CCTV Installation Costs 2025: Complete Price Guide and Smart Tips
Want to know CCTV installation costs in 2025? This detailed guide covers prices, what affects costs, DIY vs pro install, and how to save money.
CCTV System Prices in the UK: A Practical 2025 Guide
If you’re looking at installing a CCTV system this year, the first thing on your mind is likely the price tag. The good news is that you don’t need a massive budget to get solid coverage, but you do need to understand what you’re actually paying for. Below we break down the main cost drivers, typical price ranges for different setups, and a few tricks to stretch your money without compromising safety.
Main Cost Drivers
Every CCTV quote includes three basic parts: cameras, recording hardware, and installation. Cameras themselves can range from £30 for a basic indoor dome to £300 for a 4K bullet with night‑vision and weatherproof housing. The recorder – whether it’s a simple NVR (Network Video Recorder) you mount in a cupboard or a cloud‑based service – adds another £100‑£400. If you go cloud, expect a monthly fee of £5‑£15 per camera.
Installation is often the wildcard. DIYers can save £150‑£300 by wiring the system themselves, but professional installers usually charge £80‑£120 per hour and may add a call‑out fee. In most cases, a three‑hour job for a four‑camera kit will land you around £250‑£350 total.
Don’t forget the extras: mounting brackets, extra cabling, PoE switches for network cameras, and optional features like motion‑triggered alerts or mobile app access. These little items can add £50‑£100 to the final bill.
Saving Tips Without Cutting Safety
Start with a clear plan. Sketch a rough map of the areas you want covered and decide how many cameras you truly need. Over‑covering a garden with six cameras instead of four rarely improves security, but it does inflate the cost.
Consider hybrid systems. You can pair a couple of high‑end outdoor cameras with budget‑friendly indoor models. This mix often delivers the right balance of clarity where you need it most while keeping the overall spend under control.
Look for bundled deals. Many UK retailers offer starter packs – three or four cameras plus an NVR – for 10‑15% less than buying each part separately. Keep an eye on seasonal sales around Black Friday or January; you’ll often find a decent discount on both hardware and installation packages.
Finally, evaluate the ongoing costs. A cloud subscription can be convenient, but a local NVR with a large hard drive (2‑4TB) is a one‑off expense and eliminates monthly fees. If you’re comfortable checking the footage from a laptop occasionally, the upfront price may be higher but the lifetime cost drops.
In short, a basic home CCTV system in the UK in 2025 can start around £300 for DIY‑only hardware, while a fully installed, mid‑range setup sits between £800 and £1,200. Premium installations with high‑resolution lenses, extensive coverage, and professional monitoring can push past £2,000.
Whatever your budget, the key is to match the hardware to the real risk zones, avoid over‑engineering, and factor in both upfront and recurring expenses. With a clear plan and a few smart shopping moves, you’ll get the peace of mind you need without breaking the bank.
