top of page
Aircraft Hangar

Mortgages for Pilots, Airline Staff and Cabin Crew

Working in the airline industry often means fluctuating hours, variable income, and complex payslips, which can make applying for a mortgage feel more complicated than it should. Whether you're a commercial pilot, flight attendant, or part of ground operations, your income structure shouldn’t hold you back from owning a home.

At Drummonds Finance Group, we specialise in helping aviation professionals across the UK secure mortgages that reflect their actual earnings, including flying hours, allowances, and shift-based income. With access to over 100 lenders, we find the right match based on your unique pay structure and career path.

Speak to a Mortgage Adviser

Find out what mortgage rate are available for you. It take less than 60 seconds. 

rs=w_388,h_194,cg_true_edited.png

Why Choose Drummonds

 

​​​​​​​​Access to competitive broker rates.

✅ Quick turnaround times and mortgage offers

✅ Whole of market with Access to over 100 lenders

✅ Deal directly with a dedicated, friendly broker

✅ Knowledge and experience in aviation staff Mortgages

Why Airline Staff Often Need Specialist Advice

Many aviation professionals come to us after being told “no” by high street banks, not because they can’t afford a mortgage, but because the lender didn’t understand their payslip.

Your income might include flight hours, layover allowances, per diems, international tax arrangements, or even commission. You might also receive a base salary that only reflects part of your real earning power. That’s why it’s essential to work with a broker who knows how to package your income correctly.

We take time to understand how your earnings are structured, whether you’re salaried, paid per flight, or working on contract. Then we match you with lenders who can assess your affordability fairly and sensibly.

Airport

Mortgages for Pilots

Pilots often earn a strong income, but because it’s split across multiple categories, basic pay, flight hours, and bonuses, it can be harder to prove to a lender without context. If you’ve recently changed airlines, work across borders, or are flying less during certain months, this variability may raise red flags with banks that prefer simplicity.

We work with lenders who understand the aviation sector. They’re happy to look at full income evidence, including allowances and flying hours over a 6 to 12-month average. If you’ve got a contract for a new role, we can often secure a mortgage based on your upcoming pay, even if you haven’t completed a full year with your new employer.

Mortgage Advice for Cabin Crew and Ground Staff

Cabin crew often face similar challenges. Income fluctuates based on routes, shift patterns and seasonal flight schedules. Some months you’re earning well above average, while others may be quieter. Unfortunately, many lenders will only assess your base salary, which may reduce the amount you're able to borrow.

We understand this cycle and work with lenders who are comfortable averaging out your income to give a more realistic picture. If you’re on a fixed contract, undergoing a temporary secondment, or have returned to work after a break, we’ll help explain your circumstances and ensure your application is judged fairly.

The same applies to ground and operations staff. From dispatchers to engineers, we’ve helped people across every part of the aviation industry secure competitive mortgage deals even when their contracts or income types were more complex than average.

Mortgages for Self-Employed Airline Contractors

If you’re flying or supporting flights on a self-employed basis, whether through a limited company or short-term contracts, lenders will require proof of consistent income. We can guide you through what they’ll expect, from company accounts to tax returns or day-rate agreements.

The key is to present your case clearly. Even with just one year of trading history, we can still assist. Our job is to present lenders with a comprehensive view of your earnings and explain your situation in a way that works in your favour.

First-Time Buyers in the Airline Industry

If you're buying your first home, you’ve probably realised that mortgage applications aren't built around airline pay structures. That’s where we come in.

We'll explain how much you can borrow, what deposit you’ll need, and which lenders will accept your full income, not just your basic salary. Even if you've only been in your role a short time, or you’re on a probation period, we’ll help you explore the options that still work for you.

Moving, Remortgaging or Investing in Property

Already own a property? We regularly help airline staff remortgage to get better rates, release equity, or prepare for a move. Whether you’re relocating for a new base, upgrading your home, or remortgaging to reduce monthly costs, we’ll handle the details and find the most suitable lender.

We also help pilots and crew secure buy-to-let mortgages. These are often based more on the rental income from the property than on your own earnings, but your background still plays a role. We’ll help you understand how your aviation income fits into the lender’s criteria — and what you can do to improve your chances if needed.

Tailored Advice, Exceptional Service

The Drummonds Advantage

We know that no two airline roles are the same. You may fly internationally, work shifts, operate as a freelancer, or have a fixed contract. Your income may be substantial, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to explain on a mortgage application.

That’s where we add real value.

We break down your payslip, highlight your actual earnings, and package your case for lenders who already understand the aviation world. We keep the process clear and personal, so you’re never left chasing updates or unclear on what’s next.

Many of our aviation clients return to us for their second or third mortgages because we’ve established relationships with lenders who trust us to get the details right.

.

Ready to simplify your mortgage journey? Contact us today to experience the Drummonds advantage with expert, personalised advice every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your Mortgage Queries Answered

  • Why choose a local mortgage broker in Oxford?
    As a local broker, we have in-depth knowledge of Oxford's property market, enabling us to provide personalized advice and access to exclusive deals not available through national lenders
  • How quickly can I get a mortgage approval?
    We can typically secure an Agreement in Principle within 1–48 hours, depending on your circumstances.
  • Can I get a mortgage with a low deposit?
    Yes, we work with lenders offering 5% deposit mortgages and can advise on schemes like Shared Ownership to help you get on the property ladder
  • Do you offer services for self-employed individuals?
    Absolutely. We specialize in securing mortgages for self-employed clients, even with just 1–2 years of accounts.
  • What documents are required to apply for a mortgage?
    Proof of ID (passport or driving license) Recent payslips (last 3 months) Bank statements Proof of deposit For self-employed: 2–3 years of tax overviews and SA302s
  • What additional costs should I budget for?
    Legal fees Valuation/survey fees Mortgage arrangement fees Stamp Duty (if applicable) Moving costs Home setup expenses
  • How long does it take to complete a mortgage in Oxford?
    On average, a mortgage can take 2 weeks to complete from application to offer, depending on the complexity of the case. At Drummonds Finance Group, we often secure a mortgage offers faster than 2 weeks for straightforward applications with all documents ready. Factors that can speed up the process include: Fast responses from the client Clear credit history Prompt valuations and solicitor work We work closely with lenders, valuers, and solicitors to keep things moving and minimise delays wherever possible.
  • Is Oxford a good place to buy property?
    Yes, Oxford is widely regarded as one of the best places to invest in property in the UK. It boasts a strong local economy, world-class educational institutions, a vibrant cultural scene, and excellent transport links. The demand for housing in Oxford remains high due to its university population, medical and research centres, and proximity to London. Whether you're a first-time buyer, a home mover, or a buy-to-let investor, Oxford offers long-term value and strong rental potential.
  • Will house prices go up in Oxford?
    While no one can predict the market with complete certainty, Oxford’s housing market has shown consistent long-term growth. Limited housing supply, a high volume of renters, and ongoing demand from students, professionals, and commuters support future price resilience. Economic forecasts and local development plans indicate that prices in Oxford are likely to continue rising over time, especially in well-connected and sought-after areas.
  • What is the average house price in Oxford?
    As of 2025, the average house price in Oxford is approximately £525,000, though this varies widely depending on the area and property type. Flats typically range from £275,000 to £400,000 Terraced homes average around £500,000 Detached houses often exceed £800,000 Premium areas like Jericho, Summertown, and Headington command even higher prices.
  • What should I look out for when buying a house in Oxford?
    Proximity to transport links – access to Oxford Parkway or mainline rail for London commuters can affect value. School catchment areas – top-rated schools like Cherwell School and Oxford High can increase demand. Leasehold vs. Freehold – many central Oxford flats are leasehold, so always check the remaining term and service charges. Flood zones – some areas near the River Thames or Cherwell may carry flood risks. Planning and development – check the Local Plan to see if any major changes or developments could affect the area.
bottom of page