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Last Updated: 1st February, 2024

In the past, pro athletes found it difficult to get approved for a home loan because of the fluctuating nature of their income and the stability of their work contracts.

Today, eligible sports players can actually qualify for home loan discounts that aren’t available to the general public!

What discounts are on offer?

Eligible professional athletes may qualify for the following:

  • Borrow up to 90% of the property value: Save thousands of dollars by avoiding the cost of LMI. Maximum loan size is $2 million.
  • Borrow up to 95% of the property value: LMI will apply but you can still get a heavily discounted interest rate if you have stable employment you have a high net worth. No maximum loan size applies.
  • Interest rate: Discounted interest rates available.
  • Minimum income: $150,000 as base salary but lenders will accept 100% of any rental income that you’re generating if required for approval.
  • No genuine savings required: Only when borrowing at 90% LVR (Loan to Value Ratio) or less.
  • Security: Buy for both owner occupied and investment purposes.
  • Interest only term: Up to 15 years.
  • Income protection may be required: Depends on loan size.

Read on to find out if you qualify or call us on 1300 889 743 to speak with one of our mortgage brokers.

Alternatively, you can complete our online enquiry form and we’ll get back to you.


How many lenders waive LMI for athletes?

With our assessment tool, you can obtain insights into the number of lenders providing waived LMI for athletes and discover the potential savings on LMI costs.

Are all sports players eligible?

Yes! The only requirement with the lender is that you have an accredited manager, agent or account.

The banks do not make any assessments based on the type of sport you play so these deals are available to you if you play or compete in the following sports:

  • Olympics
  • Cricket
  • Rugby
  • NRL
  • AFL
  • Soccer
  • Golf
  • Basketball
  • Baseball
  • Rowing
  • Hockey
  • Motor sports
  • Cycling
  • Tennis
  • Surfing
  • Equestrian
  • Swimming

Not on this list?

That’s ok! This isn’t an extensive list. We may still be able to get you approved for waived LMI and an interest rate discount.


What if I’m retired?

If you’re still working in the sports industry, then you can still be considered for a professional athlete home loan.

It’s not uncommon for athletes to get involved in media and entertainment work during their time on the field and eventually take up a full-time television or radio career once they retire.

The good news is that select banks offer the same mortgage discounts to eligible entertainment professionals as well!

Can coaches get home loan discounts?

Yes! Whether you’re active or retired, coaches can be considered as long as they meet all income and servicing requirements.


What do most lenders think of pro athletes?

Professional athletes are treated as a high risk by most banks.

They’re particularly concerned that their employment is unstable since a contract can often be cancelled or not renewed for next season.

Serious illness or injury can put you out of work for a long time or even permanently.

As such, lenders have stricter guidelines when lending to professional athletes. Lenders will require that you:

  • Have been playing professionally for at least two years.
  • Have sufficient evidence of any income from endorsements.
  • Provide proof of any other income.

How long should I have been playing professionally?

Most lenders will require you to have been playing professionally in the sport for at least two years.

Lenders require two years of playing professionally because your income may fluctuate from season to season, so they want to see if it is consistent in the long term.

If you have been playing for a shorter period of time then you may be able to get a home loan on a case by case basis.


What documents do I need to provide?

You’ll simply need to provide a copy of your current contract so the banks are confident that you’ve been competing for some time and your income will be ongoing.

The contract should include the date of expiry.

To prove that your income is consistent, you’ll also be ask to provide your most recent two years tax returns and a current payslip.

We can make the application process easy so please call us on 1300 889 743 or fill in our online enquiry form today.


FAQs

Do banks take revenue and endorsements into account?

Yes! Banks will take any income from endorsements into account and assess them on a case by case basis. Like all forms of income, endorsement contracts will need to be provided to prove the income was a result of endorsements.

If you do qualify for waived LMI, it means that you don’t actually need genuine savings. That means your deposit can be a comination of your own savings, endorsements, dividend income from investments and even a gifted deposit from your parents.

What if I have changed teams?

As long as your income has been consistent then we can get the bank to take a commonsense approach, by using your prior and current contracts as evidence of your income.

Normally, a change in teams means you’re moving to a better salary and so it’s often viewed as career advancement rather than career instability.

What if I work overseas?

Many professional athletes get offers from foreign teams or businesses wanting to provide sponsorship.

This is particularly common with football and soccer players who work overseas for several years before returning to live in Australia.

This income can be considered depending on the country that you are working in, the currency you are paid in and the terms of the contract.

In some cases, banks will accept up to 70% of the foreign income.

What if I’m an international athlete?

Whether you’re a permanent resident living in Australia or you’re on a temporary Sport Visa (421), you can be considered for a professional athlete home loan.

Will my identity remain confidential?

Yes, the Home Loan Experts takes confidentially very seriously. All customer account information is kept strictly confidential.


How do I apply for a mortgage?

Our brokers are specialists in disounts on professional athlete home loans

To apply for a mortgage with us, contact us on 1300 889 743 or enquire online.