The global trend of pickleball and padel has arrived on our shores, with many young and young-at-heart having taken up these popular racquet sports.

Both can be played with either two or four players. Pickleball is a smaller version of tennis, whereas padel is a mix of tennis and squash, where the ball is allowed to bounce off the wall. Like tennis, both versions have a centre net, but they have different rules of play and scoring.

According to Zerin Properties CEO Previndran Singhe and head of research and consultancy Roja Rani, pickleball and padel could be the solution to a property’s underused space.

“For developers, integrating these courts into projects means adding real social value to their projects while boosting financial returns,” says Previndran.

“Incorporating pickleball and padel courts can also serve as loss leaders, where the facility is offered at little or no cost to attract significant foot traffic. This influx benefits surrounding businesses — cafés, retail stores and service providers — creating a thriving, interconnected ecosystem that enhances the appeal of the entire area.”

The advantage of pickleball and padel is that they do not take up much space. A standard pickleball court measures 20ft by 44ft, with a recommended space of 30ft by 60ft that provides adequate space for fencing and player movement. The padel court, which has a more enclosed space, measures 33ft by 66ft.

For comparison, a standard tennis court measures 36ft by 78ft and ideally, the amount of space for the court and run-off space for safety and installing fencing, benches and other amenities is around 60ft by 120ft.

Roja highlights that changing rooms with showers and toilets as well as small retail and/or office space need to be factored in. The inclusion of additional amenities such as cafés and restaurants will depend on the business model or objectives of the owner or developer.

As such, the ideal venues for such courts would be vacant lots, rooftops and old warehouses, which can accommodate multiple indoor courts.

“In the Klang Valley, the rising popularity of pickleball has led to the establishment of several courts, with The Courts at KLGCC Resort standing out as a prime example. This facility offers both pickleball and padel courts, alongside other sport amenities, creating a vibrant, community-driven space for people of all ages,” says Previndran.

“A standout feature is The Pickleball Social Club, a brand-new facility within The Courts at KLGCC Resort that has transformed the indoor space into a premium pickleball venue. Members and visitors enjoy access to a café, shower facilities as well as a salon and spa in the complex, making it a holistic recreational destination. The result is consistently full bookings and a thriving engaged community.”

Roja highlights another outlet in Subang Jaya, Oh My Belly x Pickle Space, which converted an old warehouse in Taman Industri Sungai Penaga into a vibrant venue.

“The facility offers two indoor pickleball courts, a café that doubles as a co-working space, and shower facilities, drawing a growing community of players. This shift highlights the potential for revitalising old industrial spaces into profitable recreational hubs,” she says.

Previndran also points out retired badminton player Chan Peng Soon’s CPS Subang, launched last December. Located at 91 Sports Arena @ Giant USJ, it is Malaysia’s largest indoor air-conditioned pickleball venue and it features 18 courts.

The cost to set up a pickleball and padel courts is not as high compared to a tennis court. Previndran and Roja say the cost for a basic outdoor pickleball court is between RM35,000 and RM40,000. The roofing of a covered pickleball court can cost RM50 psf.

On the other hand, a padel court can cost RM150,000 to RM250,000, depending on the materials used and glass enclosure.

For an indoor multi-use court, the estimate is between RM300,000 and RM500,000.

Other costs to consider are water supply, drainage and land preparation, similar to any construction project.

By comparison, a basic tennis court with fencing and net posts costs from RM155,000.

“According to industry observation, annual revenue per court can range from roughly RM200,000, depending on location and the quality of offerings and facilities. The investment can be recouped within 18 to 24 months through revenue streams such as memberships, corporate bookings and events,” says Previndran.

Additional revenue streams include court rentals, which can be between RM35 and RM80 per hour in suburban areas and between RM50 and RM120 per hour in Kuala Lumpur.

Coaching and training fees can start from RM100 per session for private lessons, and demand for coaching programmes is high.

Competitions and events can also be “revenue boosters”, along with partnerships with relevant brands.

Lastly, the sale of pickleball and padel gear, such as paddles, balls and apparel, can be another revenue stream.

While the benefits appear promising, Previndran and Roja advise property owners and developers to carefully consider several factors before jumping on the bandwagon.

The first thing to consider is noise management, where incorporating sound barriers or choosing appropriate locations within the development can mitigate potential noise issues.

The second is managing community integration by engaging with the local community to assess interest and gather feedback to ensure the facility meets the needs and preferences of potential users, fostering a sense of ownership and acceptance.

The third is designing courts for multiple use and community events to enhance utilisation rates and appeal to a broader audience, maximising the return on investment.

“International studies suggest that homes near well-maintained pickleball courts may experience an increase in value, thanks to the desirable lifestyle they represent. However, proximity can lead to mixed reactions because of concerns such as noise,” says Roja.

“Properties directly adjacent to courts might experience noise-related concerns, potentially affecting desirability. Homes that are a comfortable distance away can see value appreciation from enhanced recreational offerings.

“While specific Klang Valley data is limited, the rapid growth of pickleball venues indicates strong market acceptance. The rise of dedicated pickleball complexes and multi-sport centres reflects growing demand, making it an attractive addition to commercial and residential developments.”

The pickleball and padel trend is not confined to the Klang Valley. In Johor, authorities are exploring the sport’s potential for sport tourism. “The state plans to build six courts for padel and pickleball, with two locations selected: Nusa Duta for padel; and near the Johor Hockey Stadium for pickleball. As part of Budget 2025, the state has allocated RM500,000 for the construction of these courts, with tenders expected to open soon,” says Previndran.

In Perak, a newly formed Ipoh Pickleball Fun Club offering five dedicated courts has seen more than 300 bookings since opening in October last year.

Meanwhile, Selangor plans to introduce pickleball as a medal event for the 2026 Malaysia Games (Sukma) and has allocated RM1 million in its 2025 budget to pickleball development.

In addition, Previndran and Roja highlight that through public-private partnerships, some local councils are working with developers to convert old tennis and futsal courts into pickleball venues.

The investment potential and the spillover benefits from investing in these sports may help property owners and developers recoup and enhance their offerings to users and investors.

“By offering these recreational facilities, developers create spaces that not only attract people but also foster meaningful connections. Whether it’s a new mixed-use development, a commercial complex or an underutilised retail space, integrating these courts can increase property value by adding in-demand amenities, attract foot traffic to surrounding businesses, foster community engagement and create a loyal customer base,” says Previndran.