How Much Does a Security System Cost in the UK?

Security system costs in the UK vary significantly depending on what you need. A basic DIY alarm costs around £200–£400, while a professionally installed system with monitoring typically runs £600–£1,200. Add CCTV and you're looking at £400–£1,500 extra. Monthly monitoring fees run £15–£40. This guide covers real prices, what affects them, and how to avoid overpaying for features you won't use.

Typical Security System Costs in the UK

Three things drive the price: equipment, installation, and ongoing monitoring. A basic DIY alarm system starts at around £200–£400, while professional installation with monitoring begins at £600–£1,200. CCTV systems range from £300 for a simple 2-camera kit up to £3,000+ for multi-camera HD setups with cloud storage.

Here's what you can expect to pay:

• Entry-level DIY alarm: £200–£400 (no installation, no monitoring)
• Professional alarm installation (4–6 zones): £600–£1,200
• CCTV package (2–4 cameras): £400–£1,500
• Combined alarm + CCTV: £1,200–£3,000
• Smart home integration: £1,500–£4,000
• Commercial systems: £2,000–£6,000+

London and the South East typically cost 15–25% more due to higher labour rates. Rural areas may charge extra callout fees if engineers travel more than 20 miles from their base.

Alarm System Costs Broken Down

Alarms form the backbone of most security setups. A basic wired alarm system costs £500–£900 to install, while wireless systems range from £700–£1,300. The difference comes down to labour time and how much wiring work is involved.

Wired vs Wireless Alarms

Wired systems cost less upfront but involve running cables through walls, which increases installation time and labour. Wireless systems cost more initially but avoid damaging plasterwork and install faster. Wired installation typically takes 4–6 hours; wireless takes 2–3 hours. If your property already has security wiring in place, wired systems save money. For listed buildings or rented homes, wireless is usually better.

Monitoring Fees

Professional monitoring (a control centre alerts police if your alarm triggers) costs £15–£35 per month. Insurance companies often give discounts of 5–15% if your system is monitored by an NSI (National Security Inspectorate) or SSAIB (Security Systems and Alarms Industry Board) accredited provider. Annual monitoring costs between £180 and £420, so over 3–5 years it's a significant part of your total outlay.

CCTV System Costs and Options

CCTV gives you recorded evidence and deters intruders. A single HD camera with power supply and cabling costs £150–£400. A complete 4-camera system with DVR (digital video recorder) typically runs £600–£1,800, plus £150–£400 for professional installation and setup.

DIY CCTV vs Professional Installation

DIY kits from Screwfix, Toolstation, and Amazon cost 20–30% less because there's no labour charge, but you need basic technical skills. Professional installers position cameras properly, route cables correctly, and integrate everything into one system. If your property needs power runs or network setup, paying for professional installation saves frustration and mistakes later.

Cloud Storage vs On-Premise Recording

Storing footage locally on a DVR or NVR (network video recorder) costs £80–£300 for hardware. Cloud storage subscriptions run £5–£20 per month depending on camera count and how long you keep footage. Over 3 years, local storage typically costs £240–£900 while cloud storage reaches £180–£720. Cloud has the advantage of easier phone access and backup protection if someone steals your equipment.

Installation Costs and Labour Charges

Installation labour varies the most. UK security engineers typically charge £40–£80 per hour, with a standard installation taking 4–8 hours depending on complexity. Expect installation labour alone to cost £200–£600 for a straightforward residential setup.

These factors increase labour costs:

• Wired systems needing cable runs through walls or cavities (adds £150–£400)
• Listed buildings or conservation areas needing specialist methods (adds 20–40%)
• Multiple floors or large properties needing more sensors and longer cable runs
• Integration with existing smart home systems (adds £100–£300)
• Evening or weekend installation (typically 50% premium)
• Work requiring structural penetration or professional certification (adds £100–£200)

Ask installers whether they include first-year aftercare. Some firms offer 12 months of free call-outs for faults, while others charge £50–£120 per service visit. Look for NICEIC or NSI certified providers, which ensures their staff are trained and insured.

Smart Security Systems and Integration

Smart systems give you remote arming, phone alerts, and video streaming. They add £200–£800 to the base cost. Products like Ring, Yale Smart Living, and Honeywell Home range from £400–£1,500 for complete packages. Integrating with existing smart home ecosystems like Apple Home, Google Home, or Alexa costs £0–£200 extra and simplifies control, though you may become tied to a single platform.

Monthly subscriptions for smart system features typically cost £5–£15 if you want cloud recording or advanced notifications. Over 5 years, smart systems often cost more than traditional wired setups, but many homeowners find the convenience worth it.

Security System Costs for Businesses

Commercial properties cost more because they typically need larger coverage areas, higher-resolution cameras, and 24/7 monitoring. A small business like a shop or small office can expect £1,500–£3,500 for a basic system, while larger businesses may spend £4,000–£10,000+.

Key cost drivers for businesses:

• Number of entry points (doors, windows, loading bays)
• Square footage requiring coverage
• Grade of system (higher insurance requirements demand better equipment)
• Access control like key cards or RFID systems (adds £300–£1,500)
• Fire alarm integration, which is mandatory in many commercial properties (adds £500–£2,000)
• Mandatory CCTV retention, e.g. pubs, takeaways, and petrol stations must keep 31 days of footage under law

Business insurance often requires NSI or equivalent accreditation, which slightly increases installation costs. However, you typically get 10–20% insurance savings, recovering the extra spend within 2–3 years.

How to Keep Security System Costs Down

You don't need to spend thousands to be secure. Here are practical ways to cut costs without sacrificing protection:

• Start with alarms alone. A monitored alarm system (£600–£1,000) deters most burglars. Add CCTV later if you want it.
• Choose wireless systems for faster installation. They cost slightly more but reduce labour time by 30–50%, often saving money overall.
• DIY installation for simple setups. If you're comfortable with it, a DIY alarm plus one or two cameras can cost £300–£600 with no installation fees.
• Negotiate monitoring fees. Some providers offer discounts of 10–15% for 3–5 year contracts.
• Use wired systems in properties with existing cables. Retrofitting avoids new cabling costs.
• Buy cameras with adequate resolution, not excessive. 1080p HD (£100–£150 per camera) handles most residential needs; 4K (£200–£400 per camera) is overkill unless you need licence plate recognition for a driveway.
• Get quotes from at least 3 installers. Prices vary by 20–30% between providers. Local engineers often quote lower than national chains.

Don't cut corners on accreditation or monitoring quality. An unmonitored system offers no response if triggered while you're away, and insurance may not cover theft if your system isn't certified.

Insurance and Financial Benefits

Installing a certified alarm system can reduce home insurance premiums by 5–15% annually. On a typical £600-a-year policy, that's £30–£90 saved per year, recovering installation costs within 7–10 years. Businesses see bigger discounts: 10–25% savings are common, often paying for the system within 2–3 years.

Tell your insurer once installed and ask for a discount quote. Some insurers require NSI certification for discounts; others accept SSAIB accreditation. Keep your system specifications and receipts on file.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a basic security system cost to install in the UK?

A basic monitored alarm system costs £600–£1,200 to install, including equipment and labour. DIY systems start at £200–£400 but lack professional monitoring. CCTV adds £400–£1,500 on top.

Are wireless security systems more expensive than wired?

Wireless systems cost 10–20% more upfront but typically have lower installation labour (2–3 hours vs 4–6 hours), often balancing out total cost. Wireless suits modern homes and listed buildings better.

What are typical monthly monitoring fees?

Professional 24/7 monitoring costs £15–£35 per month (£180–£420 annually). Some providers offer discounts of 10–15% for multi-year contracts or if you also have CCTV.

Does a security system reduce home insurance premiums?

Yes, NSI or SSAIB-certified systems typically reduce premiums by 5–15% annually. For a £600-a-year policy, that's £30–£90 saved, recovering installation costs within 7–10 years.

Can I install a security system myself?

Simple wireless alarms and CCTV kits are DIY-friendly and save £150–£400 in labour, but professional installation ensures optimal coverage, proper wiring, and system integration. For complex setups, professional installation is worth the cost.