land and Planning Insight Platform Searchland, the sport’s continued popularity has unlocked nearly 17,000 potential development sites nationwide.
Padel is a fast-paced racket sport that combines elements of tennis and pumpkin – has become one of the fastest growing sports in the UK. According to the Lawn Tennis Association, the number of participants in the sport has increased from 89,000 in 2021 to more than 400,000 by the end of 2024. This unprecedented growth, coupled with relatively low setup costs and compact court dimensions, makes PADEL a major opportunity for investors, developers, developers and local authorities.
Searchland data shows that the number of planned applications related to PADEL has increased dramatically in recent years. In 2021, only 53 applications were submitted. This increased to 82 in 2022, then nearly doubled in 2023, jumping to 348 last year, up 113% per year. In 2025, 295 applications have been filed, and the company’s projects will rise to 544 by the end of the year, an additional 56%.
The platform also identified a wide range of undeveloped site pipelines that are well suited for PADEL development. It estimates that there are currently 16,851 “existing destination opportunities” – sports venues such as golf courses, racket clubs and football facilities, suitable for Padel. These locations are usually located in or near urban areas where there is a high demand for leisure activities. London alone accounts for 1,086 of these opportunities, with 47 of them already submitting application for the program. Other cities with strong development potential include Bristol, with 206 locations, followed by Edinburgh, Leeds and Manchester.
In addition to sports venues, Searchland has identified 15,742 commercial properties across the UK, suitable for PADEL conversion. These include underutilized buildings or areas that can accommodate Padel Courts and locate in areas that are likely to be captured. London once again peaked with 929 such sites, followed by Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, Bradford and Sheffield.
In addition to permanent locations, Searchland has identified 674 “short-term PADEL investment opportunities”. These are large-scale development areas (e.g., housing estates with longer construction plans) where PADEL courts can be temporarily installed to generate revenue before the full development begins. In many cases, these courts can be removed when needed or retained as features of the final project. London is home to 151 of these short-term opportunities, while Bristol and Birmingham also offer potential.
Hugh Gibbs, co-founder of Searchland, said of the findings that the rise in Padel’s popularity is more than just a cultural moment—a clear market signal.
“The extraordinary growth in Padel’s popularity is not only a trend,” he said. “This is a powerful signal for landowners, developers and local authorities. The combination of participation, relatively low setup costs and strong ROI potential makes PADEL an ideal complement to temporary and permanent development programs.”
Nearly 17,000 locations have been identified as major opportunities, and the potential for growth is enormous. As interest continues to grow and demand supply in many areas, Padel quickly becomes one of the most attractive sports investments in the UK, providing developers with unique opportunities to meet the interests of the country’s active, community-driven space.
