CCTV Cost Calculator
Estimate the full cost of installing a CCTV system for your home or business. Choose camera type, quantity, storage, cabling, and monitoring options for an instant itemised breakdown.
CCTV Cost Calculator
Customise your system and get an instant cost estimate
Load a typical setup to get started:
Typical home: 2–8 cameras · Small business: 4–16 cameras
IP cameras need an NVR; analogue/HD-TVI cameras use a DVR
Cost Estimate
CCTV system installation breakdown
Configure your CCTV system above and click Calculate to see an itemised cost estimate.
CCTV Installation Cost Factors
Camera Type & Resolution
Budget analogue cameras start around £25–£50 each. Popular HD-TVI 1080p cameras cost £40–£80. IP cameras range from £60 for 2MP to £150+ for 4K. PTZ cameras with motorised zoom start at £150 and can exceed £500 for commercial-grade units.
Recorder & Storage
An 8-channel DVR with a 2 TB hard drive typically costs £80–£180. NVR units for IP cameras run slightly higher at £100–£250. Cloud-only recording avoids upfront hardware costs but adds an ongoing monthly subscription of £5–£30 per camera.
Labour & Cable Runs
Professional installation in the UK typically costs £80–£150 per camera including cabling and commissioning. Concealed cable routing through walls and ceilings adds to this. Large commercial premises with long cable runs, roof access, or containment systems significantly increase the labour element.
CCTV Costs FAQ
Everything you need to know about CCTV system costs in the UK.
In the UK, a basic home CCTV system with 2–4 cameras typically costs between £300 and £800 installed. A mid-range system with 4–8 cameras, NVR storage and professional installation usually runs £800–£2,000. Business-grade systems with more cameras, higher resolution, and remote monitoring can cost £2,000–£10,000 or more depending on site complexity.
The main cost factors are: number of cameras, camera type and resolution (analogue, HD-TVI, IP), recording device (DVR or NVR), storage capacity, cable run length and difficulty of routing, whether cabling needs to be concealed, and whether you opt for professional monitoring. Night vision, PTZ, and weatherproof ratings also add to the per-camera cost.
A DVR (Digital Video Recorder) works with analogue cameras connected via coaxial cable and is typically lower cost. An NVR (Network Video Recorder) works with IP cameras over an Ethernet network, supporting higher resolutions, easier remote access, and more flexible layouts. NVR systems are generally more expensive but offer better image quality and scalability.
Yes — DIY CCTV kits are widely available and can significantly reduce costs by removing the labour charge. However, professional installation ensures correct positioning for maximum coverage, proper weatherproofing, concealed cabling, and compliance with UK regulations (including GDPR signage requirements). For business premises, professional installation is strongly recommended.
For a typical 3-bedroom home, 2–4 cameras covering the front door, back garden, driveway and side entrance are usually sufficient. For a small business (e.g. a shop or office), 4–8 cameras are common. The key is identifying your entry/exit points and blind spots rather than maximising camera count.
In most cases, domestic CCTV does not require planning permission in the UK. However, cameras must not point into a neighbour’s property or public areas beyond what is necessary, and you must display signage if the system captures footage outside your boundary. Business CCTV must comply with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
IP CCTV cameras transmit digital video over an Ethernet network and typically offer resolutions from 2MP (1080p) up to 8MP (4K), remote access via smartphone, and easier scalability. Analogue cameras are lower resolution but cheaper. For new installations, IP systems are generally recommended unless budget is the primary constraint.
Professional remote CCTV monitoring in the UK typically costs between £30 and £150 per month depending on the number of cameras, response protocol, and service level. Self-monitoring via a smartphone app is usually free or included with the camera system. Alarm response call-outs may incur additional per-visit charges.