Homeowners who invest in security can add thousands to their property’s value and cut insurance premiums.
Installing a burglar alarm and CCTV cameras typically increases the value of a home by 5 per cent, according to research by home security company Twenty4.
It means a £1,000 system with three motion detectors in the home, alarmed front and back door, plus outside cameras, can add £25,000 to a £500,000 home.
Security that can see – and can be seen
Jeremy Fine, a partner at London-based estate agent Godfrey and Barr, says: ‘Buyers want a property they can move into where they feel totally safe straight away – and are quite willing to pay more for this sense of security.’
Fine says visible deterrents, such as outside cameras and an external burglar alarm box on the wall of the house, are vital considerations for buyers.
Homes are 300 per cent less likely to be targeted by burglars if they have CCTV cameras installed, according to research by security firm ADT.
Homes are 300 per cent less likely to be targeted by burglars if they have CCTV cameras installed, according to research by security firm ADT
Installing new tech will appeal to buyers
Changes in technology used by alarm companies have also made security more appealing for homeowners – and prospective buyers.
Glenn Flannery, commercial director of security company Spy Alarms, says: ‘Nine out of ten of the alarm systems that are installed use wi-fi to connect motion sensors and cameras to an alarm monitored on your smartphone app.
‘Previously, you had to connect sensors and cameras with wires that were put inside home walls and were connected to a central control box inside the property. These were a lot more bother because they were more likely to go wrong, with parts wearing out or lose connections.’
He adds: ‘Having up-to-date technology for security encourages buyers to pay more because they know it is not going to need replacing anytime soon. It is also easier to add extra features, such as additional security cameras, on to systems that are controlled wirelessly.’
How much should you expect to spend?
A budget of £1,000 will buy you a standard security system with a couple of outside security cameras fitted for a typical four-bedroom home.
This will enable you to have motion detectors for three rooms inside the home. The front and back door are also alarmed if they are opened when the system is on.
All these devices have sensors linked to an alarm and external bell box that goes off when movement is detected when no one is at home. They can be monitored and controlled via a smartphone app.
You can expect to pay around £100 for each additional sensor.
To find a reputable company recognised by insurance companies for an alarm installation, visit the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) website at nsi.org.uk.
And don’t forget the maintenance costs
Regular maintenance fees can end up more expensive than the initial installation so should also be budgeted for. Spy Alarms believe you need pay no more than £20 a month for such security, which includes an annual equipment check.
Flannery says: ‘Some security firms try to lure in customers with low initial installation costs of £200 but then recoup the money with monthly service charges of £50. Avoid expensive subscription offers because they end up costing you much more.’
Providers often include an automatic call-out by their own security team or the police if there is a break-in. Having an automatic hotline to the police as part of a service charge typically costs £35 a month. Although it can give peace of mind, it may not be good value.
A guard response service, where a third-party security outfit linked to the installation company responds to an emergency as part of the contract, typically costs from £25 a month. Customers are alerted on their phone that the alarm has gone off and have the option to get a security company to visit as part of the service plan.
Keep car thieves at bay with a set of Bollards
The latest must-have trend for homeowners are electronically controlled bollards to prevent your car being stolen.
Fine says: ‘A £3,000 budget can get you a couple of 3ft-high stainless-steel bollards that automatically rise and fall when you approach in your car. They can communicate via bluetooth readers fitted inside the car.’
Another consideration is electronic entrance gates. These cost from £3,000 and can recognise a registered vehicle approaching. They include an intercom system where visitors require permission before entering.
Ultimate security in a gated community
The desire for security has led to a rise in demand for gated community homes – with this extra safety adding value to the property.
Martyn Baum, of estate agency Reed and Baum in Leicestershire, says: ‘Gated communities can add 5 per cent to a property price. They typically have an electric entryway where only residents get automatic access to enter by swishing a special key fob. Otherwise, you must press a button and only gain access with permission from a resident.
‘Homes are surrounded by a high security fence that goes around the development. The houses offer a sense of community inside a secure environment.’
Expect to pay from £500 a year for this security as an annual service charge.
Additional reporting by Jamie Boys
Three properties for sale with home security
£4.5 million, Finchley, London
Six-bedroom detached house with gated drive, smart alarm system and cameras.
Jeremy Fine, a partner at Godfery and Barr, says: ‘Security features definitely increase value and it’s absolutely worth the investment. And at a certain price point it’s a given you have security features such as CCTV.
‘We are seeing more properties with lifting bollards as people are worried about having their car stolen.’
£4.5 million, Finchley, London: Six-bedroom detached house with gated drive, smart alarm system and cameras
£745,000, Dorking, Surrey
Four-bedroom semi-detached house with Ring camera security doorbell system.
David Driscoll, joint owner of Seymours Estate Agents, says: ‘As with any good location there is an assumption that with better properties you have a Ring doorbell and a gate.
‘It’s a sales feature that could certainly smooth the process for a buyer in terms of reassurance or tick a box for a buyer who might not otherwise buy.’
£745,000, Dorking, Surrey: Four-bedroom semi-detached house with Ring camera security doorbell system
£400,000, Nottingham
Three-bedroom detached house with central alarm and security cameras.
Paul Sweeney, director at Robert Ellis Estate Agents, says: ‘In the past, security was the exception and not the rule. It used to raise the question as to why people would want to have security or if it is in a bad area.
‘But homeowners are more security conscious now and installing kit adds value, because it saves buyers from having to do so in the future.’
£400,000, Nottingham: Three-bedroom detached house with central alarm and security cameras
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