London vs South East
Affordability Breakdown
Is London Weighting really enough? A forensic data-comparison of Met Police vs Home Counties forces on salary, mortgage power, commute costs and long-term wealth.
Updated: 15 February 2026 • Independent Research
The 2026 Verdict
Is it better financially to police in London or the South East?
For most constables in 2026, South East forces (Surrey, Thames Valley, Kent, Essex, Herts) often offer stronger long-term housing affordability despite lower headline allowances. While London pay appears higher due to weighting (~£7k advantage), property prices (£500k+), transport costs, and lifestyle inflation significantly reduce the net advantage, often trapping officers in a cycle of high rent and long commutes.
Section 1: What Do You
Actually Earn?
Comparing the gross and net reality of a Top Scale Constable (Pay Point 7) across the region.
| Component | Met Police (London) | South East (Surrey/TVP) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Pay (Point 7) | £48,231 | £48,231 | - |
| London Weighting | +£3,000 (Est) | £0 | +£3,000 |
| London Allowance 1 | +£1,011 | £0 | +£1,011 |
| London Allowance 2 | +£3,327 | £0 | +£3,327 |
| South East Allowance | £0 | +£2,500 (Avg) | -£2,500 |
| Total Gross | £55,569 | £50,731 | +£4,838 (Met) |
The "Gross" Illusion
On paper, the Met officer appears nearly £5,000 richer per year. That’s roughly £280 extra in the monthly pay packet after tax/pension. However, this surplus evaporates the moment we factor in the "London Premium" on housing and transport.
Want exact take-home figures?
Run Full Salary Audit →
Section 2: The Truth About
London Weighting
London Weighting was originally designed to compensate for the higher cost of living in the capital. But has it kept pace?
Contractually, it is pensionable (CARE scheme), which is a significant long-term benefit. However, unlike private sector "Cost of Living" adjustments which often track inflation, police allowances are subject to public sector pay review bodies.
Critical Reality: While Met officers receive ~£4,300 in "Allowances" on top of weighting, these are often non-pensionable. This means a significant portion of your "London Premium" disappears in retirement, unlike your core salary.
Section 3: House Prices
The Real Difference
Comparing median semi-detached prices in 2026.
Greater London
£535,000
Median Property
Surrey (South East)
£485,000
Median Property
Kent / Essex Avg
£365,000
Median Property
*Note: Surrey is effectively an extension of the London market. The real affordability gains are found in Kent, Essex, and Hertfordshire.
Section 4: Can You Borrow
More in London?
Technically, yes. Because your "Gross Salary" is higher (£55k vs £50k), your borrowing cap is higher.
- Met Force Cap (4.5x): ~£250,000 Borrowing
- South East Cap (4.5x): ~£228,000 Borrowing
However, look at the Shortfall Gap.
London Shortfall
-£285,000
Kent Shortfall
-£137,000
Even with the higher borrowing power, the Met officer is purely priced out of the capital's median market. The South East officer, while still facing a gap, is within touching distance if they use overtime or a joint income.
Section 5: The Commute
Is The Hidden Tax
Why living in the South East and policing in London is often a false economy.
The £6,000 Reality Check
Many officers choose to live in Essex or Kent and commute to the Met. However, widespread free TFL travel is declining or capped, and National Rail season tickets are enormous.
- • Chelmsford to London: ~£5,300/yr
- • Guildford to London: ~£4,800/yr
- • Milton Keynes to London: ~£6,100/yr
Net Financial Impact
-£5,000
This travel cost essentially wipes out the entire £4,800 gross pay advantage of working in London. You are doing the commuting time for free.
Section 6: The Overtime
Requirement
How many extra hours do you need to work to close the gap?
| Region | Shortfall Gap | Overtime Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Greater London | £285,000 | Impossible (Exceeds Cap) |
| Surrey | £257,000 | Impossible (Exceeds Cap) |
| Kent / Essex | £137,000 | ~£9,000 / year |
*Assumption: 4.5x multiplier. In London/Surrey, overtime alone cannot bridge the gap for a median property; dual income or >40% deposit is required.
Section 7: The 10-Year
Wealth Prediction
The most dangerous trap for a London officer is "Renting Forever". Because the deposit barrier is so high (£53k+), many officers rent for 10+ years longer than their Home Counties colleagues.
Scenario A: Met Officer (Renting)
- Pays £24,000/yr rent (Zone 3/4)
- Saves £3,000/yr towards deposit
- 10 Year Net Worth: £30,000 (Savings)
Scenario B: Essex Officer (Owner)
- Buys £365k home (Year 2)
- Pays Mortgage + Capital Repayment
- 10 Year Net Worth: £125,000+ (Equity + Growth)
Section 8: Beyond The Numbers
Quality of Life
Finally, there is the "Shift Factor". Commuting 90 minutes each way is manageable for a standard 9-5. It is punishing for a police officer finishing a night shift at 7am, facing a train journey home before sleeping.
The "South East" strategy allows you to live 20-30 minutes from your station. This buys you back 10 hours of sleep per week. For many, that mental health benefit outweighs any weighting allowance.
Check Your
Borrowing Power
See exactly what you can afford →
Explore Regional
Data Atlas
Find affordable forces →
London Weighting
Frequently Asked Questions
Is London weighting pensionable?
Yes, London Weighting is fully pensionable under the 2015 CARE scheme, meaning it boosts your career average earnings for retirement. However, the 'London Allowance' (approx. £1,000 - £4,338 depending on force) is typically non-pensionable, serving only to boost immediate take-home pay.
Is Met pay higher than South East?
Gross pay in the Met is higher due to London Weighting (£2,905+) and London Allowance (£1,011 - £4,338). A top-rate constable in the Met can earn ~£6,000 - £7,000 more gross per year than a colleague in Essex or Shelley. However, net disposable income is often lower due to higher housing and transport costs.
Can you live in the South East and police in London?
Yes, thousands of Met officers live in the 'Commuter Belt' (Kent, Essex, Herts, Surrey) to access cheaper housing and schools. The trade-off is the significant cost of rail travel (often £4,000 - £6,000/year) and purely unpaid commute time (10-15 hours/week).
Do lenders count London allowance?
Yes, most lenders treat London Weighting and London Allowance as guaranteed basic income (100% inclusion) for mortgage affordability calculations. This grants Met officers a higher theoretical borrowing cap, although property prices in London usually outpace this advantage.
Which region is more affordable long term?
Data suggests South East forces (particularly Essex, Kent, and parts of Thames Valley) offer better long-term wealth building. The lower property entry price allows officers to buy sooner, accumulate equity faster, and avoid the 'dead money' trap of London renting or extreme commuting costs.
Next in this series
Continue Building Your
Property Strategy
Analytical. Neutral. Defensive.
Police Pay Independent Research Portfolio 2026.