Due to the growing attraction and popularity of the sport, the number of planning applications for padel courts in the UK increased by almost 113% in 2024. Searchland data indicates that this momentum is anticipated to last until 2025. Investors, landowners, and government agencies are showing interest in the over 17,000 locations across the country that have been found to be suitable for padel development.

Padel’s attractiveness and distinctive footprint support its growth.

Padel blends the close-quarters thrill of squash with the dynamic nature of tennis. Because of its small court size—two padel courts may be placed in the same area as one tennis court—it is a popular choice for high-density recreation areas and urban planning. Developers can provide lively, social experiences without significant infrastructure barriers because to this space efficiency, which also makes building less expensive.

Increased participation rates increase the possibilities for investment.

By the end of 2024, there were over 400,000 padel players in Britain, compared to just 89,000 in 2021, according to the Lawn Tennis Association. Padel’s broad appeal is shown by this remarkable rise, which also increases trust in its durability. Its ease of use, inclusivity, and adaptability to all skill levels keep drawing new members and fostering community involvement.

Data shows that planning activity has increased over several years.

Data from Searchland shows a steady increase in padel planning applications:

In 2021, 53 applications
82 in 2022 (up by 55%).
163 (a 99% increase) in 2023
348 in 2024 (an increase of 113%).
544 submissions are anticipated by the end of 2025, up from 295 so far.

This acceleration shows that more people are beginning to see the economic and social benefits of padel, especially developers and councils looking to make high-impact recreational investments.

There are thousands of possible locations with plenty of chances.

The research highlights nearly 17,000 existing destination venues—such as golf clubs, football facilities, and racquet centers—with land suitable for padel courts. Unused parking lots, green areas, or underutilized areas that are ready for improvement are frequently found in these places.

Important cities consist of:

London (47 applications; 1,086 opportunities)
Bristol (206)
Edinburgh, 1909
Leeds (119).
Manchester (128)
Strong conversion opportunities are provided by commercial properties.

Beyond traditional sports venues, Searchland identifies 15,742 commercial properties across the UK that meet padel court requirements. With high densities in London (929), Manchester (468), and Birmingham (346), these sites represent valuable options for adaptive reuse and increased foot traffic.

Short-term installations align with long-term visions

Temporary padel courts are gaining traction on larger development plots—like housing estates—where extended timelines allow interim recreational use. Searchland counts 674 such opportunities nationwide, including:

151 in London
16 in Bristol
8 in Birmingham

These adaptable solutions bring vibrancy to waiting developments and help foster community engagement early in the build cycle.

Investors urged to act amid rising demand

Searchland co-founder Hugh Gibbs highlights padel’s rapid rise as a wake-up call for stakeholders. “The sport’s affordability, booming participation, and flexibility make it a high-value addition to a wide range of developments,” he said. The abundance of eligible sites across the UK offers a clear pathway for expanding leisure infrastructure in both permanent and temporary formats.