We identify lenders that accept
complex sporting income to
increase your borrowing power

Among the key reasons professional sportspeople often find it hard to obtain a mortgage are:

Difficulty demonstrating a healthy, stable income: While not a problem for the likes of Andy Murray or Wayne Rooney, the majority of sportspeople earn considerably less than these international superstars. Many are on short-term fixed contracts, which means their circumstances can change very quickly. Mainstream lenders are reluctant to provide a 25-year mortgage when the prospective borrower only has a 12-month contract. Additional incomes such as win bonuses and appearance fees are sporadic, which is tough for an underwriter to assess affordability.

Short careers and early retirement: One major hurdle is that sportspeople tend to have shorter careers than those in other professions, typically retiring in their early to mid-thirties. Consequently, lenders may restrict lending to the age of 35 unless there is proof of retirement income. However, in reality, not all sportspeople are going to land lucrative commercial deals or plum TV commentary jobs once they hang up their boots, running shoes, bats or racquets.

The ever-present risk of injury: Regardless of the sport, be it boxing, football, tennis or running, the ever-present threat of career-ending injury looms large. Even if it doesn't curtail someone's career, an injury may affect a sportsperson's ability to perform at their pre-injury level, which may, in turn, harm their earning potential.

Affordability: Borrowers have to demonstrate that they will be able to meet their monthly mortgage repayment obligations. This can be problematic with a variety of income sources and fluctuating income levels.

At Taylor James Financial Services, our expert mortgage brokers work across the whole mortgage market and know the lenders and underwriters who understand the sporting world and how sportspeople are remunerated. For example, a short contract can be overcome if we can present evidence you are in high demand and will be signing a new contract when the timing is right.  

We have developed relationships with high street banks, building societies and private banks that provide mortgages past the length of a person's playing career. This is subject to providing them with a clearly defined plan of what you propose to do in future years. We can work in conjunction with you, your agents and your club to put a lender's mind at rest surrounding your long-term plans. Over the years, we have achieved considerable success with this approach.  

Our client-focused approach means we will be able to:

• Identify lenders with the most favourable terms for a sportsperson in your situation.
• Secure the most suitable mortgage for your needs based on your specific circumstances and requirements.
• Compile all the required paperwork.
• Effectively present your record of earnings to match a lender's criteria.

• Manage the entire application process from start to finish. This includes liaising with all of the relevant parties on your behalf, saving your valuable time and allowing you to focus on your day job
• Be your trusted adviser for all your financial planning needs, including advising on your pensions, investments and the necessary protection policies. This helps ensure you and your family continue to maintain the standard of living you enjoy, even if your income were to stop, for whatever reason. Financial planning is particularly important if you only have a relatively short earnings period and want to maximise the longevity of today's earnings, to provide for you and your family's future.