Ace Living: How Tennis is Influencing Luxury Real Estate
With the rising appeal of racquet sports, affluent buyers are blending their passion with their homes. Whether former pros or avid enthusiasts, these tastemakers are shaping new real estate trends. Compass' Luxury and Sports & Entertainment divisions spoke with agents nationwide to explore how tennis is elevating the luxury real estate market, seamlessly integrating architecture and athleticism as excitement builds for the U.S. Open.
Has being a former professional tennis player helped you to succeed as a realtor in your market?
Brett Dickinson, a San Diego realtor and former professional tennis player, attributes his success in real estate to the mental resilience and strategic thinking honed on the court. "The mental toughness one develops on tour is second to none," he says. "The experience of being a pro player on tour is living a series of mostly losses, a few victories here and there, and recovery." He emphasizes that this mindset translates to real estate: "It doesn’t mean you always win, but if you are driven and able to problem solve in the moment, you can set you and your client up for success."
Parsa Samii, a Long Island-based realtor and former pro player, credits his success to the discipline and strategic thinking honed on the court. "Transitioning from a former professional tennis player to a successful realtor has given me a unique set of skills and perspectives that set me apart in the competitive real estate market," Samii reveals. His ability to read clients and anticipate their desires, combined with a relentless pursuit of excellence, has allowed him to thrive in the fast-paced world of luxury properties.
What are some trends among tennis enthusiasts in real estate?
For tennis enthusiasts, a private court is often the ultimate must-have amenity. "Tennis enthusiasts seek homes with ample space for a court or those situated in communities that allow for private tennis installations," explains Parsa Samii, a Long Island-based realtor and former pro player. Across the country, Brett Dickinson highlights a growing trend among luxury buyers for versatility in outdoor spaces: "Many tennis-playing families love to play pickleball and use their tennis courts for multiple sports such as pickleball, basketball, and skateboarding." This multi-functional approach to court design is becoming increasingly popular as buyers look to maximize their recreational spaces.
The Art of Building the Perfect Court
In regions like Greenwich, the choice of court surface becomes a critical element, particularly for serious players. Jack Sarsen emphasizes the importance of buyer input when planning court construction. "The type of court surface is crucial for serious players. While the area country clubs are mostly Har-Tru, with some grass and clay, given the climate, most prefer all-season hard courts at their home," Sarsen notes. He advises clients to secure permits but delay construction until they can make informed decisions about court specifics, such as surface type and color.
How enthusiastic are luxury home buyers about pickleball?
Pickleball courts are the latest luxury real estate trend. In exclusive areas like Rancho Santa Fe, Compass Agent Jon Granston observes, "Affluent clients increasingly seek homes with pickleball courts or space for them, enhancing property appeal and boosting resale values." Brett Dickinson adds that pickleball is nearly a must-have for properties with the space. "We are seeing the conversion of some tennis courts to multiple pickleball courts, as the barrier to entry for playing this relatively new sport is pretty low," Dickinson notes. This trend reflects a broader shift toward active, multi-use outdoor spaces that cater to families and fitness enthusiasts alike.
Where are tennis players finding their dream homes?
Certain regions have become meccas for tennis enthusiasts, offering expansive landscapes and ideal climates for year-round play. In Rancho Santa Fe, sprawling lots within the Covenant provide ample space for private tennis or pickleball courts, making it a coveted area for buyers. "Properties within the Rancho Santa Fe Covenant are typically larger pieces of land, which means a higher probability of finding homes with tennis or pickleball courts," says Granston. In San Diego, Dickinson highlights that areas like La Jolla and Rancho Santa Fe offer vast spaces perfect for tennis or multi-use courts. "In Rancho Santa Fe, you will find large acreages of 2- to 10-acre parcels, or in the hills of La Jolla, where John Muir bought 225 acres in the early 1900s and split them into large estates with a minimum of 1-acre lots with spectacular ocean views—The Muirlands on top of Mount Soledad in La Jolla!" he adds.
Greenwich, Connecticut presents a different scene. While professional tennis players are fewer, the appetite for custom courts remains strong. Buyers here often opt to build courts tailored to their specific needs like the court surface to even the court’s color, blending luxury and personalization with their passion for the sport.
How do you foresee tennis-inspired living evolving?
The luxury real estate market is transforming to meet the needs of tennis lovers. "In recent times, there has been a notable rise in real estate projects designed for tennis lovers, incorporating state-of-the-art amenities and versatile recreational areas," says Samii. Brett Dickinson foresees that sport courts, especially for tennis and pickleball, will continue to grow in demand as buyers flock to San Diego for its perfect indoor/outdoor lifestyle. "Tennis, pickleball, and sport courts are a must-have in San Diego/La Jolla," he explains, as buyers seek properties that align with their passion for an active, wellness-driven lifestyle.
As the popularity of tennis and related sports like pickleball continues to grow, so too does the demand for properties that offer these amenities. For buyers who live and breathe tennis, finding the perfect home is about more than just location—it's about finding a place that truly enhances their lifestyle and passion for the game.