For professional athletes in the UK, securing a mortgage isn’t always as straightforward as it is for those with traditional careers. Despite often earning high salaries, many sportspeople struggle to meet standard lending criteria due to irregular income, short career spans, and complex financial structures.
To better understand these challenges and how athletes can successfully navigate the mortgage process, I spoke with Ross Jones from Home Financial and Evolve Commercial Finance at our recent Ahead Of The Game event in Bolton. We discussed why securing a mortgage can be difficult for sports professionals and expert advice on how to improve the chances of approval.
Why Sportspeople Need Extra Help
According to Ross Jones, one of the biggest barriers athletes face when securing a mortgage is age. Unlike most professions, where income can be expected to grow over decades, athletes often reach the peak—and potential decline—of their earning power much earlier. Mortgage lenders assess income sustainability, and for sports professionals, this means they may be considered high-risk even in their mid-20s. Since most mortgages span 25-30 years, lenders worry about how repayments will continue once a sporting career ends.
Another challenge Ross highlighted is short-term contracts. Many athletes are tied to their clubs, associations, or teams on contracts lasting only a few years, often less. Lenders want to see long-term financial security, but for most sportspeople, there is uncertainty about what they will be offered next.
Beyond that, variable income adds another hurdle. Many sports professionals earn money from multiple sources, such as sponsorship deals, prize winnings, and appearance fees. Since these revenue streams can be inconsistent, lenders may not consider them as reliable income. Additionally, a large percentage of sportspeople are self-employed, meaning they lack traditional payslips, making it harder to prove income stability.
Lenders even take into account injury risk. The possibility of a career-ending injury adds to the uncertainty, making banks even more cautious.
So what can be done
One of the key pieces of advice Ross Jones offers is to start thinking about homeownership early. Many sports professionals focus on their careers without considering the long-term benefits of owning a property or often believe it’s not even an option for them.
He emphasised the importance of aiming to get on the property ladder as soon as possible. With short careers and unpredictable earnings, waiting too long can make securing a mortgage even more challenging. By purchasing a property early, athletes can start building equity, creating a financial safety net for the future.
Owning a home also brings more stability, which can have a positive impact on a sportsperson’s career, and as Ross identified, is a positive step in laying the foundations for life after sport.
A major barrier for many athletes is simply believing that homeownership is possible. Ross is passionate about shifting this mindset. The goal is to break down the perceived barriers, ensuring more sportspeople can achieve financial security through property ownership.
Final Thoughts
While securing a mortgage as an athlete comes with unique challenges, it is far from impossible. With the right approach, early planning, and expert financial guidance, sportspeople can take control of their financial future and set themselves up for long-term stability.
If you’re a professional athlete considering homeownership, seeking advice from specialists like Ross Jones and the team at Home Financial and Evolve Commercial Finance—who understand the specific challenges sportspeople face—can make all the difference. With the right support, you can navigate the mortgage process with confidence and take the first steps toward securing your own home.