Seafarer Mortgages In The UK: Expert Support For Offshore And Marine Professionals

Specialist Mortgage Guidance For Seafarers, Yacht Crew, And Offshore Contractors

If you work at sea or in an offshore environment, securing a UK mortgage can feel unnecessarily complicated. Whether you’re a marine engineer, oil rig worker, cruise ship crew member, or part of a yacht crew, your income structure often doesn’t fit standard lender expectations.

At Mortgage One, we specialise in tailored mortgage solutions for maritime professionals. From foreign currency earnings to rotational contracts, we understand the challenges—and provide expert guidance to help you secure a mortgage that suits your unique circumstances.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or any other debt secured on it.

What Is A Seafarer Mortgage?

A seafarer mortgage refers to any mortgage solution tailored to individuals who work at sea, offshore, or in marine environments. While lenders don’t market specific “seafarer” products, what sets these mortgages apart is the specialist underwriting approach needed to assess:

• Non-GBP or multi-currency income

• Rotational or seasonal working patterns

• Contract-based employment

• Gaps in traditional payslip records

• Limited UK residency or SED tax treatment

With the right documentation and broker support, these challenges can be turned into strengths.

Recognised Terms For Seafarer Mortgages

Online, seafarer mortgages are referred to by various names. All fall under the same category of tailored lending for offshore and maritime professionals. These terms include:

• Maritime mortgage

• Yacht-crew mortgage

• Below Decks

• Seafarer mortgage

• Contractor mortgage

• Offshore worker mortgage

• Mariners mortgage

• Crew mortgage

• Marine professional mortgage

• Seaman mortgage

• Ship crew mortgage

• Oil rig worker mortgage

While the wording may differ, the common thread is clear: a non-standard income structure requiring flexible underwriting.

Who Typically Needs This Type Of Mortgage?

You may benefit from a seafarer mortgage if you:

• Work offshore for extended periods

• Receive income in USD, EUR, or another currency

• Hold a contract or rotation-based position

• Claim the Seafarers’ Earnings Deduction (SED)

• Live abroad but maintain UK property interests

• Are part of a crew on cruise ships, yachts, tankers, or rigs

Mortgage One helps translate this complex profile into a compelling case for lenders.

Understanding The Seafarers’ Earnings Deduction (SED)

The SED is a tax relief available to qualifying UK-based seafarers who work overseas for long stretches. It can significantly reduce your tax bill—but may confuse lenders unfamiliar with it. At Mortgage One, we define your tax position clearly within your application, removing ambiguity and supporting a smooth approval process.

Mortgage One cannot give Tax Advice, but we can guide you through the process.

How Mortgage One Works With Seafarers And Offshore Workers

We specialise in preparing applications for professionals whose employment or income is outside the norm. We works directly with lenders and underwriters to ensure your application is assessed fairly, not filtered out by automated systems.

We support:

• Offshore oil and gas contractors

• Yacht and cruise ship crew

• Merchant navy officers

• Marine engineers and deckhands

• Seafarers with foreign income

• Contract-based marine professionals

Every case is handled individually, with full compliance under Financial Conduct Authority and Mortgage Conduct of Business standards.

What Documents Will You Need?

To strengthen your application, we help gather and prepare:

• SA302s and tax returns (especially important with SED)

• Sea service letters and employment contracts

• Bank statements (minimum 3 months)

• Proof of UK address and residency status

Presenting this clearly is crucial. We ensure every document aligns with lender expectations.

What Mortgage Products Can You Access?

With the right support, you can access a wide range of mortgage types, including:

• Residential mortgages (repayment or interest-only)

• Buy-to-let, including expat buy-to-let options

• Tracker, fixed, and discounted rates

These mortgages aren’t branded as “Seafarer mortgages,” but with Mortgage One, you gain access to lenders who fully understand offshore employment.

Some Buy to Let Mortgages are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

Why Seafarers Choose Mortgage One

We provide tailored, broker-led support from start to finish. There’s no outsourcing or generic process—just informed, accurate advice from professionals who speak your language. We are trusted by seafarers and marine professionals across the UK and internationally.

Ready To Turn Your Offshore Income Into A Mortgage?

Your unique role shouldn’t hold you back from buying a home. Mortgage One is here to make sure it doesn’t. Whether you’re paid in dollars or live abroad six months a year, we make your mortgage journey simple, clear, and successful.