Drone photography for property: the rules

Why aerials sell property

From the ground, a buyer sees a front door. From the air, they see the plot, the garden, the outbuildings, the roof, the land and what is next door. For farmhouses, barns, large gardens and land, the setting is often what sells it.

The basic rules

The CAA's Drone and Model Aircraft Code sets out where drones can fly: (CAA, points 3 to 9)

• Fly below 120m (400ft) from the closest point of the ground.
• Do not fly closer than 50m to people, including people in buildings and vehicles.
• Never fly over crowds.
• Keep at least 150m away from residential, recreational, commercial and industrial areas.
• Stay well away from airports and airfields, and never enter a Flight Restriction Zone without permission.
• Check for flying restrictions and hazards before every flight.

Why property flights need more than the basics

Most houses are in residential areas, which the basic code says to keep 150m away from. Flying closer, which property work usually needs, depends on the class of drone and on the pilot holding the right CAA competence. That is why aerial work should be booked with a certified and insured operator, not a friend with a drone. I am CAA certified for commercial flying and insured for it.

IDs every operator needs

• Flyer ID: proof of passing the CAA's online theory test. It lasts five years. (CAA)
• Operator ID: the registration for whoever is responsible for the drone, which must be labelled on it. You must be 18 or over to get one. (CAA)

Airspace and permissions

Before every flight I check the airspace for restrictions and temporary notices, using maps such as NATS Drone Assist. If a property sits inside a Flight Restriction Zone, I ask the airport or airfield for permission first. You do not need to arrange any of this.

Privacy

A drone with a camera can see over fences, so the Drone Code includes rules on privacy. (CAA, points 21 to 26) I frame aerials on the property being sold, keep people out of shot, and do not hover over neighbouring gardens. Data protection law can apply to images of identifiable people.

When a flight cannot happen

Wind, rain and airspace can all stop a flight. I will not fly in breach of the rules, whatever the deadline. If a flight is not legally or safely possible, the aerial element is not charged. Where a drone cannot fly, elevated pole shots can sometimes give a similar view.

• Aerial photography on its own: from £80
• Included in the full package: from £250

Sources

1. Where you can fly (Drone and Model Aircraft Code points 3 to 9), Civil Aviation Authority
2. Getting a Flyer ID before you fly, Civil Aviation Authority
3. Getting an Operator ID before you fly, Civil Aviation Authority
4. Protecting people's privacy (Drone Code points 21 to 26), Civil Aviation Authority
5. Drone Assist map of airspace restrictions, NATS

Checked 7 October 2026. Rules change: follow the links for the current position.