England star Raheem Sterling has paid £2.3million for a plot of land owned by King Charles, a report has revealed.
The 28-year-old, who starred for the Three Lions in their heartbreaking Euro 2020 campaign, purchased the 3.5-acre plot owned by the Crown Estate in Ascot, Berkshire.
The location is a short drive away from Chelsea’s Cobham training base.
Sterling will need to pay a yearly rent as the Crown Estate will effectively see King Charles remain his landlord.
England's Raheem Sterling during the FIFA World Cup Group B match at the Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor.
PA
The MailOnline revealed Sterling, who previously played for Liverpool and Manchester City, will build a new five-bedroom mansion.
Aerial images suggest Sterling’s new home will include a swimming pool or water feature.
Estimates indicate the value of the Jamaican-born England star's home could hit £7million.
It will also have a huge basement which could include an underground swimming pool and a two lane bowling alley.
King Charles
PALand registry records show that Sterling acquired the plot in May 2021.
It had been on the market for £2.495million but the Chelsea winger apparently managed to negotiate a £195,000 discount before completing.
Sterling’s lease on the plot has 141 years left to run.
The amount that Sterling has to pay in ground rent has not been disclosed.
Raheem Sterling battles with Tottenham Hotspur's Ben Davies during the Premier League match at Stamford Bridge
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However, an expert told MailOnline: “Some people might think it unusual for someone as wealthy as Sterling to buy a property on leasehold where they never actually own the freehold of the land.
“It is more common for flats to be owned on leasehold, but there is nothing to stop leases being applied to any property type.
“There are large areas of London where the majority of homes are leasehold.
“Sterling will still have significant rights as the leaseholder.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla leave St Giles' Cathedral following a National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication
PA
“It is just that he will never completely own the land.
“He will obviously not be around when the lease expires in 141 years time, but the law states that whoever owns it at that point will be able to extend it.
“They will be able to pay to buy a new lease. How much that would be would be a matter of debate.
“The existing lease he has may well have conditions in it about how much it will cost to renew taking into account inflation.”
