How Much Does a Basic CCTV System Cost in 2025?
In 2025, a basic CCTV system costs between $125 and $3,500. Learn what's included, hidden fees, DIY vs. professional costs, and the real sweet spot for home security without overspending.
CCTV installation price: What you really pay for home and business security cameras
When you hear CCTV installation price, the total cost to set up a closed-circuit television surveillance system for monitoring property. Also known as security camera installation, it includes everything from cameras and recorders to wiring, mounting, and professional setup. Most people think it’s just about buying cameras—but the real cost is hidden in how they’re installed, where they’re placed, and whether they actually work when you need them.
A basic home system with four outdoor CCTV installation, the process of mounting security cameras outside a building, requiring weatherproofing and proper power and signal routing can run between £800 and £1,500. That’s not just for the gear—it’s for the labor. A pro will drill through walls, run cables through lofts, connect to a DVR, and make sure your cameras cover blind spots without pointing at your neighbor’s window. Skip the DIY kit if you’re not comfortable with electrical work. Poor installation means blurry footage, dead zones, or cameras that go offline in the rain. And if you’re running cables through walls, you’ll need a certified electrician in the UK—because it’s not just about safety, it’s about compliance.
Businesses pay more—not because they need fancier gear, but because they need more of it. A small shop might need six to eight cameras, a central monitor, cloud storage, and remote access. That pushes costs to £2,000–£4,000. And don’t forget the hidden stuff: backup power, weatherproof housings, and lighting for night vision. A £300 camera won’t help if it’s blinded by glare from a streetlamp. You also need to think about CCTV system cost, the full financial outlay for purchasing, installing, and maintaining a surveillance network over time. Some companies sell cheap systems then charge you £20 a month for cloud storage. That’s not a bargain—it’s a trap. Look for systems with local storage and no subscriptions.
What makes a CCTV system worth the price isn’t the number of megapixels—it’s whether it stops crime before it happens. A visible camera with a clear view of your front door, driveway, and back gate does more than record. It deters. But if it’s mounted too high, pointed at the sky, or hidden behind leaves, it’s just expensive decoration. The best installations don’t just capture footage—they give you confidence. And that’s worth more than the price tag.
Below, you’ll find real breakdowns of what different systems cost, what you get for your money, and the mistakes most people make when they think they’re saving cash. No fluff. Just what actually matters when you’re protecting your home or business.
