FCA Regulated
Contract-based income
All income types
Private bank access
How the process works
The affordability assessment is where most of the work happens. Lenders need to understand your income, the sustainability of that income, and how it is structured. Your employment contract and payslips are the key documents for your PAYE salary, and if you have image rights or endorsement income running through a separate company, lenders will also want to see those accounts.
At the higher end of the market, private banks have dedicated teams for sports and entertainment clients. They assess each case individually rather than running it through automated systems, which means they can take a sensible view on contract-based income, performance bonuses and the other variables that come with a sports career.
What makes sports income different
Documentation you will need
- Current contract (including any bonus or incentive clauses)
- Two to three years of accounts for any image rights or endorsement company
- Three months of payslips
- Bank statements (personal and business)
- Evidence of endorsement or sponsorship income where applicable
Common questions
How much can I borrow?
There is no fixed maximum. It depends on your income, your contract and the lender. Private banks in particular are comfortable with large loans for sports professionals and will assess each case on its merits.
Can endorsement income be included?
Yes. If you earn income from sponsorships, endorsements or image rights, this can be factored into the affordability assessment. This income typically runs through a separate limited company, so lenders will want to see the company accounts alongside your payslips.
What if my contract is short?
Some lenders will work with contracts that have less than 12 months remaining, provided there is a track record of earnings at that level. Others prefer at least two years. We match you with the right lender for your situation.
What about injury risk?
Banks are aware of the risks that come with professional sport. We always discuss income protection and critical illness cover alongside the mortgage to make sure you are properly covered if something happens.
I need to relocate for my club, what happens?
If you cannot live in the property any more, you can get consent to let from your lender and rent it out. This is straightforward and something we arrange regularly for clients who are transferred.
Am I treated as self-employed?
No. Most sports professionals contracted to a club are PAYE employees and lenders treat them as employed. The complexity comes from the fact that image rights and endorsement income usually runs through a separate limited company, so lenders are assessing both your employed income and your company income together.