Does Adding a Security System Increase Home Value?
Home security systems add minimal value, but they do increase your home’s marketability with tech-loving buyers — here's what you need to know.
Security systems aren’t the sexiest topic among homeowners (cameras and alarms don’t quite have the pizazz of a fancy kitchen upgrade or fresh new flooring). But they are trending. Americans’ fear of package theft spurred the rise of new door monitoring stars like Nest and Ring and breathed new life (or should we say, new AI) into home security legends like ADT.
Despite the decline in burglaries in the past five years, the home security industry is rapidly growing. Research firms anticipate that the home security systems market will be a $5.17 billion industry by 2029— a staggering 4.3% compound annual growth rate from $4.37 billion in 2025.
In 2024, more than half of households with security devices have security cameras. As the security system market grows, a crime report shows residential burglaries have been declining from 2018 to 2024. Residential burglary rates in 2024 are 38% lower than in 2019, and 13% lower than in 2023.
Security comes at a cost, with home security systems ranging from $4.99 to $80 a month in operating charges. With this price, you improve the safety of your home by deterring crime and providing a first defense against break-ins, but does adding a security system increase home value? Let’s explore how home security systems impact the sale of your home along with their safety benefits so you can decide if the cost is worth it for your home.
How Much Is Your Home Worth Now?
Home values have rapidly increased in recent years. How much is your current home worth now? Get a ballpark estimate from HomeLight’s free Home Value Estimator.
Types of home security systems
Like any product en vogue, there’s an array of home security systems at all different price points to choose from.
Basic systems include DIY setups with a single camera at your front door, which you monitor personally from your smartphone. On the other end of the spectrum, there are professionally installed, tested, and monitored super systems with cameras and alarm triggers at every entry point. According to SafeHome.org, users choose their alarm system based on the availability of professional monitoring options (28%), price (22%), and integration with apps and smart devices (18%).
Consider your home security objectives and compare home security system features and pricing. Reviews.org provides an excellent, comprehensive comparison of the 10 best home security systems. Here’s an overview of the top five picks:
SimpliSafe
Pros: Easy setup, customizable equipment packages
Cons: Automation could use an update, not compatible with most smart home brands
Operating cost: $9.99 – $29.99 a month
Vivint Smart Home
Pros: Super-smart cameras, link multiple smart home products through one app, includes a “deter” feature
Cons: Expensive equipment, aggressive sales tactics
Operating cost: $29.99 – $44.99 a month
ADT
Pros: Top-notch service and installation teams, trusted reputation when it comes to security, the most used alarm system brand in the U.S.
Cons: Not big on innovation, requires a contract, expensive equipment
Operating cost: $28.99 – $59.99 a month
Cove
Pros: Essential home security equipment at reasonable prices, no unnecessary fancy equipment
Cons: Touch screen home security base, limited smart home functionality, no self-monitoring
Operating cost: $19.99 – $29.99 a month
Ring
Pros: Amazon-owned affordable equipment and monitoring, app access available for all plans, vast array of cameras to choose from, second-most used alarm system in the country
Cons: Past privacy incidents with its cameras, cost-effective security system
Operating cost: $3.99 – $20 a month
Professionally monitored systems rank most effective
As we mentioned, the more expensive security plans are professionally monitored. When something triggers an alarm or camera, the system notifies a security professional in a monitoring center to review the footage. If there is suspicious activity, they will call you immediately and contact emergency responders on your behalf if you are unavailable. This layered approach adds a human element to home security and helps to catch errors smart systems might otherwise miss.
Smart home security systems allow you to control your home from anywhere
The latest home security systems pair with your smartphone so you can view cameras, lock doors, arm or disarm security points, and receive instant notifications on alarm triggers wherever you are.
Many smart home security systems integrate with your other smart devices, such as light bulbs, thermostats, and door locks, so you can trigger these remotely through your security system’s app. Home security systems such as Vivint will pair with third-party devices (i.e. devices from other manufacturers), while more exclusive systems like Nest and Ring limit pairings to their brand-affiliated devices.
