Are Home Security Systems Worth It?

Insurance data is clear: homes with monitored alarms and visible CCTV are between 3 and 5 times less likely to be broken into. Most Perth insurers also discount premiums 5–15% for monitored systems — often covering the install cost over 4–6 years.

For owner-occupied homes worth $800K+, a proper system ($4K–$8K installed) pays for itself in insurance discounts, deterrence and peace of mind. For investment properties or short-stays, the case is even stronger because the system pays back through smart locks, remote access and reduced vacancy risk.

Where security systems are NOT worth it: cheap DIY kits that record to the cloud only, single-camera doorbells masquerading as 'security', and unmonitored alarms that just annoy the neighbours.

The cheapest worthwhile system in Perth: 4 hardwired PoE cameras + NVR + monitored alarm with PIRs and door reeds = $3,800–$5,200 installed. Anything below this is theatre, not security.