A professionally installed burglar alarm in the UK costs between £400 and £1,500, with most homeowners paying around £600 to £900 for a complete wireless system with monitoring-ready hardware. Smart and monitored systems sit at the upper end. Installation in London and the South East typically adds around 20% to standard UK labour rates.
Who this guide is for: UK homeowners and small business owners researching burglar alarm costs in the UK in 2026. Pricing reflects domestic and light commercial properties. Large commercial, industrial, and multi-site installations typically carry significantly higher fees and require a tailored quote.
Burglar Alarm Cost in the UK at a Glance
| System type | Equipment | Professional installation | Total typical range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bell-only wired | £200 to £500 | £200 to £500 | £400 to £1,000 |
| Wireless | £300 to £800 | £300 to £800 | £600 to £1,600 |
| Hybrid wired and wireless | £400 to £1,000 | £400 to £1,000 | £800 to £2,000 |
| Smart alarm system | £300 to £1,500 | Included or £200 to £500 | £500 to £2,000 |
| Monitored alarm (add-on) | – | – | £20 to £40 per month |
Prices exclude VAT. London and South East installations typically carry a 20% premium.
Quick Definitions
- Burglar alarm: An electronic system of sensors, a control panel, and a siren designed to detect unauthorised entry to a property and alert occupants, keyholders, or a monitoring centre.
- Bell-only alarm: An alarm that triggers a loud external siren but does not notify anyone remotely. Cheapest option; relies on deterrence and neighbour response.
- Monitored alarm: An alarm connected to a 24/7 Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) that contacts you, a keyholder, or the police when activated.
- Smart alarm: An alarm with app control, remote arming, and integration with other smart home devices such as cameras and door sensors.
What Affects the Cost of Your Burglar Alarm
The final price of a burglar alarm depends on a handful of factors that every installer will assess before quoting:
- Size and layout of the property, and the number of sensors needed
- System type, whether bell-only, wireless, hybrid, or smart
- Whether you add monitoring, smart integration, or CCTV
- Your location, with London and the South East, around 20% higher than the UK average
- Whether the installer is NSI or SSAIB certified, which is required by many insurers
- Ongoing maintenance contracts, typically £80 to £200 per year
Types of Burglar Alarms and Their Unit Costs
The cost of an alarm unit depends on the type of system chosen, the brand, and the features it offers. Most UK homes end up with either a wireless system or a hybrid, because pure bell-only wired alarms are increasingly rare outside budget self-install kits.
1. Bell-only wired alarms
Bell-only wired alarms are the most basic type of burglar alarm. They consist of a control panel, external siren, and wired sensors placed throughout the property. These systems are cost-effective and simple to specify, making them an affordable option for smaller homes and outbuildings. The average equipment cost for a bell-only wired burglar alarm ranges from £200 to £500, depending on the brand and the number of sensors included.
2. Wireless alarms
Wireless alarms have become the UK default because they install quickly and can be expanded without disruption. These systems use wireless sensors that communicate with a central control panel, so there is no cabling to run through walls or ceilings. Wireless burglar alarm equipment typically costs £300 to £800, depending on the brand and the number of sensors required.
3. Hybrid wired and wireless alarms
Hybrid systems combine wired and wireless components, giving the reliability of a hardwired backbone with the flexibility of wireless sensors for harder-to-reach areas. This approach works well for larger or more complex properties. Equipment for a hybrid burglar alarm generally costs £400 to £1,000.
What are the Best Burglar Alarm Brands?
Several reputable brands supply the UK market, each with its own pricing structure. Well-known names include Texecom, Pyronix, and Honeywell. Prices vary with brand reputation, component quality, warranty length, and whether the system is certified to NSI or SSAIB standards. At Third Eye Installation Systems, we install professional-grade systems from manufacturers that meet the certification requirements most insurers demand, so your home security system installation is insurance-compliant from day one.
Burglar Alarm Installation Costs
Installation costs vary with the complexity of the job, the size of the property, and the chosen system type.
1. Bell-only wired installation
Bell-only wired alarms are relatively straightforward to install, and a competent DIYer can fit a basic kit. However, professional installation is recommended to ensure correct sensor placement, compliance with insurance requirements, and reliable operation. Professional installation fees for bell-only wired burglar alarms typically range from £200 to £500.
2. Wireless burglar alarm installation
Wireless systems are faster to install because there is no cable to run. Some homeowners fit entry-level wireless kits themselves, but professional installation is worth paying for if you want NSI or SSAIB certification, manufacturer warranty cover, and insurance-grade commissioning. Professional installation fees for wireless burglar alarms range from £300 to £800.
3. Hybrid system installation
Hybrid wired and wireless installations take longer because both infrastructures need to be commissioned and integrated correctly. Professional installation is the only sensible route for hybrid systems, and fees typically range from £400 to £1,000.
Burglar alarm system components
Alongside the alarm unit itself, several components contribute to the total burglar alarm costs in the UK.
1. Alarm panel
The alarm panel is the central control unit of the system. The cost depends on the brand, feature set, and compatibility with your chosen sensors and peripherals. On average, a professional-grade alarm panel costs £100 to £300.
2. Sensors
The number of sensors required depends on the property size and the level of coverage you want. Window and door contacts, motion detectors (PIRs), and glass break sensors are the most common types. Sensor prices range from £20 to £100 each, and most UK homes need between 6 and 12 sensors for proper coverage.
3. Monitored alarms
Monitored systems connect to a 24/7 Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) that can alert you, a nominated keyholder, or, in some cases, the police when the alarm activates. UK monitoring fees typically range from £20 to £40 per month, with premium tiers (such as police-response eligible contracts through a certified ARC) at the upper end.
4. Smart alarms
Smart alarms add app control, remote arming and disarming, push notifications, and integration with cameras, smart locks, and home automation platforms. Smart burglar alarm systems cost £300 to £1,500, depending on the brand, feature set, and number of sensors included. Many smart systems also pair naturally with home CCTV installation.
Secure Your Property With Third Eye Installation Systems
At Third Eye Installation Systems, we specialise in designing, installing, and maintaining burglar alarm systems for homes and businesses across London and the South East. We are an NSI-certified installer and a Which? Trusted Trader, which means our work meets the certification standards most UK insurers require for premium discounts. Our engineers will walk your property, specify the right system for your risk profile and budget, and provide a fixed-price quote with no surprises.
For a tailored burglar alarm quote, contact Third Eye today.
Burglar alarm costs FAQs
1. How much does a burglar alarm costs in the UK on average?
A professionally installed UK burglar alarm typically costs £400 to £1,500, with most homeowners paying £600 to £900 for a wireless system with standard sensor coverage. Smart and monitored systems sit at the top of the range.
2. How much does a wireless burglar alarm cost?
Wireless alarm equipment costs £300 to £800, and professional installation adds another £300 to £800 depending on property size and sensor count. Total installed cost typically falls between £600 and £1,600.
3. How much does a wired burglar alarm cost?
A bell-only wired system costs £200 to £500 for equipment and £200 to £500 for installation, giving a total installed range of £400 to £1,000. Larger properties and complex cable runs push costs higher.
4. Are wireless alarms more expensive than wired systems?
Wireless alarms cost more upfront for equipment but often cost less to install, because no cabling is needed. Total installed costs are broadly similar for small properties. Wireless wins on install speed, flexibility, and future expansion.
5. How much does professional burglar alarm installation cost?
Professional installation ranges from £200 to £1,000 depending on system type, property size, and location. Installers in London and the South East typically charge around 20% more than the UK average.
6. How much does a monitored burglar alarm cost per month?
Professional monitoring costs £20 to £40 per month in the UK. This covers 24/7 Alarm Receiving Centre response and is often required by insurers for higher-value properties.
7. How long does burglar alarm installation take?
A professional installation typically takes 4 to 8 hours for a standard home. Larger properties, hybrid wired and wireless systems, or installations integrated with CCTV can extend this across a full day or longer.
8. Can I install a burglar alarm myself?
Yes, for basic wireless and bell-only kits. However, DIY installation can void insurance discounts and manufacturer warranties, and may not meet the NSI or SSAIB standards many insurers require. Professional installation is recommended for insurance-compliant cover.
9. Is it worth installing a burglar alarm?
For most UK homeowners, yes. A visible, professionally installed burglar alarm deters intruders, can reduce home insurance premiums, and, when integrated with smoke and carbon monoxide sensors, protects against fire and gas risks as well.