CCTV Pricing Guide 2025 – What You’ll Pay for a Home Surveillance System
Thinking about adding CCTV to your property? You don’t have to guess the price – just look at the parts that make up the total cost. In the UK, a typical system can run anywhere from a few hundred pounds for a DIY kit up to several thousand for a full‑service, monitored solution. Below we break down the numbers so you can pick a set‑up that fits your budget without sacrificing safety.
Key Factors That Drive CCTV Costs
First, the type of camera matters. Basic 720p dome cameras are cheap, but most homeowners now expect 1080p or 4K resolution for clear faces and license plates. Higher resolution means a higher price tag and sometimes a stronger internet connection.
Second, where you mount the cameras impacts the cost. Indoor, plug‑in cameras are simple, while outdoor, weather‑proof models need extra housing, vandal‑resistant lenses, and sometimes infrared LEDs for night vision. Those features add roughly £50‑£150 per camera.
Third, storage choices matter. Some people keep video on a local NVR (network video recorder) that can cost £150‑£500, while others pay a monthly cloud subscription that starts at £5 per month. Keep in mind that cloud fees add up over the years.
Fourth, installation. A DIY kit can save you the labour cost, but you’ll need basic wiring knowledge. Professional installers charge £80‑£120 per hour, plus a call‑out fee of about £30‑£50. For a typical four‑camera system, labour adds £200‑£400.
Finally, monitoring services. If you want a 24/7 response team, expect a monthly fee of £15‑£30. Some providers bundle monitoring with hardware for a flat rate, which can simplify budgeting.
Typical Price Ranges for Different Set‑ups
DIY Entry‑Level Kit: 2–4 indoor cameras, 1080p, local storage. Roughly £200‑£350 total. Good for renters or small flats who just need basic eyes on the door and living room.
Mid‑Range Professional Install: 4–6 cameras (mixed indoor/outdoor), 4K resolution, NVR with 30‑day storage, basic monitoring. Expect £800‑£1,500 upfront plus £15‑£20 per month for monitoring.
High‑End Full Service: 8+ cameras, 4K with PTZ (pan‑tilt‑zoom) lenses, dual‑redundant NVR, 90‑day cloud backup, premium monitoring with rapid police dispatch. Price typically £2,500‑£4,500 upfront, plus £30‑£45 monthly.
If you’re in Birmingham, the Birmingham Security Command Center can give you a free quote and help you compare DIY versus fully managed options. Their local knowledge means they’ll advise on wiring routes, council regulations, and the best camera models for your street layout.
When you budget, think about the whole lifecycle, not just the sticker price. A cheaper camera that fails after a year can cost more in replacement and lost coverage than a pricier, reliable unit. Also, factor in any contract length for monitoring – many companies lock you into a 12‑ or 24‑month deal.
Bottom line: you can protect your home for under £500 if you go DIY, but a professionally installed, monitored system that covers the whole property will sit in the £1,500‑£3,000 range upfront. Decide what level of peace of mind you need, then match it to the price tier that works for you.
Ready to get a quote? Contact Birmingham Security Command Center today and let a local expert walk you through the exact numbers for your property.
