Many factors affect the valuation of a home – location, size, condition, even décor. But one factor many people overlook is the security of the property. Jessica Pearn, from Settled.co.uk, has teamed up with our security experts to give you some practical tips on improving your home security, and potentially its value at the same time. Whether it’s replacing locks and doors, or adding or updating a home alarm system, there are a number of ways you can protect your property and improve its value in just a short time.
If you’re planning on selling your home, making a few small improvements can often make a huge difference to the value of your property, and installing a state-of-the-art security system is a good way to boost asking price. But are we actually doing this? It seems not, with Government figures showing that only around 30 percent of households have working burglar alarms on the premises; a statistic that hasn’t changed significantly over the years.
Security Considerations When Buying or Selling a Home
Whether you’re buying a house, selling a house, or doing both at the same time, security should be a priority. When selling, a home security system can add value to your home by making it a more desirable option when compared to other homes in the area which do not have such improvements. A comprehensive system can also significantly reduce insurance costs – some say by up to 20 percent – which can make your home a more attractive investment for buyers looking to minimise moving costs.
When buying a home, think about how you could create a security system to provide a little extra peace of mind, especially if you’re moving to a new area you’re not too familiar with. You could also work to enhance a system that’s already in place. Don’t just focus on standard systems like CCTV, but think about automated technologies, too, such as devices that switch your lights on and off, or turn your TV or radio on and off in response to direct commands or stimuli such as activation of an external security light.
Different Technologies – And Where to Put Them
There are a number of different home security technologies that are worth considering when you’re moving to a new home, or are improving your existing property to get it ready to go on the market. CCTV, burglar alarms, security lights, and secure locks for windows, garages, and sheds can all make a huge difference. The big question is – where should you place your equipment for maximum effect?
According to research, the majority of burglars will bypass a home that has a visible security system, particularly one that is monitored directly by a security company. This means that you should try to ensure you place your equipment in an area where it will not only be effective in doing its job, but also somewhere where it will be prominent and will easily be noticed. However, if your equipment contains cameras, try to avoid directing them at a neighbouring property, or at the road, pavement, or other public areas. By doing this, your camera won’t be exempt from the Data Protection Act, meaning you may be required to provide images or footage when requested. In some cases, you may even be breaching the law. Try to ensure that you’re only monitoring your own premises, not public areas.
The Future of Home Security Systems
When was the last time you left home without your smartphone in your pocket? Smart technology is all around us today, with some of the latest inventions even able to ‘learn’ our habits. Just like some clever vacuum cleaners can learn to be more efficient by mapping out your home, state-of-the-art home security systems can recognise your pets, recognise you, and can even begin to learn your regular movements, reducing the number of false alarms and quickly reporting any unusual activity.
The ‘Internet of Things’ is also playing a major role in the future of home security systems, with equipment that’s monitored – and controlled – through other technology, enabling everything to be connected and utilising cloud storage. The ‘connected’ home security system market is expected to grow rapidly over the next few years, with experts claiming that the global market could grow by as much at 48 percent between 2016 and 2020. These latest systems are definitely something to consider and will not only add value to your home but also peace of mind.
