Lockhart Murphy Sport
Build wealth that lasts
beyond the final whistle.
Professional sport gives you a window of high earnings that most careers never see. Property investment — structured correctly during those years — can generate income long after the playing career ends.
We arrange buy-to-let mortgages, portfolio finance and specialist property lending for professional athletes — with lenders who understand how sporting income works and how to assess it.
Buy-to-let mortgages are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
The Case for Property
Why athletes build property portfolios.
Buy-to-let mortgage affordability is primarily assessed on projected rental income, not personal salary — meaning a high-earning athlete's playing income is less of a constraint than it might be on a standard mortgage application.
Rental income from a portfolio continues after the playing career ends. Property held in the right structure can also be tax-efficient — though we always recommend specialist tax advice alongside our mortgage advice.
We do not provide tax advice. Property values can fall as well as rise. Rental income is not guaranteed. Buy-to-let mortgages are not regulated by the FCA.
Rental income after sport
A property portfolio can generate income independent of playing earnings — relevant when the career window closes.
Capital appreciation potential
Property values are not guaranteed to rise. Where they do, equity can be released to fund further investment or other financial goals.
Portfolio mortgages
Multiple properties assessed in aggregate rather than individually — relevant as the portfolio grows beyond a single property.
Limited company structures
Holding through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) may suit higher-rate taxpayers. We work with your accountant rather than advising on tax ourselves.
HMO finance
Houses in Multiple Occupation generate higher rental yields but require specialist lenders, specific licence conditions and an appropriate management approach.
Remortgage & equity release
Existing property equity can sometimes be released to fund further investment — subject to mortgage terms and overall financial position.
Getting It Right
Structure matters as much as lender.
How you hold investment property — personally, through a limited company, through a trust — has significant long-term implications. The mortgage structure and the holding structure need to work together.
We advise on the mortgage side. Where the holding structure involves tax or legal considerations, we refer to qualified specialists — and we work collaboratively alongside your existing accountant or financial adviser.
Personal name
Simpler at outset. Less flexible as the portfolio grows and if you pay higher-rate tax.
Limited company (SPV)
Potentially more tax-efficient for higher-rate payers. Lender choice and rates differ from personal-name BTL. Discuss with your accountant.
Portfolio assessment
As a portfolio landlord (4+ mortgaged BTLs), lenders assess all properties together — making consistent advice across the portfolio important.
Common Questions
Answered.
Can professional athletes invest in buy-to-let property?
Yes. Athletes are well positioned to build investment property portfolios during peak earning years. Buy-to-let mortgage affordability is primarily assessed on projected rental income rather than personal salary, which can make investment property accessible even alongside an existing residential mortgage. Please note: buy-to-let mortgages are not regulated by the FCA.
Should a sports professional hold investment property personally or through a company?
This depends on individual tax position, intended portfolio size, refinancing plans and personal circumstances. Limited company buy-to-let has become more common among portfolio landlords following changes to mortgage interest relief, but it is not the right structure for everyone. We work alongside your accountant or tax adviser — we do not provide tax advice ourselves.
What is an HMO and why might it suit an athlete's property strategy?
A House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) is a property let to three or more unrelated tenants. HMOs typically generate higher rental yields than single-let properties, which can benefit an investor focused on income generation. HMO mortgages require specialist lenders and often a local authority licence — both of which we can advise on.
Can I use equity in my existing property to fund an investment purchase?
Yes. Equity in a residential or investment property can sometimes be released via a remortgage or further advance to fund a deposit on a subsequent purchase. We assess whether this is appropriate and available given your current mortgage terms and overall financial position.
What is a portfolio landlord and does it affect my mortgage options?
A portfolio landlord is typically someone with four or more mortgaged buy-to-let properties. Since 2017, lenders have been required to conduct more detailed affordability assessments on portfolio landlords, taking the entire portfolio into account. This makes lender selection and income presentation more important at scale.
Private Enquiry
Discuss property finance.
Whether you are starting with a first investment property or managing an existing portfolio, we can advise on the mortgage side — and introduce you to tax and legal specialists where needed.
All enquiries are handled in confidence and responded to within one working day.
Lockhart Murphy is a trading name of Mortgage Force Ltd, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Buy-to-let mortgages are not regulated by the FCA. Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or any other debt secured on it. Property values can fall as well as rise. Rental income is not guaranteed. Lockhart Murphy does not provide tax, legal or investment advice. We recommend consulting a qualified tax adviser regarding the holding structure for any investment property. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.