Call Now

New Homes in Llandudno and Conwy: The Security Questions Buyers, Landlords and Developers Should Ask

New housing is changing the security requirements of homes and residential developments across North Wales.

The 77-home Builder Street development in Llandudno has been publicly reported as reaching phased completion and handover. The scheme includes affordable apartments and houses for local residents, families and people aged over 55.

A separate proposal for 95 affordable homes on land east of Llanrwst Road in Gyffin, Conwy, has also received public attention. The plans include houses, bungalows, apartments, roads, footpaths, open space, landscaping, drainage and a new substation. The proposal remains subject to the planning process. Check the Conwy planning search for the latest application status.

These developments highlight an important point. Security should be planned before residents move in. It should not be treated as an optional addition after problems occur.

Questions for buyers and residents

Are the doors and windows properly protected?

The main entry points should be reviewed first.

Ask whether the property includes:

A new home can look secure but still have weaknesses. Large glazed doors, ground-floor windows and rear access points require particular attention.

A professional security survey should consider the layout of the property, nearby footpaths, shared access routes, balconies, bin stores and areas that may be hidden from public view.

Is there a visible deterrent?

Visible security can discourage opportunistic crime.

Effective deterrents may include:

Deterrence works best when it is consistent. A single camera covering the front door may not protect a rear path, parking area or communal store.

Home security systems for new properties

Each home should be assessed individually. A one-bedroom apartment may need a different solution from a four-bedroom house.

A professional intruder alarm may include:

Dragon installs RISCO systems for domestic properties across North Wales. RISCO’s Agility 4 platform supports wireless and wired devices, multiple communication options and app-based control. The right system depends on the building, the resident’s needs and the required level of protection.

RISCO Agility 4 wireless security system for a new North Wales home

Do not assume that a builder-installed alarm is suitable for every resident. Ask:

  1. Which areas does the system protect?
  2. Is the system monitored or bells-only?
  3. Who receives an alert when the alarm activates?
  4. What happens if the internet or mains power fails?
  5. Is the system covered by a maintenance agreement?
  6. Can the alarm be expanded later?
  7. Will the resident receive a full handover and user instructions?

A properly configured system should be simple to use. Residents should understand how to set, unset and test it before they take responsibility for the property.

Read more about protecting North Wales homes with RISCO alarms.

CCTV in communal areas

Communal CCTV can help protect residents, visitors and shared property. It can also support investigations after incidents.

Suitable locations may include:

Cameras should be positioned to provide useful coverage without unnecessarily recording private homes, gardens or neighbouring properties.

Dragon engineer installing a Dahua CCTV camera at a modern residential property

Dahua CCTV equipment can provide high-definition footage, night-time visibility, motion detection and remote access when designed and installed correctly. However, the camera model is only one part of the solution. Developers and managing agents should also consider:

CCTV, privacy and data protection

Communal CCTV normally captures identifiable people. This means the system must be managed responsibly.

The property owner, housing association, management company or other appointed organisation should establish:

Use clear signage. Avoid recording more than necessary. Restrict footage access to authorised personnel. Review the system if the layout of the development changes.

Professional CCTV installation across North Wales should include practical advice on coverage, recording and ongoing support.

Controlled access for apartments and shared buildings

A communal door is often the first major security boundary for an apartment development.

Traditional keys create management problems. Keys can be copied, lost or retained after a tenancy ends. Access control systems provide more control.

A Paxton access control system can be used for communal entrances, shared facilities and restricted service areas. It can support cards, fobs, PINs or compatible smart credentials. Access permissions can be changed without replacing the door lock.

Paxton Entry video door entry panel for a communal apartment entrance

Paxton Entry can provide video door entry through an external panel, internal monitor or app. Residents can identify visitors before granting access. Developers and managing agents can also plan for different permissions for:

Access control should be installed for communal areas only. Individual homes may require separate alarm or locking arrangements.

Ask whether the system records access events. If it does, treat those records as personal data. Keep permissions accurate. Remove credentials promptly when a tenancy ends or a fob is reported missing.

Controlled doors must also allow safe evacuation. Access control arrangements should be checked against the building’s fire strategy. Doors on escape routes must not prevent residents from leaving during an emergency.

Parcel areas, bin stores and cycle storage

New developments often include shared storage spaces. These can become vulnerable if access is not controlled.

Review:

Secure parcel areas can reduce unattended deliveries in communal hallways. They can also reduce the number of unknown visitors moving through a building.

Emergency lighting and electrical testing

Security planning should include life safety and electrical compliance.

Emergency lighting may be required in communal corridors, stairwells, plant areas, entrances and escape routes. It should operate when the normal power supply fails and provide enough illumination for safe evacuation.

New residential developments should also have a planned programme for:

Electrical engineer working in a modern residential building during installation and testing work

Dragon provides electrical installation, inspection and testing services, emergency lighting and planned maintenance for residential and communal properties.

What developers and landlords should provide at handover

Security equipment is only effective when people understand how to use and maintain it.

The handover pack should include:

Developers should also provide clear ownership arrangements. Confirm who is responsible for the system after completion. This may be the housing association, freeholder, landlord, managing agent or residents’ management company.

Plan for future upgrades

Technology changes. Residential security systems should be designed with expansion in mind.

Plan for:

A low-cost installation can become expensive if cables, power supplies and network capacity were not considered at the design stage.

Talk to a North Wales security specialist

The growth of new housing in Llandudno, Conwy, Gyffin and surrounding areas creates new responsibilities for buyers, landlords and developers.

Start with a security survey. Review each home and communal area. Separate domestic protection from shared-building access control. Protect privacy. Document the handover. Maintain every system after installation.

Dragon Security & Electrical provides home security systems, intruder alarms, CCTV installation North Wales, access control systems, emergency lighting and electrical testing for residential and commercial clients.

Contact Dragon for advice about a new home, rental property or residential development:

Dragon – Secure Living Starts Here.