CCTV Prices Guide 2025 – What You’ll Pay for Home Surveillance

CCTV Prices Guide 2025 – How Much Does a Home Surveillance System Cost?

Thinking about adding cameras to your home? You’re not alone. Almost every household in the UK is looking at CCTV as a way to keep an eye on the property, but the price tag can be confusing. In this guide we’ll show you the real numbers, explain why they vary, and give you practical ways to get the most bang for your buck.

Key Factors That Influence CCTV Prices

First off, the type of camera matters a lot. A basic analogue dome camera can be under £30, while a 4K bullet camera with night vision and built‑in AI can push past £150 per unit. Then there’s the lens – a wide‑angle lens covers more area but often costs more than a standard 3‑4mm lens.

Connectivity is another driver. Wired systems need cables, power supplies, and usually a professional installer, which adds labour costs of £50‑£100 per hour. Wireless or battery‑powered cameras avoid trench work, but you’ll pay a premium for reliable Wi‑Fi modules and longer‑life batteries.

Storage choices affect the bottom line too. Cloud storage subscriptions start at £5 a month for a few gigabytes, while a 1TB on‑site DVR can cost £200‑£300 upfront. If you want both, be ready for a higher total.

Brand reputation plays a role. Well‑known names like Hikvision, Dahua, or Swann often carry a markup compared to generic Chinese models. The trade‑off is usually better firmware support and longer warranty periods.

Finally, the size of the system influences cost. A single‑camera setup for a front door may run you £100‑£150 total, but a full‑property kit with 6‑8 cameras, a recorder, and accessories can easily top £1,000.

Saving Money Without Cutting Safety

Now that you know what drives price, let’s look at ways to keep costs down. DIY installation is the biggest saver. If you’re comfortable pulling a few cables and setting up a recorder, you can shave £200‑£400 off a professional job.

Choose hybrid systems – combine wired cameras for high‑traffic zones and wireless units for hard‑to‑reach spots. This reduces cable labour while keeping critical areas on the most reliable feed.

Shop seasonal sales. Many retailers slash camera prices by 20‑30 % during Black Friday or end‑of‑financial‑year clearances. Keep an eye on bundle deals that include a recorder and multiple cameras.

Consider a modest cloud plan. If you mainly need footage for the last 7‑14 days, a low‑cost plan is sufficient. You can always upgrade later if you need longer archives.

Don’t overlook second‑hand markets. Refurbished cameras from reputable sellers often come with a short warranty and cost 30‑50 % less than new units. Just verify the firmware is up‑to‑date.

When you compare quotes, ask each installer to break down hardware, labour, and ongoing fees. Hidden charges for travel, mounting brackets, or extra cabling can surprise you later.

At the end of the day, a typical UK homeowner spends between £300 and £800 for a decent 4‑camera system, including installation. High‑end setups with AI analytics and 24/7 cloud backup can climb to £1,500‑£2,500.

Remember, the cheapest option isn’t always the safest. Focus on reliable footage, good night vision, and solid storage. With the right mix of DIY effort, smart shopping, and realistic budgeting, you can protect your home without breaking the bank.