from centre court to steady returns.

For our client, a professional tennis player whose career keeps her travelling most of the year, her UK property was spending far too much time off court. Rarely used and sitting empty, she decided it made sense to convert it into a buy-to-let, allowing it to generate income rather than remain idle between tournaments.

On paper, however, the rental yield didn’t quite meet standard lender requirements. For many lenders, that would have been game, set and match (sorry, couldn’t resist). But as is often the case, the numbers alone didn’t tell the full story.

By applying a top slicing approach, we were able to use her personal income to support the rental shortfall and strengthen the overall affordability of the case. Once presented properly, the solution was straightforward: the property could be let, the mortgage could proceed, and the asset could finally start working as hard as she does.

The result? A practical outcome that turns an underused property into a steady source of income, without unnecessary compromise or complexity. It’s just another example of why advice (and, dare we say, knowledge) makes all the difference.