Sporting Venue Property: Scoring Big

You don’t need to be a die-hard fan to see the investment potential of owning a prime sporting venue property. Across the UK, developments overlooking cricket grounds, race circuits and golf courses are delivering impressive returns – and it’s not just about the view.

Living at the Heart of the Action: Sporting Venue Property

In South London, the iconic Kia Oval is not only a magnet for cricket enthusiasts but also for savvy property investors. Over 250,000 fans visit each summer. Soon, some may watch matches from their balconies instead of the stands.

Berkeley’s Oval Village is transforming a towering Grade II-listed Victorian gasholder next to the Oval into a striking residential development called The Halo. Comprising 199 flats – including 18 penthouses – the project offers panoramic views of the pitch, making it feel like an extension of the stadium itself. Buyers, which already include professional cricketers and cricket lovers, are snapping up units as pied-à-terres to enjoy matches in luxury.

Competitive Pricing in a Prime Zone 1 Location

Despite its enviable location and unique appeal, The Halo represents relative value. Prices start from £580,000 and rise to £4.95 million, averaging around £1,300 per square foot. By contrast, nearby Nine Elms – another regeneration hotspot – commands £1,500 to £1,600 per square foot, according to Nanette Hung, Head of Sales at The Halo.

This makes the development appealing not just for cricket fans, but also for those seeking high-spec homes in Central London without paying the highest Zone 1 premiums.

High Yields and Letting Potential: Sporting Venue Property

Proximity to sporting landmarks doesn’t just boost buyer interest – it lifts rental returns, too. Data from analytics firm Dataloft shows that properties within 500 metres of a historic sporting venue can demand up to 19% more in rent.

Hung estimates that penthouses at The Halo could command up to £11,000 per month, especially from corporate clients seeking an alternative to costly executive boxes. For comparison, renting a box at the Oval during a headline match can cost as much as £20,000 per day.

The Allure of Gasholder Developments

The trend of converting old gasholders into luxury housing isn’t limited to the Oval. King’s Cross stands out as one of the capital’s most successful regeneration areas. Consequently, buyers pay 79% more for gasholder apartments. These steel-framed structures, once industrial relics, now offer a rare blend of heritage and modern design.

Sporting Venues Boosting Property Values

Foxtons data reveals a clear pattern in rental yields. Notably, homes near major sporting venues earn 0.5% more on average. Lord’s Cricket Ground leads the pack with a yield of 6.9%, with the Oval not far behind.

It’s not just rental yields that see an uplift. In 2024, areas surrounding sports stadiums saw property values rise by 0.7% – modest, but notable compared to the average 3.8% drop across the London market.

Tennis, Golf, Racing: The Premium Continues

As Wimbledon approaches, landlords near the All England Club are preparing for a surge in demand. According to GuestReady, short-term rental prices increase by as much as 30% during the Championships. One-bedroom flats within walking distance of Centre Court are being listed for over £2,000 per week via specialist letting firms.

At Silverstone, home of the British Grand Prix, that uplift is even more dramatic. Over the race weekend in July, rental prices soar by up to 235%. A three-bedroom flat in the Escapade development – boasting uninterrupted views of the circuit – is on the market for £2.25 million. The current owner, whose son raced professionally, reportedly earns £35,000 for a four-night let during the Grand Prix.

Golf properties are also commanding a strong premium. St Andrews, known as the “home of golf”, features two townhouses overlooking the 1st and 18th holes. Moreover, they’re listed between £7.25 million and £7.75 million. Knight Frank’s Neil Scott says the three-bedroom homes fetch more than £2,000 a night in the summer season.

Up-and-Coming Opportunities: The Celebrity Effect

Some locations benefit not only from historic prestige but also a modern celebrity boost. Wrexham, for instance, saw the sharpest rise in property values across Wales last year – thanks in no small part to Ryan Reynolds’ 2020 purchase of Wrexham AFC. The club’s recent promotion to League One has kept the spotlight firmly on the town.

Birkenhead, in the Wirral, may be next. Rumours of American rapper A$AP Rocky investing in Tranmere Rovers could bring a similar spotlight effect – turning local property into a hot commodity.

Final Whistle: A Smart Play for Investors

From cricket grounds in London to championship golf in Scotland, the UK’s sporting venues are proving to be a strong play for property investors. Properties with sporting views offer strong capital growth and rental yields. Moreover, they attract loyal buyers who enjoy front-row action.

Sporting events continue to grow in scale and popularity. As a result, nearby developments stay in high demand for investors.