Home CCTV Installation Cost 2025: Prices, Factors & Savings Guide

So you’re thinking about adding a set of cameras around the house, but the first thing on your mind is the price tag. The CCTV installation cost can feel like a mystery, especially when you hear everything from cheap DIY kits to high‑end professional setups. This guide breaks down exactly what you pay for, why the numbers differ, and how to keep the bill from blowing your budget.

Key Takeaways

• Average total cost in Adelaide for a 4‑camera professional system ranges between $1,800 and $3,200 in 2025.
• DIY installations can save 30‑50% but require time, basic wiring skills, and proper equipment.
• Major cost drivers are camera type, recording hardware, cabling, and labor rates.
• Complying with Australian Standard AS 2201 can add $100‑$300 in permits or inspections.
• Use the checklist below before signing a contract to avoid hidden fees.

What Makes up a CCTV installation cost?

When you look at a quote, you’re really seeing a bundle of separate items. Here’s the typical breakdown:

1. CCTV camera is the eye of the system, capturing video. Prices vary by resolution (720p, 1080p, 4K), night‑vision range, and weather rating.
2. NVR (Network Video Recorder) stores the footage and manages the cameras. An NVR with 4‑channel support costs less than a larger 8‑channel unit.
3. Professional installer handles mounting, wiring, and configuration. Their fee includes travel, site assessment, and clean‑up.
4. Labor rates are hourly charges that differ by region and experience level. In Adelaide they average $85‑$110 per hour.
5. Cable type (often Cat6 or RG‑59 coax) determines signal quality and distance limits. Premium cables add $1‑$2 per foot.
6. Wireless CCTV system eliminates most cabling but may need repeaters or power‑over‑Ethernet (PoE) adapters, raising equipment cost.
7. Australian Standard AS 2201 outlines safety and performance requirements for security systems. Compliance testing can cost $100‑$300.
8. Optional extras: cloud storage subscriptions, motion‑detection analytics, signage, and extended warranties.

DIY vs. Professional: How the price stacks up

Going DIY can cut $700‑$800 off the final bill, but it assumes you have time, basic electrical knowledge, and the patience to troubleshoot. Professional installers bring a warranty, faster setup, and ensure the system meets AS 2201 without you lifting a screwdriver.

Factors that swing the price up or down

Not all CCTV setups are created equal. Below are the variables that most affect the bottom line:

• Resolution and lens quality: 4K cameras cost about 30‑40% more than 1080p but give you clearer faces at the fence line.
• Number of channels: Every extra camera adds roughly $150‑$250 for the recorder and licensing.
• Power delivery method: PoE (Power over Ethernet) combines data and power in one cable, saving on separate power runs but requiring PoE‑compatible switches ($200‑$400).
• Indoor vs. outdoor rating: Outdoor units need weather‑proof housing (IP66) and can be $80‑$120 pricier per camera.
• Wireless vs. wired: Wireless kits avoid trenching but may need signal repeaters for large homes, adding $100‑$200 per repeater.
• Installation complexity: Multi‑storey homes, concrete walls, or existing conduit can double labor time.
• Additional services: Live‑mobile alerts, AI‑based motion detection, or integration with smart home hubs start at $5‑$10 per month.

Typical price ranges in Adelaide (2025)

Based on quotes from three local installers and a sample of DIY kit prices, here’s what you can expect for common scenarios:

These figures include hardware, labor, and mandatory compliance checks. Cloud‑storage subscriptions are extra and typically start at $10 per month for 30 days of footage.

How to budget smartly and avoid surprise fees

Walking into a quote with a clear budget makes the negotiation smoother. Follow these steps:

1. Define the coverage area: List every entry point, driveway, and blind spot you want monitored.
2. Choose camera specs early: Decide if you need night‑vision, PTZ (pan‑tilt‑zoom), or 4K resolution.
3. Ask for a line‑item quote: Break down hardware, labor, permits, and any recurring fees.
4. Check for bundled warranties: A 2‑year warranty on the NVR often costs less than buying a separate service plan.
5. Verify compliance costs: Ask whether the installer includes AS 2201 testing or if you’ll need a third‑party certifier.
6. Plan for future expansion: Adding two more cameras later should cost only the extra hardware, not a new NVR.
7. Get a written agreement: Include a clause that any extra labor must be pre‑approved in writing.

By documenting each step, you keep the final bill predictable and protect yourself from hidden labor surcharges.

Checklist before you sign a contract

• Installer’s licence number and proof of insurance.
• Itemised list of cameras (model, resolution, IP rating).
• Details on the NVR or cloud‑based storage solution.
• Estimated total labor hours and hourly rate.
• Compliance with Australian Standard AS 2201.
• Warranty periods for hardware and workmanship.
• Schedule for system testing and hand‑over documentation.
• Clear payment milestones (deposit, mid‑project, final).

Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you choose to roll up your sleeves or call in a pro, knowing where each dollar goes empowers you to get the coverage you need without overpaying. Use the numbers, the checklist, and the FAQ as your roadmap, and you’ll walk away with a secure home and a clear receipt.