Commercial CCTV in the UK costs between £1,500 and £10,000+ in 2026, depending on camera count, site layout, storage requirements, and monitoring. A small business system (1-10 cameras) typically falls between £1,500 and £3,000 installed. A medium business system (10-25 cameras) is usually £3,500 to £7,500. Large commercial or multi-site systems (25+ cameras) start at £10,000 and scale with analytics, ANPR, and 24/7 monitoring requirements. Optional professional monitoring adds £15 to £40 per camera per month, and annual maintenance typically runs £150 to £350. Specific price depends on what a site survey finds, which is why Hawthorne quotes from the survey rather than from a menu.
Average Cost of Commercial CCTV in the UK
For most businesses, the question is simple: what does commercial CCTV cost in the UK?
Business Size
Typical CCTV Cost
Small (1-10 cameras)
£1,500 - £3,000
Medium (10-25 cameras)
£3,500 - £7,500
Large (25+ cameras)
£10,000 - £20,000+
Realistic guide prices based on standard UK commercial installations.
CCTV Cost Per Camera Explained
A common question is: what is the CCTV cost per camera in the UK?
Typical installed cost per camera:
- Basic: £150 - £300
- Mid-range: £250 - £450
- High-spec: £400 - £600+
However, CCTV is not just cameras. You're also paying for recorders, storage, cabling, labour, and system setup. That's why the first few cameras cost more - the core system has to be installed first.
Key Factors That Affect Commercial CCTV Pricing
1. Number of Cameras
More cameras increase cost, but not proportionally. The first few cameras carry the system cost - additional cameras are cheaper per unit.
2. Site Size and Layout
Multi-building sites, long cable runs, and external coverage all increase cost.
3. Storage Requirements
Higher retention periods and better image quality require more storage, which increases cost. Most operators aim to retain footage for at least 28 days.
4. System Quality
- Standard systems: baseline cost
- Enhanced systems: +15-20%
- High-security systems: +30-40%
5. Installation Complexity
Working at height, out-of-hours work, or difficult access can increase costs significantly.
6. Monitoring
Optional professional monitoring typically costs £15-£40 per camera per month.
7. Maintenance
Annual maintenance typically ranges from £150 - £350 per year.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Small Business
4-8 cameras covering entrances and internal areas.
Typical cost: £1,500 - £3,000
Medium Business
10-20 cameras covering internal and external areas.
Typical cost: £4,000 - £8,000
Large Business
25+ cameras with full site coverage.
Typical cost: £10,000 - £25,000+
Cheap vs Premium CCTV Systems
Cheap Systems
- Lower upfront cost
- Lower quality and lifespan
Premium Systems
- Higher upfront cost
- Better reliability, image quality, and scalability
Cheap systems often cost more long-term due to earlier replacement and unexpected failures.
Ongoing Costs
- Maintenance: £150 - £350/year
- Monitoring: optional ongoing cost
- Repairs and upgrades over time
Is Commercial CCTV Worth It?
For most businesses, yes. CCTV helps prevent theft, improve safety, support compliance, and provide evidence when needed. The cost of not having adequate surveillance is often far greater than the cost of installing it.
How to Choose the Right System
- Focus on your objectives first
- Prioritise coverage over features
- Plan for future expansion
- Avoid choosing purely on price
What Most Companies Won't Tell You
- Pricing varies widely - and that's normal
- Cheap systems often fail sooner
- Transparency in pricing is rare
Final Thoughts
Commercial CCTV pricing in the UK typically falls into three brackets:
- Small: £1,500 - £3,000
- Medium: £3,500 - £7,500
- Large: £10,000+
The key is understanding what drives the difference - so you can make the right decision with confidence.
Get an Accurate CCTV Price
Use our pricing calculator to get a tailored estimate based on your site, requirements, and system size - in under 60 seconds.
Last updated: April 2026