Securing a mortgage as a professional sportsperson can be challenging due to sports players’ income being structured differently from traditional employment. Many lenders hesitate when offering residential mortgages to sports professionals due to short-term contracts, career longevity, and income fluctuations. However, there are tailored sports professionals mortgages designed to suit the unique financial needs of professional athletes.
At The Mortgage Pod, we specialise in mortgages for sports professionals, helping athletes, footballers, cricketers, and other sports professionals secure the right mortgage and the best deal for their situation. Whether you’re looking to purchase a home, invest in property development, or secure a long-term property finance solution, we work with specialist lenders and private banks to arrange bespoke mortgage solutions.
Why Do Sports Professionals Struggle to Secure a Mortgage?
Traditional mortgage lenders often base affordability on long-term, stable income. For a professional sports person, this can be a challenge due to:
- Short-term contracts – Many professional athletes work under fixed-term contracts, making lenders cautious.
- Fluctuating income – Earnings from salaries, advertising and TV work, sponsorships, and performance bonuses can be unpredictable.
- Sports retirement age – Most sports professionals retire earlier than traditional workers, impacting the length of arranged mortgages.
- Multiple income streams – Athletes often have sponsorships, property investment loans, and media work contributing to their overall earnings.
While these factors can complicate the mortgage process, working with an experienced mortgage broker who understands the financial landscape of professional sportspersons can significantly improve your chances of securing a mortgage.
Types of Mortgages for Professional Sports Persons
Sports professionals have access to a range of property finance options, depending on their income, career plans, and investment goals.
Residential Mortgages
A residential mortgage is ideal for sports professionals looking to buy a home for themselves or their family. Given the nature of sports players’ income, lenders may require higher deposits or offer shorter terms.
High-Value Mortgages
For top-earning professional athletes, private banks and specialist lenders offer high-value mortgages with flexible terms, often tailored to suit their financial structure.
Interest-Only Mortgages
Some professional sports persons opt for interest-only mortgages, where only the interest is paid during their playing career, with the principal repaid later through property investment loans or income post-retirement.
Buy-to-Let Mortgages
Many sports professionals invest in property development or buy-to-let mortgages to create additional income streams. These mortgages for professional sports persons are assessed differently, focusing on rental income rather than salary.
How Much Can a Professional Sportsperson Borrow?
Lenders typically determine mortgage affordability based on sports players’ income, career stability, and future earnings potential. While traditional employment may qualify for 4-5x annual salary, mortgages for sports professionals may be approved for higher income multiples, sometimes up to 6 times their income.
Factors influencing borrowing power include:
- Current salary and contract length
- Potential earnings from sponsorships and media work
- Investment income and financial stability
- Overall career prospects and sports retirement age
Working with a mortgage broker who has experience with sports professionals mortgages is crucial to securing the best possible terms.
Working with Private Banks and Specialist Lenders
For professional athletes, traditional high street banks may not offer the best solutions. Private banks and specialist lenders provide more tailored lending criteria, taking into account advertising and TV work, endorsements, and potential income post-retirement.
At The Mortgage Pod, we work directly with lenders who offer:
- Flexible repayment options based on career trajectory
- Tailored property finance solutions
- Bespoke mortgage solutions for property investors and landlords
How a Mortgage Broker Can Help Sports Professionals
Using a mortgage broker with experience in sports professionals mortgages can make securing a mortgage far easier. At The Mortgage Pod, we help by:
- Sourcing the right lender for your specific financial situation
- Negotiating the best mortgage deal on your behalf
- Providing expert mortgage advice to future-proof your property investments
- Arranging mortgages with favourable terms and repayment structures
- Helping secure buy-to-let and property development loans
Get Expert Mortgage Advice for Sports Professionals
If you’re a professional sportsperson, The Mortgage Pod can help you secure the right mortgage, whether you’re looking for a residential mortgage, buy-to-let mortgage, or property development finance.
We specialise in bespoke mortgage solutions and work with specialist lenders to ensure your arranged mortgages are structured in the most beneficial way for your career and long-term financial security.
Contact us today for expert guidance and let us help you secure the perfect mortgage deal for your future.
FAQ’s
Can a professional sportsperson get a mortgage with a short-term contract?
Yes, but traditional lenders may be hesitant. We work with specialist lenders and private banks that understand the unique earnings structure of sports professionals.
Do professional athletes need a larger deposit?
Not always, but having a larger deposit (typically 15-25%) can help secure better mortgage rates.
Can sports professionals invest in property development?
Yes, many lenders offer property finance solutions for property investment loans, allowing sports professionals to generate income post-retirement.
What happens to my mortgage if I retire early?
Lenders consider alternative income sources such as advertising and TV work, coaching, or property investment loans to ensure mortgage affordability beyond retirement.
