Home security system costs — the burglar proofing options and their price tags

Keeping your home’s inhabitants safe and its contents secure comes with a price tag. Home security system costs have to cover elements such as alarms, cameras and sensors, as well as any wiring necessary and, if you opt for them, smart features.

There are a wide range of home security systems to pick from, and what you can expect to pay ranges from the more modest costs for DIY-install options to the larger investment needed for a sophisticated, professionally installed pick that also brings ongoing costs.

To help you budget for a system, we’ve put together a guide to the costs associated with the alternatives on offer, advice on how to budget for a home security system, plus tips on where you might save.

Home security system costs

“The average cost of a home security system, including cameras, alarms and sensors, is around £500 for a professional installation and around £250 if you do it yourself,” says Alison Peckham, security expert at MyJobQuote.

However, this is an average and there are many factors that will influence what you pay. “The type of devices you opt for, as well as how many sensors and cameras you install, will affect the cost,” explains Alison.

“For instance, a smart security system for a large house with top-of-the-range features such as AI and monitoring capabilities will be around £1,500.”

As for the components you need, these also vary in cost. “Typically, motion and window sensors cost £20 to £50 and an alarm costs between £40 and £80, depending on whether you go for a basic bells-only alarm or one that’s monitored,” says Alison.

“Wireless cameras can cost between £50 and £270, while wired cameras tend to be a little cheaper. However, wired cameras aren’t as well suited to DIY installation, so they can cost as much as £400 if you include labour costs.

“A standard keypad control panel should cost around £180 but a modern touch-screen control panel is pricier and can cost between £200 and £300.”

Finally, if you choose to have your security system monitored? “You’re likely to pay between £10 and £40 a month on top of your initial costs,” Alison says.

Alison Peckham

Alison Peckham is a home security consultant skilled in assessing client’s needs and designing and implementing home security plans. Alison also provides expert home security advice for MyJobQuote. 

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Installation costs

You can choose a wireless home security system that’s designed for DIY installation, but otherwise you’ll need to factor installation costs into your budget.

“A simple system that doesn’t require a lot of wiring and only has a few cameras and sensors to set up can easily be completed in a day,” explains Alison Peckham. “So, you’re likely to pay between £150 and £200 for the installation. For a more complex installation, such as a wired or smart system, you’re likely to pay between £200 and £500. You may also pay more if parts of your home are hard to access.”

And although it’s an extra expense, paying for a professional can be worthwhile, she advises. “It is the best way to make sure that cameras and sensors are located in the right places and are set up correctly,” she says. “On the plus side, a professional installation should lower your home insurance costs.”

Monitoring fees and subscription costs

There may be monthly costs to consider, and overall these can range from around £5 for systems with limited features up to around £40 for systems that include professional monitoring services.

Examine what you’ll have to pay and what this includes carefully before committing. Some alarms come with monthly subscription fees and some with subscription fees if you want particular system features such as video storage for a defined period, as in the case of this Ring Alarm Pack XL from Amazon. In some instances, as noted above, these subscription fees cover professional monitoring costs.

Monitoring, meanwhile, can be provided as a paid-for option in the case of some brands’ systems but be clear about what type of monitoring you are paying for. Lower cost versions might consist of key holder calls, while more expensive plans offer professional monitoring with security team response and emergency service calls if necessary.

Budgeting for a home security system

Since home security systems can be costly, careful budgeting is advisable.

“If you’re renovating or building a home, security should really be planned early in the process,” advises Anthony Neary, security expert at Safe.co.uk. “It is far more cost-effective to wire for cameras or alarms before walls are sealed. Start by thinking about the size and layout of your property, including any outbuildings or side access points. These help you decide the scale of the system you need.”

And even if you’re not renovating or building a home now, do consider changes you might make to your home in future to make the most of your spend in the long term. “It’s worth choosing a system that allows for additional sensors or cameras later, so you’re not locked into a setup that won’t grow with your home if you decide to renovate or extend,” Anthony says.

Working to a tight budget? “Focus first on securing your home’s main entry points, in particular, the front and back doors,” says Anthony. “A smart video doorbell combined with motion-sensor lighting can go a long way in deterring intruders without a high upfront cost.” Take a look at the Tapo TD21 Video Doorbell at Amazon.

“Wireless systems are another cost-effective option, especially for self-builders or those upgrading an existing property,” Anthony continues. “They’re easy to install and expand, and you’ll avoid costly call-out or labour fees. A lot of security providers offer starter kits which tend to offer discounts on bundled cameras and lighting.”

And Alison Peckham suggests, “If you’re not away from home for long periods, you might not get a lot of benefit out of monitoring services. Should you want the peace of mind, it might be cheaper to choose a smart system with an app that you can use to monitor your home yourself instead of paying a third party to do it.”

Anthony Neary

Anthony Neary is the founder and security expert at home and business security retailers Safe.co.uk. With over 15 years of industry experience, he specialises in security solutions and how to keep properties safe.

Upfront costs vs long term expenses

It is vital to think of both the initial price and any long term expenses a particular home security system entails to have a full understanding of what you’ll pay.

Upfront costs can range from around £200 for a basic system that can be self-installed and with no long term expenses. At the top-end you might pay £500 and over for a custom system and its installation plus monthly fees of around £40.

Always add up the cost of the system plus professional installation if needed (and it isn’t included) to understand upfront costs, then calculate what any subscription costs and monitoring fees that must be paid to attain the level of features and support you want would be annually to find out the long term costs.

Assess carefully which devices and features you need to suit your home and your lifestyle to spend wisely on a home security system. And, whichever system you choose, always be conscious of home CCTV laws if you’re installing cameras or a video doorbell at your property.