The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word RENTER
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
R
E
N
T
E
R
More clues leading to the result RENTER
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "One making regular payments" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case one making regular payments = renter.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does RENTER mean?
RENTER noun- A male prostitute, typically young and gay.
- One who rents property or other goods from another.
- One who owns or controls property and rents that property to another.
- To sew together so that the seam is scarcely visible; to sew up with skill and nicety; to finedraw.
- To restore the original design of (a tapestry) by working in new warp.