Burglar Alarm Cost

Looking into how much burglar alarm installation costs in 2026?

On average, a new burglar alarm costs around £450 in the UK. However, house alarm prices will depend on a range of factors — such as the type of alarm you want to get.

We cover all this, and much more, in this comprehensive guide. You'll find out everything you need to know, including what different types of alarm systems cost, other security improvements you could make, and much more!

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How Much Does Installing a Home Alarm System Cost?

So, how much does a house alarm system cost?

The average cost of a home burglar alarm system depends on various factors such as your personal preferences, your budget, and your location. However, this article should help to provide you with a good idea of how much you can expect to pay for the job.

The most basic type of home security system is a bells-only alarm system. This type of system emits a loud siren sound when the alarm is triggered. The average cost for this type of alarm system is around £125 to £300. This is an effective system as it can alert your neighbours and deter intruders.

Another option is a silent alarm. Instead of making a siren, this type of alarm sends an alert to a monitoring system, which can request police attendance if you have a URN. This is most commonly controlled by a code or a panic button. To set up the police response for this type of alarm, you will usually be required to pay around £300 to £700.

A wireless security system is another option consisting of sensors, cameras, and detectors controlled by a radio signal. These systems usually cost around £200 to £600. On the other hand, Wired systems connect to your electricity and phone line, usually costing around £400 to £800.

Many modern homes are opting for smart home security systems. These are the most advanced types of alarm systems. They can be controlled through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and typically connect to a smartphone app. This type of system costs around £300 to £800.

What feature is most important to you in a burglar alarm system?

Loud siren to deter intruders

89 votes - 46%46% of votes

Easy maintenance and low cost

62 votes - 32%32% of votes

Real-time alerts to monitoring service

12 votes - 6%6% of votes

Smartphone connectivity and control

25 votes - 13%13% of votes

Hidden or discreet appearance

4 votes - 2%2% of votes

192 votes See results Hide results

House Alarm System Price List

In the table below, we have outlined the estimated costs for installing various types of alarm systems to give you a better idea of what you might expect to pay:

Supply Cost of Alarm System Installations

If you plan to install your home alarm system yourself, you may be curious about the supply costs alone.

There are several different supplies needed for installing a home alarm system. The supplies needed will depend on the type of home alarm system that is being installed.

The table below shows the various supply costs that you may need to budget for with a burglar alarm installation:

Alarm System Monthly Costs

Once your alarm is installed, you'll need to decide whether you want monitoring. Unlike installation which you pay for only once, monitoring is a monthly running cost that keeps going. It's worth knowing these prices now so you can budget properly.

Basic Monthly Options

Your choices range from free self-monitoring to comprehensive professional services:

• Bells-only system — Zero monthly fee. The alarm siren sounds when it's triggered, alerting your neighbours and deterring intruders. You're then responsible for any follow-up action.
• App self-monitoring — £0 to £5 per month. You'll receive push notifications on your phone when the alarm triggers. You can then decide whether to investigate, call the police, or ask someone to look into it.
• Professional monitoring (ARC) — £15 to £25 per month. An Alarm Receiving Centre will monitor your system 24/7. When your alarm is triggered, they will call you and your nominated keyholders to verify and respond.
• Police response cost — Additional £8 to £15 per month. The police may attend confirmed alarm activations. This usually requires a URN, plus a Grade 2 system and ARC monitoring as a base service.
• Maintenance plan — £5 to £15 per month. Covers annual servicing, battery replacements, and priority callouts for repairs. Keeps your system reliable and warranties valid.

Monthly Packages

Most UK homeowners pay between £0 to £40 monthly for their home alarm system, depending on their security needs and budget:

• DIY with app only — £0 to £5 per month
• Basic professional monitoring — £15 to £25 per month (no police response)
• Monitored with police response — £25 to £40 per month
• Full coverage package — £35 to £55 per month (this usually includes professional monitoring, police response, cellular backup for when your broadband fails, and ongoing maintenance)

Additional Burglar Alarm Costs

The installation price is only part of what you may need to budget for. Below are the most common additional costs to be aware of before you commit to a system.

Security Lights Installation

Security lighting is a popular addition alongside a new alarm system, as it deters intruders before they attempt to gain entry. The average cost for security lights is around £250 to £350, depending on the number of lights, the type chosen, and the size of your property.

New Front Door

If you're upgrading your home security more broadly, a new front door can complement a burglar alarm system. The average cost for a new front door is around £750 to £1,500, depending on the material and style.

Security Stickers

Security stickers placed around the outside of your property can act as a low-cost deterrent. A pack of alarm warning stickers typically costs around £3 to £5.

Battery Replacement

Alarm system batteries need replacing every few years to keep the system reliable. The cost depends on which components need new batteries:

• Door and motion sensors (coin cells or CR123A): £2 to £6 each.
• Key fobs and keypads: £2 to £4.
• External siren: £8 to £20.
• Main control panel backup battery (12V): £15 to £30.
• Wired bell box backup: £10 to £20.

If you call an engineer out to replace batteries, expect to pay £60 to £120 for the visit plus parts, with a typical full battery swap costing £80 to £150 all in.

Additional Sensors for Larger Properties

Standard installation quotes are usually based on a set number of sensors suited to a 2 or 3-bedroom home. Larger properties, or those with outbuildings, garages, or multiple floors, will often need extra motion detectors, door contacts, or window sensors beyond the standard package. Each additional sensor typically adds £20 to £60 for the component, plus labour time to fit and configure it.

Annual Servicing and Maintenance

Most alarm manufacturers and installers recommend a service visit once a year to check the system is working correctly, test all sensors, replace worn components, and update any software or settings. A one-off annual service visit typically costs £80 to £150, depending on the size of the system and your location.

Some installers offer maintenance contracts that cover annual servicing, priority callout response, and battery replacements for a monthly or annual fee. These typically cost £60 to £180 per year, and can be worth considering if your system is under warranty or required for insurance purposes.

Alarm Monitoring Contract

If you opt for a professionally monitored system, you'll pay ongoing monthly fees on top of the installation cost. See the monthly costs section above for a full breakdown. It's worth factoring these into your total budget before committing. A system that costs £500 to install but £40 per month will cost over £1,400 in its first year.

Upgrades and Expansion

If your needs change, for example, you extend your property or want to add CCTV, most modern alarm systems can be expanded with additional sensors or integrated with smart home devices. Costs depend on the system you've had installed and the scope of the upgrade, but adding a single zone or extra sensor typically costs £50 to £150 including labour.

How Much Does Burglar Alarm Installation Cost?

Let's now take a look at labour costs and timescales.

On average, a security specialist will charge around £150 to £200 per day for professional installation costs alone, not including materials. This will depend upon where you live in the UK.

How long the job takes will depend on the burglar alarm system you choose. Smart alarms are the quickest, while installing a burglar alarm with a wired system will take the longest, as cables need to be routed through walls and ceilings. Larger properties that need more sensors and detectors will also take longer, which will increase the overall professional installation costs.

Below is a breakdown of estimated timescales and burglar alarm installation costs for different types of burglar alarm systems:

Burglar Alarm Installation Costs by Location

Labour rates for burglar alarm installers vary across the UK. As a general rule, installers in London and the South East charge around 20 to 30% more than those in the North, the Midlands, Scotland, or Wales, where rates tend to sit closer to the national average of £150 to £200 per day.

If you're looking for a burglar alarm installer near you — whether in Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Glasgow, Cardiff, Sheffield, or elsewhere — the best way to understand what you'll pay locally is to get quotes from installers in your area. Prices can vary considerably even within the same city depending on the installer's experience and accreditations.

Factors That Impact Burglar Alarm Costs

Several things affect how much you'll pay to have a burglar alarm installed. Understanding these in advance can help you budget more accurately and avoid unexpected costs.

Location of Your Property

Where you live in the UK has a significant impact on labour rates. Installers in London and the South East typically charge 20 to 30% more than those in the North, the Midlands, or rural areas. If you're based in a major city — such as Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, or Glasgow — expect rates to sit somewhere between the two extremes.

Property Size

The larger your home, the more sensors, detectors, and cabling you'll need. A 2-bedroom flat might only require 4 or 5 sensors, while a 4 or 5-bedroom detached house could need 10 or more. More components means higher supply costs and a longer installation, which pushes up labour costs too.

Number of Sensors and Detectors

Most quotes are based on a set number of sensors for a standard home. If you want additional coverage — for example, sensors on outbuildings, garages, or across multiple floors — each extra motion detector, door contact, or window sensor adds to the total. Most installers will quote per sensor if you need to expand beyond their standard package.

Type of Alarm System

The system you choose affects both equipment costs and the time needed to install it. Smart alarms are the quickest and cheapest to fit, while wired systems require cables to be routed through walls and ceilings, adding significantly to labour time. Monitored systems also involve ongoing monthly costs on top of the upfront installation price.

Ease of Access

Difficult-to-reach areas — such as high ceilings, narrow loft hatches, or awkward wall cavities — take longer to work in and can increase the overall price. Properties with unusual layouts or restricted access to cable routes tend to cost more than straightforward installations.

Alarm Grade and Certification

If you want your system to qualify for police response or insurance discounts, it needs to meet specific standards (typically Grade 2 under EN 50131) and be installed by an NSI or SSAIB-approved engineer. Certified installations tend to cost more than uncertified ones, but the potential savings on home insurance premiums can offset this over time.

Brand and Equipment Quality

Entry-level alarm systems from budget brands cost less upfront but may offer fewer features, shorter warranties, and limited expandability. Mid-range and commercial-grade systems from established brands cost more but are typically more reliable and better supported. Always ask your installer what brand they're fitting and why they recommend it.

What's Involved in Installing a House Alarm System?

The method for installing an alarm system will vary depending on the type of alarm system that is being installed. However, below is an overview of the steps involved with installing a basic alarm system:

• Start by installing the wireless home security panel close to your primary entrance point or close to a power source. This can be done by drilling the panel into place or using a removable double-sided adhesive on the walls.
• After that, place all of the sensors and detectors around your home. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and any relevant standards and regulations.
• Now that all of the components are attached, it’s time to test the alarm system. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for testing the system to ensure it’s set up correctly and working properly.

Types of Alarm Systems

There are several different types of alarm systems to choose from, and each of those comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Below, we will go over the various different types of alarm systems available, along with a pros and cons list for each model:

Bells-Only Burglar Alarm Cost

A bells-only alarm is usually installed near the front entrance on the wall. Motion detectors will be placed around the home in optimum positions to detect any intruders. This type of alarm emits a loud noise which alerts neighbours and deters intruders.

The average cost for this type of alarm system is around £125 to £300.

Pros

• ✔ Emits a loud alarm sound to alert neighbours and deter intruders
• ✔ One of the cheapest types of alarm system to install

Cons

• ✖ Doesn’t alert the police automatically
• ✖ An unmonitored system is more vulnerable

Wired Burglar Alarm Cost

With this type of alarm system, various sensors are mounted to the walls, and the wiring is concealed. This type of system is connected to a control panel which runs on your home's electricity. If you choose a monitored alarm system, this can be connected to your smartphone over the internet.

The average cost for this type of home alarm system is around £400 to £800.

Pros

• ✔ You don’t need to worry about changing the batteries
• ✔ Doesn’t require much maintenance

Cons

• ✖ Must be fitted by a professional
• ✖ Installation is quite expensive

Silent Burglar Alarm Cost

If you would prefer to have a silent alarm installed, this includes creating a duress code or having a panic button fitted. A silent alarm won't emit any sound when activated, giving the intruder the impression that they have succeeded in gaining access to your home.

However, a monitoring centre can notify the police, and the intruder may be caught red-handed.

The average cost for this type of home alarm system is around £200 to £300.

Pros

• ✔ This alarm can trick the intruder into thinking they have succeeded in gaining
• ✔ The intruder is more likely to get caught
• ✔ Police will be notified when the alarm is raised

Cons

• ✖ Increased chances of confronting the intruder
• ✖ You will not be alerted as there is no alarm sound

Wireless Burglar Alarm Cost

If you choose a wireless home alarm system, this will consist of the installation of a security panel that is fitted close to the front door within proximity of a power outlet. Sensors and motion detectors will then be installed with adhesive.

This type of system requires batteries to work. However, it is very easy to install and can be taken with you when you move, as there is no hard wiring.

The average cost for this type of home alarm system is around £200 to £600.

Pros

• ✔ Very quick and easy to install
• ✔ Easy to install as a DIY job

Cons

• ✖ Batteries will need to be replaced regularly
• ✖ Requires some maintenance

Smart Burglar Alarm Cost

There are several types of smart home security systems. This type of system is controlled over the internet through a smartphone app. This type of system often integrates well with smart CCTV cameras, allowing you to see what's happening at your home anytime.

The average cost for this type of home alarm system is around £190 to £400.

Pros

• ✔ Smart security systems allow you to monitor your home in real-time
• ✔ You can pick up even the smallest detection alerts right from your phone

Cons

• ✖ It can be costly, depending on the system you choose
• ✖ Requires a smartphone app for connection

UK Alarm Standards

Your alarm may need to meet recognised intruder alarm standards for insurance discounts and police response. Here's the grading system:

Police Response Requirements

To get police attendance (via a URN), you need a Grade 2 system from an NSI/SSAIB installer with professional monitoring (£25 to £40 per month). Too many false alarms can lead to police response being suspended for a period.

Insurance Benefits

NSI or SSAIB installation typically saves 5 to 10% on premiums. Some policies require a certain grade as a condition of cover, so check before installing.

Checklist: Hiring Alarm System Installers

Choosing the right installer matters as much as choosing the right system. Here are the key things to check before you commit.

• Are they NSI or SSAIB accredited? If you want police response or home insurance discounts, your installer needs to be accredited by one of these bodies. Accreditation confirms they meet recognised industry standards for installation and monitoring. Always ask to see their certificate before work begins.
• Are they experienced with your system type? Not all installers work across all system types. If you want a specific brand or a Grade 2 monitored system, confirm they have direct experience fitting and configuring it.
• Do they provide a written, itemised quote? A reputable installer will break down costs clearly — equipment, labour, monitoring, and any additional work. Avoid anyone who can only give a verbal estimate or is vague about what's included.
• Do they hold public liability insurance? This protects you if something goes wrong during the installation. Ask for confirmation before any work starts.
• Will they comply with electrical safety requirements? Any mains electrical work must meet Part P of the Building Regulations. Check that whoever carries out the electrical side is registered as a competent person under a recognised scheme such as NICEIC or NAPIT.
• What do their reviews say? Check their MyJobQuote profile for feedback from previous customers. Look for consistent comments about reliability, quality, and aftercare — not just the headline rating.
• Do they offer a guarantee or warranty? A good installer will stand behind their work. Ask what guarantee they offer on the installation itself, and check what warranty comes with the equipment.
• What are the payment terms? Agree on terms before work begins. A typical arrangement is a 10 to 20% deposit upfront, with the balance due on satisfactory completion. Be cautious of anyone asking for full payment in advance.
• Will they demonstrate the system before leaving? Your installer should walk you through how to arm, disarm, and test the system before the job is signed off. If they won't take the time to do this, that's a red flag.

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