CoverMapTypes of CCTV for home
Home CCTV systems split along three lines: how the camera is powered, how it connects, and where the footage is stored. Getting these right matters more than the brand.
Wired CCTV systems (PoE, NVR and DVR)
Wired systems run a cable from each camera to a recorder: a DVR for analogue cameras or an NVR for network (IP) cameras. Power over Ethernet (PoE) cameras take power and data down one cable. Fantastic Services notes that wired systems recording to an NVR/DVR take longer to install, because cable is routed through walls and lofts. In return there are no batteries to charge and no reliance on Wi-Fi signal strength at the far end of the garden.
Wireless CCTV and battery cameras
Which? points out that “wireless” doesn’t always mean wire-free: the term means the camera connects to your Wi-Fi. Some wireless cameras still plug into mains power. Wire-free models run on batteries and are easiest to position. Manufacturer battery claims vary: Ezviz quotes up to 120 days per charge for its CB3.
Video doorbells
A video doorbell is a camera at your front door. Which? says smart doorbells typically cost over £100, with featured models from around £79.99 to £300. Wired doorbells need existing doorbell wiring and an 18V AC supply, and Which? recommends an electrician (£50–£80). Battery doorbells are usually DIY.
Indoor vs outdoor cameras
Outdoor cameras need weather resistance and better night vision. Indoor cameras mainly watch entry points, pets or a back door. Indoor cameras that only cover your own home are less likely to raise privacy issues with neighbours.
Cloud vs local storage
Which?’s September 2026 guide groups Ring, Arlo and Nest as cloud-only brands that need a subscription to store video, and Eufy, TP-Link Tapo, Ezviz and Yale as offering local storage on some models. Local storage means a microSD card, a hub or a recorder box. Ezviz’s CB3 takes microSD cards up to 256GB. Cloud footage survives if a burglar takes the camera; local footage avoids monthly fees.
CCTV installation cost UK 2026
Two trade price guides updated in 2026 put typical supply-and-fit prices at these levels:
| System | MyBuilder (Aug 2026) | Fantastic Services, rest of UK (Sep 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Single camera | £100–£350 | £150–£350 |
| 2 cameras with recording | – | £400–£750 |
| 4 cameras | £800–£1,100 | £600–£1,500 |
| 6–8 cameras | £1,000–£1,700 (8 cameras) | £1,200–£2,500 |
Source: MyBuilder CCTV installation cost guide (updated 21 August 2026); Fantastic Services CCTV installation cost guide (updated 30 September 2026).
MyBuilder puts the average job at around £500, with professional labour at around £100–£300 per camera. Fantastic Services quotes labour of £200–£500 for a half to full day, and London and South East prices are higher: £750–£1,900 for four cameras. Optional extras can include professional monitoring, which MyBuilder prices at £10–£50+ a month, and maintenance at about £50–£100 a year.
For a wider view of alarms, locks and cameras together, see our home security system cost guide.
Home security cameras UK: DIY prices
Which?’s September 2026 guide lists example prices including (in alphabetical order, not a ranking):
- Arlo Pro 5 two-pack: £250; Arlo Pro 6: £170.
- Reolink Argus 3 Pro: £80.
- TP-Link Tapo C660 kit: £180.
Which? also says three of its “Great Value” outdoor cameras cost under £50. Prices change often, so check before you buy.
Compare wired, wireless and battery cameras by resolution, storage and running costs before you buy.
Shop Yale camerasCoverMap may earn a commission if you buy through this link. It doesn’t affect the price you pay.
Subscription costs for cloud recording
Which? warns that video storage for wireless cameras can “rack up to more than £100 per year”. Plans from brands’ own UK pages, checked October 2026:
| Brand | Entry plan | Whole-home plan | Video history |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eufy (optional) | £3.99/month or £39.99/yr (1 device) | £12.99/month or £129.99/yr | 30 days |
| Ring | Solo: £4.99/month or £49.99/yr (1 device) | Multi: £7.99/month or £79.99/yr | Up to 180 days |
| Google Home Premium (Nest) | Standard: £8/month or £80/yr | Advanced: £16/month or £160/yr | 30 / 60 days |
Source: Eufy, Ring and Google Store UK plan pages, checked October 2026. Eufy describes its prices as approximate.
Ring charges an extra £3 a month per camera for 24/7 continuous recording.
CCTV laws UK: neighbours, privacy and the ICO
You can put CCTV on your own home. But the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) says that once your cameras capture images or voices of people beyond your property boundary – such as public areas or communal spaces – data protection law applies to you. GOV.UK guidance from the Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner (updated May 2026) says that the GDPR and the Data Protection Act (DPA) will then apply to you.
What the ICO expects if you film beyond your boundary
- Have a legitimate reason, and don’t capture more than you need.
- Put up signage showing CCTV is in operation.
- Store footage securely so only people who need it can see it.
- Delete footage regularly or automatically.
- Use privacy masking or blockers to blur parts of the image where possible.
- Respond to a subject access request (SAR) for footage, usually within one calendar month.
People you record can also ask you to delete footage or object to being recorded. The ICO says you need “a strong reason” to keep recording someone who objects.
Recording audio
GOV.UK guidance asks you to consider whether you need to record audio at all, and an undated ICO document recommends that CCTV systems should not normally be used to record conversations. Check your camera’s audio settings.
Neighbour disputes
GOV.UK guidance suggests telling neighbours about your cameras and positioning them to minimise intrusion. If you’re unhappy with a neighbour’s camera, the ICO points to the government’s neighbour dispute steps: talk first, contact their landlord if they rent, try mediation, call the police if there’s harassment, and treat court as a last resort. The ICO itself can’t remove or move someone’s camera, or force them to delete footage.
Surveillance Camera Code and planning permission
The Surveillance Camera Code of Practice (amended code in effect since 12 January 2022), which has 12 principles, applies to bodies such as the police and local authorities, not homeowners. GOV.UK encourages domestic users to adopt it voluntarily. The Planning Portal says planning permission is not normally required to install a CCTV camera, but check with your council if your home is listed or in a conservation area.
Do cameras cut burglary or insurance costs?
The College of Policing’s Crime Reduction Toolkit, based on a 2019 review of studies, found crime was 13% lower where CCTV was used, and 12% lower in residential areas. Property and vehicle crime were each 14% lower, but there was no significant effect on violence or disorder.
Insurance is less clear. Eufy’s own UK guide says there is no simple rule: each insurer decides which security measures it recognises, and approved locks and certified alarms tend to count for more than cameras. Ask your insurer directly before assuming a discount. Our guides to home security insurance discounts and alarm systems cover what insurers usually look for.
Security rules for connected cameras
Since 29 April 2024, the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (PSTI) regime has applied to connectable products, and GOV.UK said in November 2021 that security cameras are covered. The NCSC says manufacturers must not supply devices with default passwords, must provide a way to report security issues, and must state how long the device will get security updates. That matters: Which? says 14% of cameras it has tested over the years had security issues. Support commitments it lists range from two years to at least five years, counted from launch for some brands and from discontinuation for others. Change any default password, turn on two-step verification and keep automatic updates on.
How to choose a home CCTV system
- Resolution: 1080p and 2K are common at DIY prices. Higher resolution helps with faces and number plates but uses more storage.
- Night vision: Many cameras offer colour night vision, switching to black and white in near darkness on some models. Ezviz quotes up to 15m for its CB3.
- Field of view: Ezviz lists 128° diagonal for its CB3. Wider covers more ground but shows less detail at distance.
- Power: Battery or solar for flexibility; mains or PoE for continuous recording without recharging.
- Storage: Weigh a monthly plan against local recording, and check the software support period before you buy.
- Privacy features: Privacy zones help you avoid filming neighbours’ property.
Cameras work best alongside good locks; see our smart locks guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does CCTV installation cost in the UK?
MyBuilder (August 2026) puts the average at around £500, with most jobs between £400 and £2,100. Fantastic Services quotes £600–£1,500 for a four-camera system outside London, and more in London and the South East.
Is wireless CCTV better than wired?
It depends on the job. Wireless cameras are quicker to install and easier to move, but rely on Wi-Fi and, if wire-free, batteries. Wired systems take longer to fit because cables run through walls and lofts, but don't need charging.
Can my neighbour's CCTV film my garden?
If a camera captures images beyond the owner's boundary, UK data protection law applies to them. You can ask for a copy of footage you appear in, ask for it to be deleted, or object. The ICO can't make them move or remove the camera.
Do I need planning permission for CCTV?
The Planning Portal says planning permission is not normally required for a CCTV camera. Check with your local planning authority if your home is a listed building or in a conservation area.
Can I record audio on home CCTV?
GOV.UK guidance asks whether you need audio at all, and the ICO recommends CCTV should not normally be used to record conversations. Check whether your camera records sound by default.
Do I have to pay a monthly fee for security cameras?
Not always. Ring, Arlo and Nest need a subscription to store video, according to Which?. Eufy, Ezviz, TP-Link Tapo and some Yale models can record locally to a microSD card, hub or recorder.
Will CCTV lower my home insurance?
There's no guarantee. Each insurer decides which security measures it recognises, so ask yours directly before installing cameras for a discount.
Sources
- ICO – Home CCTV systems (2026)
- ICO – Can I operate CCTV on my private property? (FOI attachment)
- GOV.UK – Domestic CCTV: using CCTV systems on your property (May 2026)
- GOV.UK – Update to Surveillance Camera Code of Practice (2022)
- GOV.UK – Resolving neighbour disputes
- Planning Portal – CCTV
- NCSC – Smart devices: new law (Apr 2024)
- GOV.UK – New cyber laws to protect people's personal tech (Nov 2021)
- College of Policing – Crime Reduction Toolkit: CCTV
- Which? – Best outdoor security cameras (Sep 2026)
- Which? – How to buy the best video doorbell (Sep 2026)
- MyBuilder – CCTV installation cost (Aug 2026)
- Fantastic Services – CCTV installation cost (Sep 2026)
- Ring – UK plans
- Google Store – Google Home Premium
- Eufy – Cloud security cameras UK guide (Aug 2026)
- Eufy – Will security cameras lower insurance? (Aug 2026)
- Ezviz – CB3 outdoor battery camera