‘Open could see homes rented out for £10k a week’

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 multimillion-pound sporting spectacular.

Rents of up to £10,000 a week could be achieved for larger homes when the tournament comes to Angus in July.

Duncan Robertson, owner of Robertson Property Management, said the number of people considering renting their properties had “exceeded expectations”.

He said: “There’s been a lot of interest. So far, we have had inquiries 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 receiving up to 10 inquiries 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 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.

Ralphie disappeared on February 25 last year. His body was found a month later.