Introduction
For many professional athletes, securing a mortgage can be unexpectedly difficult. Despite strong earnings and financial stability, mortgages for sports professionals often fall outside traditional lending criteria due to the structure of their contracts, income variability, and the relatively short length of their careers.
At Orchard Mortgage Solutions, we specialise in helping sports professionals across disciplines — from football and rugby to motorsport and boxing — secure the right mortgage with lenders who understand their unique circumstances.
Why Do Sports Professionals Struggle to Get Mortgages?
Mainstream mortgage lenders typically assess affordability based on long-term, stable income from standard employment. Unfortunately, this doesn’t reflect how most professional athletes are paid or employed. Below are some of the key challenges athletes face when trying to secure mortgages for sports professional.
1. Short-Term or Rolling Contracts
Many professional athletes are employed on contracts that last 12 to 36 months, with no guaranteed long-term renewal. Lenders may see this as a lack of employment stability, even if the individual is well-established in their sport.
2. Fluctuating or Non-Salaried Income
Income for sports professionals often includes appearance fees, bonuses, win-related earnings, performance incentives, or income from sponsorship and endorsements. While these earnings may be significant, the irregularity often makes lenders nervous about long-term affordability.
3. Early Career Peak and Short Earning Window
Most athletes earn their highest income between the ages of 18 and 35. Unlike traditional employees, they may retire earlier and shift to new careers. Lenders worry about how mortgage repayments will be sustained post-retirement.
4. Self-Employed and Image Rights Income
Some athletes receive income through limited companies set up to manage their image rights or media work. This income is often viewed differently by lenders and may require specialist assessment of company accounts and tax returns.
The Importance of Confidentiality for Athletes
One of the lesser-discussed — but hugely important — issues for sports professionals is confidentiality.
Many athletes are naturally cautious about sharing personal financial information, especially if they are high-profile or public figures. There is often concern about how this information will be used, who will see it, and how it might affect their reputation or professional relationships.
At Orchard Mortgage Solutions, we fully understand this concern. That’s why we operate with strict, non-negotiable confidentiality protocols:
- All documentation is treated with the highest level of discretion and never shared without clear, written consent.
- Clients work with a dedicated adviser throughout the entire process, ensuring consistent communication and trust.
- We avoid unnecessary exposure to multiple lenders and ensure that only lenders who can support your needs see your application.
Discretion is not a value-add — it’s fundamental to how we work.
What Information Will a Lender Require?
Despite the unique challenges, many lenders are still willing to lend to sports professionals — if the application is structured and presented correctly. Below is a list of typical information required to support a mortgage application:
1. Current Playing or Performance Contract
Lenders will want to see:
- Basic salary
- Bonus/incentive structures
- Length of contract
- End date and any renewal clauses
2. Letter from Club, Manager, or Agent
A supporting letter can confirm:
- Your role in the team
- Likelihood of contract extension or transfer
- Current earnings and any additional revenue sources
3. Personal Bank Statements (3–12 Months)
These allow the lender to:
- Verify receipt of income
- Understand monthly expenditure
- Assess affordability and financial management
4. Tax Documents (SA302s or Company Accounts)
For athletes with image rights companies or self-employed income, lenders may ask for:
- The last 1–3 years of personal and/or company accounts
- Evidence of dividend income
- Business bank statements
5. Proof of Additional Income
If you earn money outside your sport (e.g., brand endorsements, media appearances, property rental, or coaching), this can support your affordability profile if documented correctly.
Why Use a Specialist Mortgage Adviser?
Navigating the mortgage process as a sports professional requires expertise, discretion, and access to specialist lenders.
At Orchard Mortgage Solutions, we:
- Work with specialist underwriters who understand contract-based income
- Present your application in a way that highlights financial stability and career potential
- Provide access to lenders who consider future earning prospects, not just current contracts
- Maintain full confidentiality and professionalism throughout the process
We have supported clients across a wide range of sporting disciplines, including Premier League footballers, GB athletes, international rugby players, and professional cricketers. Whether you are purchasing your first home, refinancing an existing property, or investing for the future, we can help structure the right mortgage solution for you.
Tailored Support for Every Stage of Your Career
Whether you are:
- A rising academy player securing your first property
- At the peak of your professional career looking to invest
- Planning your transition into coaching, media, or business after retirement
We’ll provide clear, trusted advice backed by industry experience, specialist lender relationships, and a deep understanding of the financial realities of life in sport.
Get in Touch for Discreet, Specialist Advice
If you’re a professional athlete or represent one and need expert mortgage advice, get in touch with Orchard Mortgage Solutions today.
We offer private, no-obligation consultations and are trusted by players, agents, and clubs across the UK.
Visit: www.orchardmortgagesolutions.co.uk
Call: 01257543013
