Guide · 6 min read
How much does CCTV installation cost in the UK?
A straight answer on what drives CCTV pricing, why quotes vary so widely, and how to compare them like for like.
Last updated 14 August 2026
Why quotes vary so much
Two quotes for "four cameras" can differ by hundreds of pounds and both be honest. The variation almost always comes down to four things: camera quality, recorder capacity, how difficult the cable runs are, and how much of the job is labour on a ladder.
A cheap quote usually means lower-resolution cameras, a smaller recorder that keeps less footage, or an installer who plans to surface-clip cable in the quickest route rather than the tidiest one. None of that is dishonest, but you should know which you are buying.
What drives the price
In rough order of impact:
- Number of cameras: the single biggest factor, though the marginal cost drops as you add more
- Resolution: 4K cameras cost more than HD, and need more recorder storage
- Low-light performance: ColorVu-style cameras that record colour at night cost more than standard infrared
- Recorder and storage. How many channels, and how many weeks of footage you want to keep
- Cable runs: a loft-accessible house is far quicker than a solid-walled property or a three-storey frontage
- Access equipment: if scaffolding or a tower is needed, that is a real cost
Where people overspend
The most common overspend is camera count. Five well-positioned cameras beat eight badly positioned ones, and the extra three add cost to both the install and the recorder.
The second is resolution everywhere. It is often smarter to put a 4K camera where you need to identify a face or a number plate, and standard HD where you only need to see that something happened.
Questions to ask before accepting a quote
A good installer will answer all of these without hesitating:
- What resolution are the cameras, and which ones record usable colour at night?
- How many days of footage will the recorder hold at that resolution?
- How will the cable be routed, and will any of it be visible?
- Is smartphone viewing included, and will you set it up on my phone?
- What happens if a camera fails in six months?
- Is the quote fixed, or an estimate that could change on the day?
Frequently asked
- Is it cheaper to install CCTV myself?
- Up front, yes. The common problems are cameras mounted too high to identify faces, cabling that lets water in, and recorders configured to overwrite footage after a couple of days. Kit is only part of the job.
- Do I need a monthly subscription?
- Not for the systems we install. Footage records locally to your own recorder and the app is free. Some consumer brands charge monthly for cloud storage: worth checking before you buy.
- Will CCTV lower my insurance?
- Rarely on its own. Insurers are more likely to offer a discount for a certified intruder alarm. Always check your policy wording rather than assuming.
What we do about it
- CCTV InstallationHigh-definition surveillance to monitor and protect your property around the clock.
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