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Strive specialises in securing mortgages for professional footballers. We work with players in all leagues to secure finance on residential & investment properties.
We have secured tens of millions in mortgages for players for over a decade.
Challenges securing Mortgages for footballers
It’s no secret that being a professional footballer can be a highly lucrative and high-profile role. However, it does present challenges when it comes to securing a mortgage. For example, short contracts, limited playing careers, multiple income streams including endorsements or overseas income, and foreign nationals requiring large loans can complicate the process. Off-the-shelf high street mortgage lenders are rarely geared up for high-value mortgages of this type, so seeking advice from a specialist mortgage broker for footballers is certainly advisable.
What age can you borrow until ?
Understandably, the playing careers of sports stars are considerably shorter than those of most other occupations, with footballers typically retiring between the ages of 30 and 40. Some mortgage lenders may cap borrowing at this age, anticipating a drop in earning potential. However, if you have a plan to continue working in another capacity after your playing days are over, such as becoming a manager, TV pundit, or pursuing coaching badges, you may be able to secure a longer-term mortgage, even until your 50s or 60s. The criteria vary enormously among lenders.
How much can you borrow?
Some footballer-friendly mortgage providers may lend based on the gross value of your contract. For example, if you earn £3,000 per week, they may lend based on 46 weeks of the year, allowing 6 weeks for contract void periods. This would result in an annual income calculation of £3,000 x 46 = £138,000. Typically, you can secure mortgages at 4.5 to 5 times your income, or in some instances, up to 5.5 times your income. Using 5 times as an example, this would allow for a £690,000 mortgage.
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What deposit is required
While it’s possible to secure a mortgage with as little as a 5% deposit, it depends on the amount you want to borrow. For example, larger loans often require larger deposits of at least 10-15%, but this can vary significantly among lenders. You will need to ensure the lender feels you can afford the mortgage on the remainder of the balance.
Professional Footballer mortgage criteria
The criteria vary among lenders. Some lenders will insist on you having 12-24 months of history as a professional footballer. Some may require 12 months remaining on your contract or may consider less if you have a track record of regular contracts.
Buy-to-let mortgages for footballers
It’s not uncommon for many professional footballers to want to invest their earnings in property. The vast majority of challenges in securing a mortgage as a footballer come down to the complexities of their income. Affordability for most buy-to-let mortgages is not driven by personal earnings but instead by the property’s earnings. Minimum deposits are usually at least 25%. At Strive, we specialise in buy-to-let mortgages for professional footballers and have helped several high-profile footballers secure finance on large property portfolios.
Mortgages for Non-British Footballers
Footballer contracts can present challenges when securing a mortgage, and these challenges can be further complicated if you’re a foreign national footballer looking to get a mortgage. Requirements will vary depending on nationality, residency status, and length of time in the UK. You may need a minimum of 2 or 3 years in the UK, a minimum period of time on your visa, or a larger deposit, e.g., 25%.
How much time needs to be left on my contract for a lender to agree to lend to me?
This will vary depending on the lender. Some require 12 months remaining at the point of application, while others accept less, especially if there is a track history of contracts.
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What insurance is required?
Buildings insurance is always required when buying a house. It’s also important to protect yourself and your loved ones in worst-case scenarios, such as death, serious illness, or injury. Life and sickness insurance can usually be sourced with relative ease as a footballer. Income protection would typically be arranged independently, either through the club or agent, due to the complexities of the income.
Best lenders for footballers
The best lenders for mortgages for professional footballers depend on various factors, including your circumstances, deposit, credit, nationality, and the amount required. Suitable options could range from high street banks to private banks.
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Strive, Specialist professional footballer mortgage
We are specialist professional footballer mortgage brokers and have secured mortgages for players in all leagues, including the Premiership and Championship. We’ve worked with the football league for over a decade and are one of the leading mortgage brokers for professional athletes in the UK. Working with Strive will give you the best chance of success with your application and help you secure finance on the best terms available, whether it be for your first home, upsizing, or an investment property.
FAQ’S
The best banks for footballer mortgages depend on various criteria, including your deposit, credit history, nationality, and the amount required. Options can range from high street banks to private banks, each offering different terms and conditions based on your specific situation.
Yes, while it’s possible to source a mortgage without a specialist, you have a much better chance of finding the right deal with a specialist footballer mortgage broker. These brokers understand the unique financial situations of professional athletes and can navigate the complexities of footballer contracts and income, ensuring you secure the best possible terms for your mortgage.
Contact us today, and we’ll work hard on your behalf to find you a competitive mortgage.
For more information on mortgages for contractors, please contact a member of the Strive team, by emailing [email protected] or call us on 01273 002697.
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Jamie Elvin
Jamie is an expert in all things mortgages, and our most experienced broker. Connect with Jamie and get started to see how Strive Mortgages can help you.
