Homeowners are set to make thousands of pounds by renting out their homes during this summer’s Open golf championship at Carnoustie.
One property management agent in Tayside said his agency is receiving up to 10 calls a day from people wanting to cash in on the multi-million pound sporting spectacular.
Rents of up to £10,000 a week can be achieved for larger homes when the world’s most prestigious golf tournament comes to Angus in July.
Duncan Robertson, owner of Robertson Property Management, said the volume of people considering renting their properties had “exceeded expectations”.
He said: “There’s been a lot of interest, particularly since the beginning of the year.
“So far we have had enquiries predominantly from corporate companies.
“Players and agents usually start looking after the season has really begun, which is towards The Masters in April.
“We have been taking telephone calls and emails for more than a year, with increased interest recently.
“We are currently receiving up to 10 enquiries a day from those people wanting to know more about the process of renting out their house and we’ve visited more than 100 properties in Tayside and Fife.
“Interest has been beyond our expectations.”
Mr Robertson’s company was also involved in arranging properties for visitors the last time the Open Championship was held in Carnoustie in 2007.
He said that while there is far greater interest from those looking to rent this time, potential rental figures have not risen.
“What we are finding is companies are more specific with their living requirements but far more conscious of budgets, which is perhaps a reflection on the general economy,” he added.
“The ever-increasing presence of social media is also having an impact on rental figures becoming more competitive.”
He said there was particular demand for homes with five or more bedrooms.
Although large rental sums can be achieved, renting out a property also requires work by the homeowner.
Owners have an obligation to ensure that their properties are professionally presented which involves removing all personal items.
Homes also have to comply with fire safety regulations, with relevant paperwork, and have specific insurance cover.
When the Open was held at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport last year, a nine bedroom, six bathroom property in the seaside town rented for £23,000 for the week.
Carnoustie Independent Councillor Brian Boyd is just one of the local residents to provide accommodation for the Open, having undertaken significant works at his Panmure House property – the one time home of Olympian Liz McColgan.
Although work is still in progress, the former staff quarters there have been remodelled to provide two apartments which will be aimed at longer-term lets for those involved in setting up and taking down the infrastructure of the Open.
Mr Boyd will also be letting his own four-bedroom home out as a short term let for the duration of the tournament.
He said: “We have invested heavily in the property, and we hope the holiday let accommodation that we are providing, will see repeat business from golfers coming back to play the course in the future, especially as it will be furnished with antique pieces sympathetic to the period of the property.
“The main house has been completely refurbished including new bathrooms and specialist plaster work, so between the letting opportunities we are providing, I am sure our guests will have a comfortable and memorable stay.”
