For most of us Wimbledon is simply a chance to eat too many strawberries and cheer on Andy Murray. But if it inspires you to dig up your garden and put in a tennis court, here's what you need to know:

• Generally speaking tennis courts are more popular than swimming pools, as they have many other uses and are lower maintenance. They can add value to a property,  though this can be difficult to quantify.
• You won’t need planning consent for the court itself if it is within the gardens of the house, but you will need it for the surround fencing as this is generally in excess of 6ft in height.
• If you're planning to build a court within the setting of a listed building, then listed building consent may well be required. It's essential to seek professional advice.
• Green is the usual colour choice for fencing but actually, black is less conspicuous and blends in better with the surroundings.
• Grass or clay? Both have their advantages but bear in mind that grass will take a fair amount of maintenance and will need regular 'rest' periods, while a new clay surface will probably have to be replaced in five years.
• Most people play tennis in the evening so be aware of the westerly light. It’s better to put in a north to south-facing court rather than an east to west.

Alternatively, you could simply move to a property with an existing court. Here are some of the best currently on the market.