The cost of feeling safe: £8,500 per home

Homeowners are willing to invest around £8,500 on home security, according to new research by Alliance & Leicester Personal Loans.

In order to feel safe, more than two out of three (68%) say they would consider investing in a top of the range alarm system with motion sensors and a direct link to their local police station.

Britons’ desire to feel safer in their own homes comes at a potential cost of £8,500 per home

Nearly one in three say they would like to live in a gated community

More than half (52%) would consider spending on a CCTV system that overlooks doors, windows and the property’s boundary, while a similar number (53%) would invest in motion sensor security lights. One in three (32%) would like a security patrol, while one in five (20%) say they would be prepared to invest in window and door bars.

One in three (33%) also say they would like to live in a gated community. But according to estate agent Hamptons International, it comes at a price and could add a further 20 to 25% to the cost of a property, making it prohibitively expensive for many people. Less expensive ways of improving home security vary in price considerably, from the cheaper window locks through to hi-tech protection systems.

Estimated cost of home security:

Home security - Estimated cost

Alarm system £1,200 (not inc. installation)
CCTV £2,000 (not inc. installation)
Security lights £250 (including installation)
Perimeter protection system £3,100
Window locks £300 (pack of 20)
Timer lights £50 (for 5)
Window / door bars £1,620
TOTAL £8,520

Richard Al-Dabbagh, Senior Personal Loans Manager at Alliance & Leicester, commented: “It is only natural we should want to protect our homes. Clearly the best way to do so is to invest in equipment which will either deter or prevent would-be burglars from attempting to break in. Although the simplest ways can be the most effective, householders who want greater peace of mind are willing to consider further security enhancements to their homes. By spending around £8,500, the majority of homes could have a level of security that would deter many would-be burglars.

“Although CCTV and alarm systems may not stop a house being targeted, they both present a very visible deterrent, even to the experienced and expert burglar. Burglary is an opportunist crime for the most part. A burglar selects their target because it offers the best opportunity to carry out their crime undetected and with fewest obstacles.”

The range of home security products and services can be bewildering. But for residents keen to invest in securing their homes, a low-rate loan may be a way to pay. For those considering applying for a loan, or switching provider, Alliance & Leicester's website, alliance-leicester.co.uk, provides access to useful tools including a Loan Calculator, which enables people work out how much they can afford to borrow and how long they wish to spread their repayments for.