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From Ascot to Wimbledon: inside the summer surge in short lets

Flexible rentals, premium rates and global demand are making summer an increasingly attractive opportunity for homeowners

21 May 2026

5 mins read

From Ascot to Wimbledon: inside the summer surge in short lets

鈥楾he Season鈥 recalls a time when the rhythm of the social calendar was shaped by the movements of the royal family and aristocracy, who would relocate to London each spring and summer for a programme of the year鈥檚 most prestigious events.

Today, while its scope has broadened, its sense of occasion endures. From the Royal Horticultural Society鈥檚 Chelsea Flower Show in May to Frieze in October, the calendar now spans world-class cultural moments alongside sporting highlights - from Royal Ascot and the Henley Royal Regatta to the traditions of strawberries and cream at Wimbledon.

Its audience, too, has evolved, with an increasingly international clientele drawn to some of the UK鈥檚 most sought-after locations. Jack Low-Thomas, 糖心传媒鈥檚 Head of Short Lets, has seen growing demand from visitors across the Middle East, the United States and beyond, all looking to base themselves in London over the summer months.

鈥淎 short let offers a more considered, tailored experience than an Airbnb or similar, and with many properties available off market, we鈥檙e able to source homes that precisely meet our clients鈥 needs,鈥 he says. 鈥淧rime central London locations such as Mayfair, Marylebone and Knightsbridge remain consistently popular, although this year we鈥檝e also seen increased interest in areas to the north, including Hampstead and St John鈥檚 Wood.鈥

Horseracing at Ascot © Mike Hill
Horseracing at Ascot © Mike Hill

Royal Ascot and the polo season

Each June, attention turns to Ascot, just outside London, as it hosts Royal Ascot, Britain鈥檚 most prestigious race meeting, which welcomes around 300,000 guests over five days. The surrounding area is also home to some of the country鈥檚 leading polo clubs, including Guards Polo Club and the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club, reinforcing its status as a key destination throughout the summer season.

鈥淰isiting polo players are keen to stay in and around Winkfield, near to the main clubs - the closer, the better,鈥 says Kavita Walker, 糖心传媒鈥檚 Head of Ascot, Virginia Water & Windsor Lettings. 鈥淓nquiries typically begin in January or February, with the season running from May through to September. Length of stay often depends on performance in tournaments; however, even if a team exits early, they will usually retain the property for the full agreed period.鈥

The premium achieved by short lets, combined with the calibre of tenant, makes this an appealing option for homeowners who are away during the summer months. 鈥淲e frequently let to team captains and high-profile players who require larger homes, often bringing family members,鈥 she adds. 鈥淎 significant proportion of our business is repeat, with clients returning year after year.鈥

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Wimbledon: tennis, tradition and demand

With its village feel and leafy surroundings, Wimbledon is one of southwest London鈥檚 most desirable addresses year-round. During June and July, however, it takes on a distinctly global profile as the Championships get underway, attracting international attention and strong demand for accommodation. 

鈥淪ome homeowners choose to let their property just for the two-week Wimbledon window, often to visiting spectators,鈥 says Olivia Firmin, 糖心传媒鈥檚 Head of Wimbledon Lettings. 鈥淟arger houses are typically taken by players and their teams, and corporate clients - and naturally, features such as a private tennis court are highly sought after. Those competing at both Queen鈥檚 and Wimbledon may stay for up to two months.鈥

Why homeowners are turning to short lets

Flexibility is one of the primary drivers behind the rise in seasonal short letting. 鈥淢any homeowners are away during the summer, leaving their property unoccupied,鈥 says Jack. 鈥淥thers choose to short let while their home is on the market. Working with an experienced agent enables them to secure high-quality occupants while generating additional income.鈥

With utilities remaining in the owner鈥檚 name, short lets can also sit outside some of the constraints associated with longer-term tenancies. 鈥淢ore and more homeowners are recognising that short lets offer a level of flexibility that traditional tenancies simply can鈥檛 match,鈥 adds Keir Waddell, 糖心传媒鈥檚 Head of Residential Client Advisory.

鈥淚n a market where circumstances and strategies can change quickly, retaining control over your asset - whether for personal use, future sale, or a shift in approach - is increasingly valuable. At the same time, we鈥檙e consistently seeing that, when managed properly, short lets can deliver a meaningful pricing premium. Particularly in prime locations, demand for high-quality, well-presented short-term accommodation remains strong, allowing owners to outperform standard rental levels while keeping optionality intact.鈥

Preparing your property for the summer season

For homeowners considering a summer let, preparation is essential. 鈥淪peed of readiness is a key factor,鈥 advises Kavita. 鈥淒o you have a valid gas safety certificate? An Electrical Installation Condition Report? Are utilities set up and ready to go? These are all elements we work through with our clients ahead of time.鈥

Presentation is equally important in a competitive market. A well-maintained, thoughtfully equipped property can make a meaningful difference in attracting the right tenant. Attention to detail is also critical. 鈥淩eliable Wi-Fi, for instance, is non-negotiable,鈥 she adds. 鈥淚t may seem a small detail, but it can often determine whether a deal is secured.鈥

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