CCTV Installation Cost in Australia (2027 Price Guide)

Two quotes for "four cameras" can land $1,500 apart, and both can be fair. The CCTV installation cost depends on the cameras, the recorder, how hard the cables are to run, and what your roof is made of. Most buyers only see the bottom line and have no idea why it moved.

We supply systems and installations across Australia, so this guide breaks a typical quote into its parts. You will know what a fair price looks like for your home and which extras are worth paying for.

TL;DR:

A professionally installed CCTV system in Australia typically costs $500 to $2,000 for small homes and $1,200 to $2,500+ for 4 to 8 cameras, according to Airtasker's 2026 guide. Equipment is usually 40 to 60% of the bill; labour and cabling make up most of the rest. Single-storey homes with tiled roofs are the cheapest to wire. Double-storey, flat-roof and double-brick homes cost more. Supply-only kits suit confident DIYers; installed systems include cabling, setup and support.

CCTV installation cost by system size

Airtasker reports that CCTV installation in Australia typically costs $500 to $2,000, with basic 2-camera setups around $500 to $800 and 4 to 8 camera systems from $1,200 to $2,500+. Our own installed pricing sits in a similar band. Here is a fuller breakdown.

Prices assume 6MP to 8MP PoE cameras from brands like Hikvision, Dahua or HiLook, a surveillance hard drive and standard cable runs. Premium cameras (PTZ, ANPR, panoramic) add more.

What's actually in a CCTV quote?

If a quote does not list the hard drive size or camera model, ask. Those two items explain most price differences between quotes.

The 6 factors that change your price

1. Roof type. Tiled roofs are the easiest: installers lift a tile and drop cable through the cavity. Metal roofs with little clearance take longer. Flat or skillion roofs common in newer townhouses can mean surface-mounted conduit.

2. Number of storeys. Double-storey homes need cable runs through internal walls or along the exterior, and often scaffolding or a taller ladder. Our double-storey camera guide covers the layout.

3. Wall construction. Brick veneer is straightforward. Double brick, concrete block and rendered Hebel take longer to drill and seal.

4. Distance and access. Detached garages, front gates and sheds need longer runs, sometimes underground. Each extra trench adds labour.

5. Camera quality. Stepping up from 6MP to 8MP ColorVu or TiOC usually adds $50 to $150 per camera. We think it is worth it for driveways and front doors.

6. Storage size. Retention of two to three weeks is our recommended minimum. Going from 2TB to 6TB adds roughly $150 to $250 but can double your history.

Single-storey tile roof: the cheapest scenario

A standard single-storey brick veneer home with a tiled roof is the easiest job in Australian CCTV. A 4-camera system often takes an experienced installer half a day. If that describes your house, expect to land near the bottom of the installed range. See our single-storey tile roof setup guide for the camera layout we use.

DIY vs professional installation

PoE systems are DIY-friendly because one network cable carries power and video. You do not need an electrician for low-voltage Cat6. If you are comfortable in the roof space, our DIY PoE installation guide walks you through it. If not, an installer saves you a lot of crawling around in 50-degree summer roof cavities.

Hidden costs to ask about

• Extra hard drive capacity beyond the base model

• UPS battery backup for the NVR and modem

• Additional cameras added after install (call-out fee)

• Monitor or TV connection near the recorder

• Network upgrades if your router is in the wrong room

• Ongoing fees (there should be none for a local NVR system)

How to compare quotes properly

1. Check that both quotes use the same number of cameras and similar resolution.

2. Compare hard drive size and estimated days of recording.

3. Ask which brand and model, not just "4K camera".

4. Confirm the warranty on hardware and workmanship separately.

5. Ask whether app setup and a walkthrough are included.

A cheap quote often hides a 1TB drive and 4MP cameras. A good quote explains the storage maths.

Is CCTV worth the cost?

The ABS estimates 1.8% of Australian households experienced a break-in in 2024-25. That sounds small until you consider the insurance excess, the replaced locks and the stolen tools. A $1,500 to $2,500 system that records 24/7 with no ongoing fees typically lasts 7 to 10 years, which works out at a few dollars a week.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to install 4 security cameras in Australia?

Usually $1,300 to $2,400 installed for a 6MP to 8MP PoE system with an NVR and hard drive. Single-storey tiled homes sit at the lower end.

Do I need an electrician to install CCTV?

Not for PoE systems that run on low-voltage network cable. You need a licensed electrician if a new power point is required for the NVR or a camera.

Are there ongoing costs with CCTV?

Not with a local NVR system. Cloud cameras may charge monthly fees. Budget for a hard drive replacement every five to seven years.

How long does CCTV installation take?

A 4-camera system on a single-storey home typically takes four to six hours. Double-storey and larger systems can take one to two days.

Is a cheaper 4MP system good enough?

It will work, but we recommend 6MP as entry level and 8MP as standard. The extra detail matters when you need to identify a face or a number plate.

Get a fair price for your property

The right CCTV installation cost is the one that matches your home's layout and gives you two to four weeks of clear footage without ongoing fees.

Browse 4-camera kits, compare Hikvision 8-camera kits, or read why our installation service is worth it.