How Much Does A House Alarm Cost? Your Guide to Burglar Alarm Prices in the UK

Q: How much does a house alarm cost in the UK?

In the UK, house alarm costs typically range from £150 for DIY systems to £1,200 for professionally installed alarms. Most professionally fitted systems fall between £750 and £1,200, depending on features, installation and coverage.

Q: Are cheaper alarms always better value?

Not always. Cheaper alarms often have limited coverage, fewer deterrents and no professional installation. Better value usually comes from a system that includes proper protection, visible deterrents and long-term reliability.

Q: Do visible burglar alarms really deter intruders?

Yes. According to the Office for National Statistics, visible alarm systems make homes less likely to be targeted. A bell box signals protection, attracts attention and encourages burglars to move on to easier targets.

Q: Is a burglar alarm worth the cost in the long run?

In most cases, yes. A burglar alarm helps prevent break-ins, avoiding costs such as stolen items, property damage and increased insurance premiums. It’s a one-off investment that provides long-term peace of mind.

Q: What features increase the price of a house alarm?

Features that can increase the cost include perimeter shock sensors, camera PIRs, app connectivity and outbuilding protection. These additions improve security and can be tailored to suit your property.

Q: Will my pets set the alarm off?

No, not with the right setup. Pet-friendly sensors are designed to ignore animals like cats and dogs while still detecting human movement. Correct positioning and professional installation help prevent false alarms.

Q: Do I need to sign a long-term contract?

Not necessarily. Some providers require long-term contracts, but others offer flexible monitoring options. For example, app-based monitoring can be provided on a rolling monthly basis without long-term commitments.

Q: What’s the best value alarm option for most homes?

For many homeowners, a professionally installed alarm system offers the best value. It provides tailored coverage, visible deterrents and flexibility, without the higher long-term costs often associated with subscription-based systems.

Holly Stuart
Sep 17, 2025
4 min read

Updated: 6 days ago

The average UK house alarm costs between £150 and £1,200, depending on the system you choose - with most professionally installed alarms falling between £750 and £1,200.

The overall average sits around £562 (CrimeRate.co.uk, 2024), but in reality, prices vary based on how the system is installed and what features you include, such as app control or monitoring.

DIY kits can cost under £200, while professionally installed wireless alarm systems typically range from £750–£1,200. Ongoing monitoring, if you want it, usually adds £8–£50 per month.

What you pay depends mainly on whether you want a basic DIY setup or a professionally installed system with proper coverage, support, and ease of use. Most homeowners we speak to are looking for something reliable that just works - without the hassle.

This guide breaks down house alarm costs in 2026, explains what you’re really paying for, and helps you decide what offers the best value for your home.

Key facts – house alarm costs in the UK (2026)

DIY alarm kits: £150–£400
Professionally installed systems: £750–£1,200
Monitoring costs: £8–£50 per month
Subscription systems: lower upfront, higher long-term cost
Average UK cost: £562 (CrimeRate.co.uk, 2024)

Woman smiles and adjusts her professionally installed burglar alarm hub on a beige wall in a hallway. Wooden doors in the background, creating a warm atmosphere.

How much does a house alarm cost in the UK?

The cost of a burglar alarm usually depends on three things:

The type of system (DIY, subscription-based, or professionally installed)
Installation method (self-install or professional)
Extra features, such as app control, perimeter sensors or cameras

At Midland Alarm Services, every system we install includes a proper visible bell box, professional fitting, and the option to add smart features - without hidden contracts.

Typical house alarm costs by system type

Alarm type	Typical upfront cost	Ongoing costs	Best suited for
DIY alarm systems	£150–£400	£0–£10	Flats, short-term use
Subscription-based alarms	£250–£1,100	£30–£60	Contract-based setups
Professionally installed local systems	£750–£1,200	Optional	Long-term home security

DIY alarm systems

Upfront cost: from £150
Monitoring: usually self-monitored
Best for: small flats or short-term solutions

DIY alarms are cheap upfront, but coverage is often limited. Installation, positioning and ongoing setup are down to you, and visible deterrents are often optional.

Subscription-based alarm systems

Upfront cost: often lower
Monthly fees: typically £30–£60
Best for: homeowners comfortable with contracts

These systems often rely on ongoing monitoring contracts. Over time, monthly fees can outweigh the initial saving.

Professionally installed local systems

Upfront cost: £750–£1,200
Monitoring: optional
Best for: long-term protection and tailored coverage

A professional system is designed specifically for your home, includes visible deterrents, and can be expanded over time without being locked into long contracts.

Are cheaper alarms always better value?

Not necessarily. The real value of a burglar alarm isn’t just the price - it’s what you get for your money.

The table below shows how common features vary between different types of alarm systems.

Feature	DIY alarms	Subscription systems	Professional local systems
Visible bell box	❌ Often optional	❌ Sometimes	✅ Included
App control	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Perimeter protection	❌ Rare	❌ Limited	✅ Yes
Professional installation	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Long-term contract	❌ No	✅ Usually	❌ No

MAS installs professional-grade HKC systems with visible bell boxes, perimeter protection and optional app monitoring - all without tying you into long-term contracts.

Do visible burglar alarms really deter intruders?

Yes. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), homes with a visible alarm system are significantly less likely to be targeted.

A flashing bell box works as a deterrent because:

It signals protection before entry is attempted
It attracts neighbour attention
It makes burglars move on to easier targets

That’s why every MAS installation includes a proper external bell box as standard.

Is a burglar alarm worth the cost in the long run?

In most cases, yes.

A single break-in can involve:

Replacing stolen items
Repairing doors or windows
Increased insurance premiums
Stress and disruption at home

A well-designed alarm system is a one-off investment that protects your home for years and can even reduce insurance risk when properly maintained.

What features increase the price of a house alarm?

Some extras add cost, but also add real security value:

Feature	What it adds	Typical impact on cost
Perimeter shock sensors	Detect forced entry early	Low–moderate
Camera PIRs	Image alerts to your phone	Moderate
App connectivity	Remote control & alerts	Low
Outbuilding coverage	Garage/shed protection	Variable

At MAS, these features are optional - you only add what makes sense for your home. Mick, our security consultant and former police officer, offers honest advice based on your property, with no upsells

Will my pets set the alarm off?

Not with the right setup. Pet-tolerant sensors are designed to ignore cats and dogs while still detecting human movement. Correct positioning and calibration are key - which is why professional installation matters.

Do I need to sign a long-term contract?

Not with Midland Alarm Services.

Our app-based remote monitoring starts from £12.95 per month, is rolling, and can be cancelled at any time. You stay because it works - not because you’re tied in.

What’s the best value alarm option for most homes?

It depends on what you value most:

DIY alarms: lowest upfront cost, limited deterrence
Subscription systems: professional monitoring, higher long-term cost
Professional local systems: tailored coverage, visible deterrents, flexible monitoring

For many Midlands homeowners, a professionally installed local system offers the best balance of cost, protection and peace of mind.

What next?

Don’t wait until after a break-in to think about security. With nearly 40 years protecting homes across Coventry, Warwickshire and the wider Midlands, we’ll incorporate an alarm system that suits your home - without long contracts and without unnecessary upsells.

📞 Call 02476 403527 or book your free security survey in 60 seconds.