Commercial security contracts can be difficult to compare. Whether you use keyholding and alarm response, regular mobile security patrols, or cover for vacant properties and construction sites, pricing structures vary significantly between providers — annual fees, per-visit rates and call-out charges can all be structured differently. The rates shown are what you'll pay — what you see is what you get.
What affects security costs?
- Site type — Commercial premises, vacant buildings and active construction sites each carry different risk profiles.
- Frequency — How often patrols attend, and how quickly alarm response needs to reach site, are key cost drivers.
- Location — Distance, urban density and local response capacity all influence what a provider can quote.
- Contract term — Annual agreements typically offer better rates than rolling monthly arrangements.
How security pricing is structured
Annual fees typically cover keyholding — secure key storage, records and 24/7 availability to respond.
Per-visit rates apply to alarm responses, mobile patrols and lock/unlock visits — charged each time an officer attends, varying by time of day.
Per-inspection rates are common in vacant property contracts, where a set number of visits per week is agreed in advance.
Reducing costs without reducing cover
- Smarter alarm setup — Well-maintained systems significantly reduce false alarm call-outs, which are charged per visit.
- Proper keyholding — A professional keyholder removes the need for management to attend site out of hours.
- Bundled contracts — Combining mobile patrols with alarm response under one provider often reduces overall spend.