Why Do Footballers Often Rent and Not Buy? | Partridge Homes Sports & Entertainment Lettings

When you think of professional footballers and entertainers, you might picture sprawling mansions, supercars, and luxury lifestyles. But in reality, many top-level sports stars choose to rent their homes instead of buying — and for very good reason.

At Partridge Homes Sports & Entertainment, we specialise in high-end rental properties across Solihull, Sutton Coldfield, Little Aston, Four Oaks, Dorridge, Knowle, Henley-in-Arden, Lapworth and Dickens Heath — all areas popular with professional athletes, managers, and high-profile personalities.

This blog explains why renting often makes far more sense than buying — and how Partridge Homes have become the go-to agents for luxury relocations in the West Midlands.

⚽ 1. Short-Term Contracts Mean Long-Term Flexibility

Football is a fast-moving business. A player could sign a three-year deal today — and be transferred to another club in 18 months.

If that player had purchased a £1.5 million home, they could be left with:

• A property to sell quickly, possibly at a loss.

• High transaction costs such as stamp duty, conveyancing and legal fees.

• And the challenge of selling a specialist high-end home in a specific area at short notice.

By renting, players and their families can enjoy the same luxury lifestyle — without the burden of ownership. When a unexpected transfer happens, they simply hand back the keys and move on.

💷 2. The Cost of Buying vs Renting: A Real Example

Let’s break it down.

Buying a £1,500,000 Home (Second Property)

For professional athletes who already own a home elsewhere, purchasing another property counts as a second home — meaning higher stamp duty rates apply.

So before even moving in, that player could have spent around £150,000 upfront — and that’s before ongoing maintenance, furnishings, and the cost of resale later.

Renting the Same Home

Now, let’s imagine the same property is available for £5,000 per month — typical for premium rentals in Little Aston, Dorridge, or Lapworth.

So even over three years, the total rent (£180,000) is close to the stamp duty alone on buying that same property — with no mortgage commitment, no risk of a slow resale, and complete flexibility if their next transfer takes them elsewhere.

🏡 3. Renting Means Hassle-Free Living

Luxury rental homes managed by Partridge Homes are designed for convenience and comfort. Many of our sports and entertainment clients prefer to rent because:

• We handle everything — from furnishings and maintenance to quick repairs and regular inspections.

• Confidentiality and discretion — our specialist team ensures total privacy for high-profile clients.

• Prime locations near training facilities and top schools.

• Short-term flexibility — ideal for players on loan, new signings, or those testing a new area before buying long-term.

Our properties often come fully furnished with luxury interiors from brands like Coach House and feature private gates, landscaped gardens, cinema rooms, and gyms.

🏆 4. The Smart Financial Move

Even for multi-millionaire players, buying doesn’t always make financial sense.

Renting allows players to:

• Keep liquidity for investments and career planning.

• Avoid large tax bills and property sale delays.

• Stay mobile — especially when club transfers or loans can happen mid-season.

• Relocate easily for family reasons, school catchments, or training bases.

At the top levels of football, agents and financial advisors often recommend renting for the first 6–12 months after a move, especially when relocating to a new region or country.

📍 5. The Most Popular Areas for Footballers to Rent

The West Midlands has long been a hub for professional sportspeople — offering luxury homes, great transport links, and privacy.

Some of the most in-demand areas include:

🏠 Solihull & Knowle

Perfect for Birmingham City and Aston Villa players. Excellent schools, leafy roads, and close proximity to the Elite Training Centre in Henley-in-Arden.

🏡 Dorridge & Lapworth

Exclusive countryside living with easy access to Solihull town centre and M40/M42 connections.

🌳 Little Aston & Four Oaks

Favoured by players from West Bromwich Albion and Wolves — large detached homes, gated estates, and proximity to Sutton Park.

🏡 Henley-in-Arden & Dickens Heath

Beautiful rural settings with boutique shops, restaurants, and easy access to training grounds and city nightlife.

🤝 6. Why Choose Partridge Homes Sports & Entertainment

We’re not just another letting agent.
Our Sports & Entertainment division was created to support athletes, entertainers, and high-profile individuals relocating to the West Midlands.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Discreet, concierge-level service from a family-run business trusted for over 20 years.

• Tailored relocation packages — from property sourcing to move-in day.

• Expert knowledge of luxury areas like Solihull, Sutton Coldfield, Little Aston, Dorridge, and Henley-in-Arden.

• Experience working directly with clubs and management teams to meet tight deadlines and confidentiality agreements.

Whether you’re a player moving to Birmingham City, Aston Villa, West Bromwich Albion, Wolves or Coventry, or an entertainment professional relocating for work — Partridge Homes makes the process seamless.

💬 Ask Paul Partridge, Sports Relocation Specialist

We caught up with Paul Partridge, Co-Founder of Partridge Homes and Head of the Sports & Entertainment Division, to answer some of the most searched and conversational questions people ask online about footballer relocations, celebrity lettings, and what really goes on behind the scenes when high-profile moves happen.

❓“Why do so many footballers and sports stars use Partridge Homes when moving to the West Midlands?”

Paul:
When we set up the Sports & Entertainment department, we never expected it to grow into what it’s become today. What started as helping a few professional players find homes around Solihull and Sutton Coldfield has now evolved into a full-scale operation — managing luxury relocations for Premier League, Championship, and international athletes, as well as entertainers and agents.

My proudest moment so far has to be relocating all 13 of Birmingham City FC’s summer 2025 signings — every single one through Partridge Homes. That kind of trust from both the club and the players is something we’ve worked years to build.

We don’t just find properties — we provide a complete service: confidentiality, furnishings, move-in support, school guidance, and ongoing management. For players, that personal approach matters.

❓“What’s one of the most memorable or high-profile moves you’ve worked on?”

Paul:
Two instantly come to mind for very different reasons.

The first was Myles Garrett, the NFL superstar and former first-round draft pick — a huge name in American football. When he came over, it was a surreal experience. The logistics, the level of security, and the attention to detail required were next level. It really highlighted how global our work has become.

Then, of course, there was Wayne Rooney, who I’d describe as a generational icon. When he arrived to take on the Birmingham City manager role, it was one of those moments you don’t forget. To work with someone of that calibre — arguably one of the most talented footballers this country has ever produced — and to play a small part in that chapter of his career, was something special.

Both moves showed how trusted our Sports & Entertainment division has become — whether it’s Premier League footballers or world-class athletes from overseas.

❓“How big is the Partridge Homes Sports & Entertainment department now?”

Paul:
It’s grown faster than we ever imagined. We now manage and source high-end rentals and off-market relocations across the entire West Midlands — from Solihull and Knowle to Little Aston, Dorridge, Henley-in-Arden, and Four Oaks.

Our portfolio includes homes for players, managers, and backroom staff from Birmingham City, Aston Villa, West Bromwich Albion, Wolves, and Coventry City, along with agents and entertainers.

Every month, we’re handling new instructions and move-ins for top-tier clients — many through private introductions and referrals. What makes me proud is that we’ve achieved this growth while staying true to our family-run ethos: discretion, trust, and care.

❓“What was the biggest luxury rental of 2025 handled by Partridge Homes?”

Paul:
Without a doubt, the standout deal of the year was an off-market rental at £21,500 per month — secured on a two-year agreement, totalling over £500,000.

It was an extraordinary property, meticulously finished, and let to a high-profile client who wanted absolute privacy. Deals like that don’t appear on portals — they happen because of reputation, connections, and our ability to deliver quickly at that level.

It really encapsulated what the Sports & Entertainment arm of Partridge Homes is about: confidential, high-value, seamless relocation for elite clients.

❓“If I’m a professional player moving to Birmingham or Solihull, how do I start the process?”

Paul:
It’s simple — contact our Sports & Entertainment Lettings Team directly. We’ll handle everything discreetly from start to finish. We know what players need: secure parking, privacy, distance from paparazzi, proximity to training grounds, and a relaxed, homely environment.

We can arrange fully furnished options, short-term tenancies, and off-market listings that never go online.

Just email admin@partridge-homes.co.uk or call 0121 745 2225 — we’ll take care of the rest.

🌟 A Final Word

Whether it’s an NFL superstar, a Premier League legend, or an up-and-coming academy player — every relocation gets the same care and attention.

For over two decades, Partridge Homes has combined family values with elite-level professionalism — and the Sports & Entertainment division is now one of the most trusted relocation specialists in the UK.

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