How much does a CCTV system cost for SMEs in 2026?

An honest answer to a frequently asked question

"So what does a camera system actually cost?" That is almost always the first question we are asked. And the honest answer is: it depends on so many factors that a price list on a website tells you very little. But we understand that you would like some idea of the cost before you get in touch. That is why this article gives realistic indicative prices, based on what we install every day for SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) in Limburg.

Please note: these are guide prices for 2026. The final price for your situation may differ, because no two locations are the same.

What makes up the price?

A camera system is more than just cameras. Broadly speaking, the total price consists of four parts.

The cameras themselves usually account for 40 to 50% of the price. A good 4K bullet camera with IR night vision and smart detection costs around €250 to €450 each. Dome and PTZ cameras cost a little more. Cheaper cameras do exist, but we do not install them: their lifespan and reliability are not good enough for business use.

The NVR (network video recorder) with storage is an important component. A reliable NVR with enough storage for 4 weeks of 4K footage costs between €600 and €1,500, depending on the number of channels.

The cabling and installation materials are often underestimated. A PoE switch, cables, connectors, mounting hardware and conduit quickly add up. Allow €50 to €150 per camera position, depending on distance and complexity.

The biggest variable cost is labour. Cabling and mounting a camera position takes on average half a day to a day and a half, depending on accessibility, materials and working heights. A camera on a bare wall at 2.5 metres is a very different job from a camera on a mast on a roof.

Guide prices for SMEs

Below are a few examples of projects of the kind we carry out regularly. All prices include VAT and installation, and exclude any structural alterations.

4 cameras for a small business

For example a shop, a small office or a bar or restaurant. Two cameras indoors, two outdoors. 2K or 4K, IR night vision, person detection, an NVR with 4 weeks of storage and an app for your phone.

Indicative price: €2,500 to €4,500

8 cameras for an SME

A typical small commercial building with a warehouse and an office. A mix of bullet and dome cameras, some in 4K for outdoors, an NVR with larger storage, smart detection and an app for multiple users.

Indicative price: €4,500 to €8,000

16 cameras for a larger business

For a logistics company, a manufacturing business or a larger site. With 4K bullet cameras for the grounds, domes indoors, possibly a PTZ camera for an overview, and a professional NVR with dual storage for redundancy.

Indicative price: €9,000 to €16,000

With ANPR (number plate recognition)

For businesses with an enclosed site or a barrier. One ANPR camera per direction, software for whitelists and blacklists, and integration with the barrier or gate.

Additional cost for ANPR: €1,500 to €3,000 per direction

What do we include as standard?

Unfortunately, we regularly see customers who were given an attractively low price, only to be hit with all kinds of extra costs at handover. We deliberately do things differently. Every project includes:

• An on-site survey, free and with no obligation
• A clear quote with no hidden costs
• Complete installation, including finishing
• Configuration of the cameras, NVR and app
• An explanation and short training session for you and your staff
• A GDPR-compliant set-up (privacy masking, signage, retention periods)
• A two-year warranty on installation and hardware
• Service available within 24 hours in the event of a fault

No surprises afterwards. What is in the quote is what you pay.

What does it cost per month?

A common follow-up question. The answer: a local system has no monthly costs. No subscription, no "per camera" fee, nothing.

There are two optional extras that do carry a monthly cost:

• Cloud backup for the most important cameras. From €5 to €15 per camera per month, depending on resolution and retention period.
• Connection to our alarm receiving centre if the cameras are linked to an alarm system with live monitoring. From €30 to €60 per month for SME premises.

Both are optional. Many customers choose local storage with no monthly costs.

Lifespan and payback period

A professional camera system lasts 8 to 10 years, sometimes longer. The cameras we installed 10 years ago are often still in place. Sometimes the NVR does need replacing after 6 to 7 years, because its software is no longer supported.

Spread over that lifespan, the cost comes to a few hundred euros a year for a typical SME system. Compared with the damage from a single serious break-in (on average €5,000 to €15,000 for an SME, on top of the business downtime), it soon pays for itself. And that is without even counting the deterrent effect, which in practice is the biggest benefit.

Lease or buy?

We are sometimes asked whether leasing is an option. Yes, it is. For projects of around €5,000 or more, we work with a leasing partner that lets you pay in monthly instalments, which are often tax-deductible as operating expenses. We are happy to discuss the options on request.

What next?

The only way to know for certain what a system will cost for your situation is a free on-site survey. Our specialist visits your premises, assesses the situation with you, discusses your requirements and then prepares a tailored quote. No obligation.

Book a free on-site survey