Police Overtime to
Deposit Calculator
Calculate how many rest day shifts you would need to reach a house deposit target — based on rank, tax band and realistic overtime rates.
Snippet Analysis (UK 2026)
A top-scale Constable earning £48,231 who saves net overtime at double time (£400–£600 per month) would typically need 6–18 months to build a £15,000 deposit. The exact timeline depends on tax band, pension deductions and regional house prices. Use this calculator to model your own overtime-to-deposit timeline.
1. Career & Pay Settings
2. Overtime Strategy
3. Goal Settings
Based on 4 extra shifts per month affecting recovery days.
Approximate take-home reward per 8-hour 1.5x shift.
Section 01:
Structural Overtime in 2026
In 2026, overtime is no longer an "extra" for many UK police officers; it has become **structural**. The gap between base salary and property values (which have hit a median of £285,000 nationally) means that for a single officer on a top Constable pay point, borrowing capacity often plateaus at £217,000.
This creates a "Deposit Deficit" of approximately £60,000 for an average home, or a "Borrowing Gap" that can only be bridged by proving additional, consistent income to mortgage underwriters.
The Real Terms Driver
Cumulative pay erosion of ~17% since 2010 has shifted the property ownership timeline for officers by an average of 4.2 years. Overtime is the only lever within an officer's control to reclaim that lost time.
Section 02:
The 2026 Deposit Reality
Saving for a house in 2026 requires understanding the **Tiered Deposit Landscape**. While the government's 5% Mortgage Guarantee Scheme remains active, the interest rate penalty for 95% LTV (Loan to Value) products can be as high as 1.5% compared to 85% LTV products.
North / Midlands Model
- Avg Price: £210,000
- 5% Deposit: £10,500
- OT Requirement: ~18 Shifts (Top PC)
South East / London Model
- Avg Price: £420,000
- 5% Deposit: £21,000
- OT Requirement: ~35 Shifts (Top PC)
The "Time to Goal" is compressed significantly if an officer targets **Double Time** shifts (Public Holidays or specific short-notice cancellations) rather than standard Time-and-a-Half.
Section 03:
The Fatigue Cost Model
Financial viability cannot be assessed without considering **Human Sustainability**. Operational overtime often involves high-stress deployments, public order duties, or extending graveyard shifts. We model the fatigue cost through three primary brackets:
- Sustainable (1-2 Shifts/Month)
Minimal impact on sleep cycles and social connection. Reaches deposit goals in 24-36 months.
- High Strain (4-6 Shifts/Month)
Significant disruption to rest days. Requires active management of cortisol levels and relationship transparency.
- Critical Burnout (8+ Shifts/Month)
Financially transformative but operationally dangerous. High risk of sickness absence which ironically cancels out the OT gains.
Section 04:
Dual vs Single Income Dynamics
In 2026, the **"Partnership Premium"** is the single greatest predictor of property viability. A single officer at Pay Point 3 (£32,151) is effectively locked out of 80% of the UK property market. However, two officers at the same pay point have a combined borrowing capacity of approx. £289,000.
When both partners work overtime, the saving timeline for a deposit is often cut by 60%, but the fatigue risk to the household is doubled. Strategic planning around "OT Windows"—where one partner works heavily while the other manages domestic stability—is the most sustainable 2026 approach.
Section 05:
The Long-Term "Overtime Trap"
A critical warning for all officers: **Overtime is non-pensionable.** This creates a dangerous divergence in your 30-year financial health.
While overtime helps you buy the house today, it does nothing to build your pensionable record. Officers who rely on a high-OT lifestyle typically see a "Standard of Living Cliff" upon retirement because their pension is based only on their base salary (e.g. £48k) while they have been spending based on an £80k total earnings lifestyle.
Strategy: Use overtime for one-off capital goals (deposits, debt clearance), but never for recurring core lifestyle costs.
Deposit & Overtime FAQ
How much overtime do police officers need to save for a deposit?
A top-scale Constable saving £500 monthly from overtime typically needs 12-24 months for a £10,000-£15,000 deposit. In the North, a 5% deposit may take 12 months; in the South East, this can exceed 36 months.
Is overtime income counted for mortgage lending?
Yes, many UK lenders accept 50% to 100% of overtime income if it is consistent and proven over a 3-6 month period. This significantly increases borrowing power for officers with regular operational commitments.
Is working 8 rest days a month sustainable?
Working 8 rest days (double shifts) per month is considered 'Critical Fatigue' level. While financially rewarding, it significantly increases the risk of burnout, mental health strain, and operational errors.
Does overtime affect my tax band?
Yes. High levels of overtime can push a top-scale Constable or Sergeant into the 40% higher-rate tax bracket (above £50,270 in England/Wales), reducing the net hourly take-home pay of subsequent shifts.
Can overtime push me into higher pension contributions?
Generally, no. For most police forces, overtime is non-pensionable income. However, total earnings can sometimes affect high-earner tax relief calculations if they exceed £200,000 (rare for most ranks).
Does working overtime impact my local regional allowance?
No. Regional allowances like London Weighting or SE Allowance are based on your role and location, not the number of hours worked. Overtime is calculated on top of your hourly rate including these allowances.
Is the Police 5% deposit scheme still active?
Various 'Police Mortgage' schemes exist, often leveraging the government's Mortgage Guarantee Scheme. These allow for 5% deposits, though interest rates may be higher than 10-20% deposit products.
Should I save overtime in a Lifetime ISA (LISA)?
For first-time buyers, a LISA is highly effective, providing a 25% government bonus on savings up to £4,000 per year (£1,000 bonus). This effectively 'boosts' your overtime earnings by a quarter.
Does the 2015 Pension Scheme count towards my wealth for mortgage?
Lenders do not count pension value as a deposit, but they view high pension contributions as a commitment that reduces your 'disposable income' when calculating affordability.
How many shifts do I need for a London property deposit?
With a target of £50,000 (typical 10% London deposit), a top-scale PC would need approx. 125 double-time shifts. Spread over 3 years, this is ~3.5 shifts per month.
Do lenders prefer dual-income police households?
Yes. Dual police incomes are viewed as highly stable by lenders. Two top-scale PC salaries combined (approx. £96k) create significant borrowing power even without overtime.
Is it better to pay off debt or save for a deposit with overtime?
Generally, lenders penalize existing debt more than they reward a slightly larger deposit. Using overtime to clear high-interest credit cards often improves borrowing power more than saving.
Can I use overtime to bridge a 'valuation gap'?
Yes. If a property is valued lower than the purchase price, you must bridge the difference with cash. Overtime is the primary mechanism for officers to build this emergency cash buffer.
Are student loan deductions applied to overtime?
Yes. Student loan repayments (Plan 2/5) are a percentage of earnings over a threshold. Overtime increases your total earnings, thus increasing your student loan deduction for that month.
Will working too much overtime affect my health?
Statistically, officers working regular excessive overtime report higher levels of cortisol, sleep disruption, and relationship strain. It is a financial tool that must be used with operational caution.