When you hear CCTV setup price, the total cost to install and activate a closed-circuit television surveillance system for home or business use. Also known as security camera installation cost, it includes equipment, wiring, power, and professional labor if you don’t do it yourself. Most people assume it’s just about buying cameras, but the real cost hides in the details — like whether you need a hard drive, how many cables you’ll run, or if your WiFi can handle the load.
A basic wired CCTV system, a surveillance setup using physical cables to connect cameras to a recording device usually runs between £300 and £800 for four cameras, a DVR, and installation. That’s not including monthly fees — because wired systems don’t need cloud storage. On the flip side, wireless CCTV, a surveillance system that transmits video over Wi-Fi or cellular networks without physical cables starts at £250 but can hit £1,200 if you add multiple cameras, solar power, and a subscription for cloud recording. You might save on wiring, but you’ll pay more in data usage and monthly fees — and your system goes dark if your internet dies.
People often forget that placement matters. If your house has thick walls or metal roofing, you’ll need signal boosters or extra access points. That adds £50 to £150. If you’re installing outdoors, you’ll need weatherproof housings and proper mounting brackets — not the flimsy ones that come in the box. And don’t skip the power supply. Running cables through walls or drilling through brick costs extra if you’re hiring someone. Even a simple four-camera setup can balloon from £400 to £700 once you factor in all the hidden bits.
Some systems promise ‘easy DIY’ but end up needing a tech guy to fix them. A camera that won’t connect to your phone? A DVR that won’t record? That’s not a bug — it’s a design flaw. The cheapest cameras often have the worst apps and the shortest battery life. We’ve seen people spend £200 on a ‘budget’ wireless system only to replace it six months later because the battery died after two weeks of motion-triggered recording.
What you’re really paying for isn’t just the hardware. You’re paying for reliability. For clear footage at night. For a system that doesn’t glitch when you need it most. That’s why professional setups — even if they cost more upfront — often save money long-term. You get proper cable management, correct camera angles, and no blind spots. And if something breaks, you know who to call.
There’s no one-size-fits-all price. A small shop might need two cameras and a local hard drive for £350. A large home with garden, driveway, and front door might need six cameras, PoE switches, and a 4TB drive for £900. The key is matching your needs to the system — not the sales pitch. Look at what the posts below cover: battery life, WiFi usage, offline options, and where not to install cameras. Those aren’t side notes — they’re the real dealbreakers.
Below, you’ll find real-world guides on what actually works, what doesn’t, and how to avoid paying for features you don’t need. Whether you’re comparing wired vs wireless, checking data usage, or wondering if your internet can handle it — we’ve got the answers that matter.
Learn the real cost of CCTV installation in 2025 for homes and businesses. Get clear breakdowns of equipment, labor, hidden fees, and what actually delivers security - not just cameras.
