How to choose a home security system for detached homes

Choosing a home security system for a detached house is a very different task from securing a flat. With more exterior space, more access points and often more privacy from neighbours, detached houses can be particularly attractive to opportunistic burglars.

Whether you live in a quiet rural lane or a suburban estate, choosing the right security system for your property can reduce the risk of attempted intrusions, improve your peace of mind and, in some cases, even lower your insurance premiums.

This guide walks through the key decisions and features to consider for detached houses specifically, so you can make an informed choice without getting lost in the vast home security market.

First, conduct a property assessment

Before you even start to shop around and browse providers’ websites, take a step back and assess your property’s location, layout and your own priorities when it comes to a home security system.

At Verisure, a security consultant will help you conduct this initial assessment to ensure the final system is perfectly suited to your property and meets all of your requirements.

1. Identify entry points

Walk around the outside of your home and note every potential entry point, from ground-floor doors and windows to skylights, patio doors, side gates and garage doors. Detached homes tend to have multiple exposed sides, which increases vulnerable entry points.

2. Make a note of outbuildings

Detached homes often come with garages, sheds and garden offices which may require dedicated sensors or cameras.

3. Think about the location of your home

Your home’s location influences your security needs. Urban areas often face opportunistic burglary attempts, while rural homes may face planned intrusions due to their isolation.

4. Clarify your priorities

Ask yourself what matters most—deterrence, fast detection, evidence, response mechanisms, or remote monitoring.

5. Check connectivity and power sources

Wi-Fi and mobile signal availability will determine which devices you can install and where. Older UK homes and large gardens may require boosters or wired connections.

Consider your budget

Home security systems range widely in cost—from single cameras to full sensor networks with monitoring. Remember to factor in installation fees, monitoring fees, and maintenance.

Verisure offers lifetime maintenance as part of their system cost.

Choose from the following home security devices

Detached homes benefit from layered security combining deterrents, sensors and cameras:

Outdoor cameras

Outdoor cameras help cover blind spots across driveways and gardens. A recommended option is the Arlo XL Outdoor Wireless Security Camera with night vision and a wide-angle view.

External signs

Adding a visible deterrent sign can stop potential intruders before they attempt a break-in.

Video doorbells

Video doorbells provide visibility and two-way communication with visitors.

Door and window sensors

Door and window shock sensors detect vibrations from impacts and alert you to activity.

Indoor cameras and detectors

Indoor cameras and motion sensors capture evidence in case an intruder enters. The Arlo Wireless Indoor Camera and Verisure GuardVision™ Photo Detector are recommended.

Sirens

A siren unit emits a loud alarm when triggered.

Environmental sensors

Consider adding sensors for smoke, flood and carbon monoxide.

Key features to prioritise when securing a detached home

Range and coverage

Detached homes may require long-range cameras, multiple devices and wide-angle lenses.

Weatherproofing and durability

Choose devices with an IP65 or IP67 waterproof rating and durable mounting.

Power and mobile data backup

Your system should remain operational during power outages. The Verisure central unit has a minimum 48-hour battery backup.

Professional installation

Professional installation helps ensure optimal coverage and is sometimes required by insurance providers.

Professional monitoring

Professionally monitored systems notify an Alarm Receiving Centre within seconds when triggered.

Legal and privacy considerations

UK ICO guidelines apply if your cameras capture public areas. Footage must be securely stored, used only for security, and deleted after a reasonable period. Avoid capturing neighbours’ property without consent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does installing a home security system reduce my insurance costs?

Many insurers offer reductions for professionally installed and monitored systems, but check your policy’s requirements first.

What’s the best home security system for a detached house?

There’s no single best system, but the most effective ones combine deterrents, sensors, cameras, floodlights and sirens for layered protection.