How much does it cost to install an alarm system?
Alarm cost depends on the number of sensors and whether it's monitored. Get an indicative installed figure below.
What an alarm install involves
- 1Design the coverage
Sensors on entry points and key rooms, plus a control panel, siren and keypad or app — more sensors, more cost.
- 2Wired vs wireless
Wireless is quicker to fit and less disruptive; wired is tidier in a full refurbishment when walls are open.
- 3Bells-only vs monitored
Bells-only just sounds the siren and alerts your phone; a monitored system adds a contract and (sometimes) a response service.
An alarm is a modest, reassuring feature for a buyer or tenant, and it's cheapest to wire in during a rewire when the walls are open. For most homes, a smart bells-only system with app alerts hits the sweet spot of cost and cover.
Burglar alarm costs (indicative)
| Type | Description | Indicative cost |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless bells-only | Self-contained, app alerts | £400 – £900 |
| Wired bells-only | More sensors, hard-wired | £600 – £1,200 |
| Monitored system | + monitoring contract | +£15 – £40/month |
| Smart DIY kit | Self-install | £150 – £400 |
Cost scales with the number of sensors and cameras. Monitored/police-response systems add ongoing fees.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a burglar alarm cost to install?+
A wireless bells-only system for a typical house costs £400–£900 installed; a wired system £600–£1,200. Monitored systems add £15–£40 a month. Self-install smart kits start around £150.
Is a monitored alarm worth it?+
For most homes a good bells-only system with phone alerts is enough and cheaper. Monitored systems (with a keyholder or response service) suit higher-value or higher-risk properties where a guaranteed response matters.
Related tools & guides
Want to know how these figures are calculated? See our cost methodology.
Cost figures shown are indicative estimates, not quotations. You are responsible for verifying all costs (obtain contractor quotes) and any figures submitted to a lender. ScopeWise is a documentation tool, not financial, tax, structural or planning advice. HMO compliance prompts are guidance only — confirm requirements with your local council, as standards and licensing vary by authority.