When a Knock Raises Alarm: A Brighton Story
On a quiet Thursday evening in Brighton, Melbourne, 72-year-old Margaret heard a knock at her apartment door. It wasn’t unusual until she peeked through the peephole and saw an unfamiliar man claiming to be from a utility company. Something felt off. Unsure and alone, she hesitated. Had she owned a video intercom system, Margaret wouldn’t have had to guess who was outside she could’ve seen, spoken to, and verified his identity instantly.
This kind of uncertainty is far more common than we like to admit, especially in apartment buildings and multi-dwelling units. Which begs the question: are video intercom systems really worth it?
Why More Apartment Residents Are Installing Video Intercoms
The demand for smarter, safer apartment living is rising across Australia. According to a 2023 report by IBISWorld, the Australian security services industry, including electronic surveillance, has grown by 2.8% annually over the last five years, with video intercoms becoming a key component of modern building access control.
Video intercoms allow residents to:
- See who’s at the door before answering
- Communicate with visitors remotely via smartphone apps
- Unlock gates or doors from a secure location
- Deter intruders, as visible surveillance often discourages unauthorised access
In fact, a 2022 SafeHome.org study found that nearly 34% of burglars enter through the front door and video intercoms provide a critical line of defence.
Benefits for Apartment Owners and Body Corporates
Whether you own an investment apartment or manage a small building in Brighton, a video intercom can offer peace of mind and increase property value. Features like cloud storage, facial recognition, and audit trails of visitors help property managers monitor traffic and resolve disputes particularly useful in high-density areas.
Tenants also perceive video intercom-equipped properties as more secure. That perception can:
- Improve rental appeal
- Justify premium pricing
- Reduce tenant turnover
What to Look for in a Video Intercom System
When choosing a system, consider:
- Two-way audio and HD video quality
- Mobile app access for remote monitoring
- Integration with existing CCTV or alarm systems
- Ease of use for residents of all ages
Systems like 2N, Hikvision, or Doorbird are popular in Melbourne due to their scalability and smartphone compatibility.
A Smart Move for Brighton Apartments
In Brighton and surrounding Melbourne suburbs, Sipko Security has helped dozens of apartment owners and building managers integrate video intercoms with their existing CCTV and alarm setups. These upgrades not only enhance resident security but simplify access management and visitor verification. Whether you’re managing a single duplex or a full-scale apartment block, Sipko Security can help you find the right system.
Conclusion: Worth the Investment?
With rising safety concerns, growing tech adoption, and smart integrations, video intercoms are more than a convenience they’re a proactive layer of protection. For Brighton apartment dwellers, they offer the kind of peace of mind that a peephole just can’t match.
So the real question is: what’s the cost of not seeing who’s at your door?
Sources:
- IBISWorld Australia Security Services Industry Report (2023)
- SafeHome.org “Burglary Statistics” (2022)
- Crime Statistics Agency Victoria – Residential Offences by Location (2023)
- 2N, Hikvision, Doorbird product specifications and case studies
