Where Football Meets Property: Savills' Essential Role of Relocation in Modern Transfers
For most fans of the beautiful game, the transfer window is seen through the lens of transfer fees, contract values, intense media scrutiny and season-defining decisions that can make — or break — a team’s fortunes in the world’s most lucrative sport.
Gone are the days when a club’s star player was simply a folk hero. Today’s players are prized, multi-million-pound assets requiring careful management. Behind every transfer window sits a complex logistical operation, designed to ensure new signings can hit the ground running both on and off the pitch.
One often overlooked aspect of that process is helping players and their families settle into a new environment. From securing suitable accommodation to navigating unfamiliar locations and lifestyles, the right support can play a vital role in ensuring a smooth transition.
It’s a challenge that Savills understands well. As a global real estate firm and one of the UK’s largest estate agents, with over 42,000 experts worldwide, Savills was among the first to establish a dedicated department focused on delivering a confidential, specialist property service for sportspeople.
“Savills has been supporting footballers, agents and clubs for many years, which ultimately led to the creation of our dedicated Sports, Media and Entertainment department,”
explains Imogen Bliss, Director – Sports, Media & Entertainment at Savills.
“This department was set up to handle property-related requirements for clients within those sectors. The work demands a high level of discretion, without ever compromising on service. While we support a wide range of clients, activity naturally increases during transfer windows and major tournaments, such as the World Cup. Over time, we’ve developed close relationships with clubs, working alongside them throughout each window to facilitate player and staff moves.”
Last year, Premier League transfer spending reached a record high, with over £3 billion exchanged between clubs for players. With such significant investment at stake, no detail is overlooked when it comes to helping new signings settle quickly and perform at their best.
However, as Imogen highlights, success often lies in the finer details. For many players, the difference between making a strong start and struggling to adapt can come down to everyday practicalities.
“New players need to hit the ground running, but behind their performance is a whole range of practical needs. Are they sleeping well? Do they have food in the fridge? Is their transport to and from training organised? Some players may also be living on their own for the first time, so it’s about making sure they can manage basic day-to-day tasks — whether that’s doing laundry themselves or arranging support, such as a cleaner.”
“It’s a process that begins well in advance. We work with landlords and vendors to ensure suitable properties are available at the right time. In recent weeks, we’ve been collaborating with several clubs to present options early on. This helps players feel confident in their decision — they need to know the area works for them, whether it’s secure, convenient and aligned with their lifestyle.”
“While many clubs now manage parts of the home search process in-house, it remains crucial to have trusted agents they can rely on. We’re currently working with a number of clubs across the UK.”
Beyond property support, Savills is also a member of the MBP Partner Programme — an exclusive B2B and B2C networking community designed to help organisations connect, collaborate and unlock commercial opportunities.
For Savills, the programme has been particularly valuable in strengthening relationships throughout the client journey, as Imogen explains:
“Across any transaction, you’re working with a range of professionals — from lawyers to accountants. Building strong relationships is essential. Through the MBP Partner Programme, we’ve connected with a number of law firms who support the same clients we do.
“That makes it much easier to pick up the phone, have open conversations and keep things moving efficiently. Those relationships are incredibly valuable.”
Public perception often paints a footballer’s home as an ultra-modern, multi-million-pound mansion in an exclusive gated community. However, as Imogen notes, priorities are shifting, with players increasingly valuing security and practicality over pure extravagance.
“There’s been a noticeable change in recent years. Gone are the days of six-bedroom mansions for a single occupant.
“Security is now the top priority, whether that’s living within a gated development or having managed security in place. We’re also seeing increased demand for features such as dedicated gaming spaces and infrared rooms. Recovery-focused spaces are particularly sought-after; like any sector, trends evolve, and it’s our role to anticipate and respond to them.”
While player preferences continue to evolve, the priority is creating a seamless relocation experience that allows players to settle quickly and focus on performance from day one.
“The focus is on sourcing the right properties and coordinating viewings around a player’s schedule. Training commitments mean availability can be very limited, often restricted to outside standard hours. Flexibility and adaptability are therefore essential.”
For sporting professionals preparing for a move, Imogen’s advice is simple: keep communication open and ask questions early.
“Property is more complex than people often realise. There’s no such thing as a silly question — it’s always better to ask and clarify early, as it makes the whole process much smoother in the long run.”
To find out more about Savills, click below:
https://resources.savills.com/sports-media-and-entertainment-digital-brochure/p/1
https://www.savills.co.uk/