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Mortgage for sports professionals
Being a professional sportsperson can lead to a lucrative career. However, when it comes to getting a mortgage, lenders often view sports professionals as higher risk. There are a few key obstacles to contend with — but that’s where we come in.
At Strive, we’re experts in helping sportspeople secure mortgages. With decades of experience and close-knit relationships with specialist lenders, we’re well-placed to give you the best possible chance of success.
Here are a few common challenges we regularly help our clients overcome:
- Professional sportspeople are usually employed on short term contracts
- Early retirement – Sports players generally retire in their thirties or forties, or earlier due to injury or medical reasons
- Income from multiple sources – Contracts, sponsorship deals, bonuses, appearance bonuses, image rights, and endorsements
- Irregular income or unpredictable pay schedules
- Foreign income – Often paid in various currencies, not always in sterling
- Injury risk – Boxers and combat athletes in particular can struggle due to higher risk
These unique financial setups and younger retirement ages make applying for a mortgage for sports professionals more complex.
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The solution?
The good news is that there are specialist providers who understand the specific needs of professional sportspeople.
These mortgages for professional sports persons take into account fluctuating income streams, unusual contract types, and the reality of early retirement.
Most high street banks are not equipped to handle these cases. Instead, a tailored approach using specialist property finance is required, often delivered by private banks or niche lenders offering complete discretion.
How long can I borrow on a professional sportsperson mortgage?
Most sports professionals mortgages do not allow borrowing past sports retirement age (typically 35), unless based on future income.
However, some mortgage providers may allow you to borrow beyond age 35 if you can prove ongoing income post retirement, such as coaching work, advertising and TV work, paid TV appearances, or property investment loans.
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What if I plan to work after retiring from sport?
Lenders are increasingly open to applicants with plans for a second career. For example, a footballer pursuing coaching badges may be able to prove stable future earnings beyond their contract.
Income from property development, TV work, or subsidiary income can also be factored in.
How much can I borrow on a professional sports person mortgage?
The amount you can borrow depends on several factors:
- Your current contract
- Other income streams (e.g., sponsorships, bonuses, image rights)
- Your self assessments (for those with self-employed or investment income)
- Your credit rating and financial profile
Some lenders may offer up to 5 times your annualised contract value. A larger deposit usually means better terms. If your contract is worth £750,000 per year, you could potentially afford a mortgage of £3.75m with the right lender.
How long do I need to have been a professional sportsperson?
Most lenders require:
- At least 12 months remaining on your current contract
- Ideally, two years’ experience in your sport
- Evidence of prior contracts and tax returns
However, if you have a theorist professional contract, such as a new signing or move to a new league, some other lenders may assess you based on your projected income.
Buy to Let and property investment for sports professionals
If you’re considering diversifying your income, Buy to Let mortgages for sports professionals and property investment loans may be attractive.
Because these are typically considered self-financing, they can be easier to obtain, even if you’re nearing sports retirement age. Many athletes invest in UK property to build wealth and prepare for life after sport.
Mortgages for professional footballers
We have arranged mortgages for professional footballers across the Premier League, Championship, and beyond.
Just like other sports professionals, footballers face unique challenges, and we understand how to support them throughout their entire career, and beyond.
Outstanding service and clear communication are at the core of what we do. But don’t just take our word for it—read firsthand experiences from our clients and discover why they rate us a 5-star mortgage broker.
What documents do I need?
While every case varies, these are typically required:
- Valid ID
- Latest professional agreement
- Previous contract
- 3 months’ bank statements
- Self assessments or accounts for other income
Some lenders may request more detail on advertising, tv work, or property development income.
How can Strive Mortgages help professional sportspeople?
At Strive, we specialise in mortgages for professional athletes and understand the challenges involved. From fluctuating sports players pay to short career spans, we help structure your application for the best possible result.
We’ve helped clients including Olympians, rugby players, cricketers, and professional footballers, and we offer:
- Tailored professional advice
- Discreet service with complete discretion
- Access to a wide network of mortgage providers
- Assistance with both residential mortgage and property finance options
Whether you’re looking to purchase your dream home, expand your property portfolio, or plan for life after sport, we’re here to help.
For more information about sportspersons mortgages, call us on 0330 043 1121, or get started on your sportspersons mortgages journey.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. While it can be more complex, there are lenders who offer sports professionals mortgages that consider factors like short-term contracts, multiple income sources, and early retirement.
These mortgages are designed with flexibility in mind. They often account for irregular or seasonal sports players salary, advertising and TV work, and foreign currency payments. Specialist lenders assess your full financial picture rather than just one income stream.
Yes. Some lenders will consider your income post retirement, such as coaching, media, or property finance. Being able to demonstrate stable funds after your playing days can help support your application
Not always. While many lenders prefer at least two years in the sport, some will accept a theorist professional contract or a strong projection of earnings. Our team regularly helps sports professionals in the early stages of their careers secure financing.
Yes. If you’re earning from advertising and TV work, etc. this can often be included in affordability assessments, especially with lenders that specialise in sports professionals mortgages.
Absolutely. Many of our sports professional clients diversify their wealth through property finance, including Buy to Let investments. Because these mortgages are often self-financing, they can be a practical choice for those planning long-term property finance strategies.
Yes. In addition to residential mortgages, we support our clients with property finance for second homes, properties used to invest, and portfolio growth.
Because we understand your unique income patterns, career timelines, and financial goals. Strive has years of experience helping sports professionals and professional sports people secure the right mortgage for their lifestyle, goals, and future.
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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.
