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The average cost to replace a lock can vary significantly, but you can generally expect to pay between £75 and £220.
The cost to replace a lock can range from £75 to £200+, depending on the type of lock, the complexity of the job, and whether it's an emergency call-out. Changing a standard door lock can cost between £125 and £165, while high-security lock changes may range from £150 to £185.
Regarding keeping their houses safe in the UK, there is nothing that can be more critical than a proper lock, which is functional. This can be replacing a lock after you have just moved into a new house, lost your keys, been burgled, or just after you want to improve your security. Whatever the reason, replacing a lock is one of the most popular things that homeowners and tenants will need to do. However, how much does it cost to change a lock in the UK?
And in this exhaustive guide, we are going to take a deep dive into what exactly it costs to replace a lock, the type of lock, labour costs, emergency call-out fees, regional cost differences, security enhancements, and so much more. You can gain a better idea of what to go through in the process of budgeting for lock replacement.
Replacement of locks is not a fixed-cost service. Prices are influenced by various factors to a great extent. As an example, a simple replacement of a Euro cylinder lock in a small town might be greatly cheaper than a high-security mortice lock in central London. In addition to that, additional charges may be determined by the availability of emergency services, when and what time the service should be provided and the model of the lock.
In most parts of the UK, the average price for a straightforward lock replacement typically starts at around £75 and can go up to £150. This normally involves a standard lock up, e.g a basic Euro lock cylinder or Borge Yale night latch. These are usually front or back door locks, especially at uPVC doors or in timber doors.
It is usually the cheapest when you are choosing the non-emergency case of the lock when it is easy to reach. This can, however, cost more should you need extra labour, such as drilling out a jam lock or fixing the door frame.
When you use a high-security lock that falls under British Standard 5, the deal you get is a button lock or a smart lock, then you can anticipate spending more.
For a British Standard 5-lever mortice lock, supply and installation can cost between £120 and £250. But the insurers usually require these on external wooden doors and provide additional protection against the common methods of breaking in, such as lock snapping, picking and drilling.
High-end smart locks, which allow keyless entry via smartphone or key fob, can range from £200 to over £400, depending on the brand and features. The cost of installation is usually higher due to the fact that they require wifi connectivity to be installed, such as the lock and system, as well as the locking system needs to be configured at the time of installation and possibly cross-syncing with other smart home systems.
With that said, examine the effect that various versions of locks have on the overall cost.
The doors have uPVC and the Euro Cylinder Locks are the most popular on a uPVC door. A basic euro cylinder lock can cost £75 to £150 to replace. Anti-snap euro cylinders, which provide more protection, range from £100 to £180 installed.
Older homes in the UK will have Night Latches. A basic Yale-style night latch can cost around £90 to £160 to replace. If you're opting for a high-security auto deadlocking night latch, expect to pay £120 to £200.
Mortice Locks are highly secure and are normally demanded on wooden doors. A 3-lever mortice lock can cost £100 to £170, while a British Standard 5-lever mortice lock ranges from £120 to £250.
The Multipoint locks are often used in uPVC and composite doors. They are multi-point locking bolts going the length of the door and locking in many places. Replacing a multipoint locking system can cost between £150 and £350, depending on the brand and configuration.
Smart Locks, as mentioned, can cost between £200 and £400 or more. Labour charges can add another £50 to £100, depending on complexity.
A huge part of the total cost of lock replacement is labour. The majority of the locksmiths in the UK can offer either a flat rate based on the job or by the hour.
For standard appointments, labour costs range from £40 to £80 per hour. Work longer because of hard tasks such as stuck keys, corroded mechanisms, or even the required removal of older hardware, the final cost will increase correspondingly.
Some locksmiths include a call-out fee, which can range from £30 to £70, especially in high-demand areas or during weekends.
It is higher in terms of emergency services. You may pay more when you are locked out in the middle of the night or at a time when you may require security after a burglary.
Emergency locksmith callouts start at around £90 and can go up to £150 or more just for the call-out, before labour and parts are added. Prices may also go high during weekends, during public holidays or during unsociable times (generally between 6 pm and 8 am).
In total, an emergency lock replacement can cost anywhere from £150 to £350, depending on location and lock type.
Depending on the part of the UK you live in, you will pay various charges if you need to replace a lock. In the South East and London, you can be charged between 15% and 30% above the nationwide average.
The prices are lower in small towns or in the countryside in the North of England, the Midlands or Wales. For instance, a standard lock replacement that might cost £120 in London could be done for £90 in Sheffield or Cardiff.
High property crime regions might also require more availability of locksmith services, and the high demand may raise the costs of such services as a result of the short supply.
You will also face some additional or lurking fees that can affect your spending. These include:
This tends to depend on the DIY approach that people usually take whenever they want to save money. You can buy a basic cylinder or night latch lock for around £15 to £30 at most hardware stores. This may be an easy solution in front of you, especially if you already possess such simple tools as a screwdriver or a drill, and now you are confident in working with them.
However, it has undisclosed costs. If you don’t already have the tools, you might need to spend an extra £20 to £50. And DIY is time-consuming. The same thing that a locksmith will do in 20-30 minutes will take you a few hours.
It is more expensive to employ a locksmith. Labour charges typically range from £60 to £120 per hour, depending on your location and the type of lock. Besides that, you will also have to pay for the lock itself.
Nonetheless, specialists have experience and efficiency. They fit locks within the shortest time possible and in an accurate manner, ensuring that all are lined and rotated. The majority of locksmiths work to the standards acceptable by insurance, and a lot of them offer warranties on their work.
It is also a professional problem that ensures that the lock is in harmony with your door and frame. They are also in a position to tell you how to improve on home security.
The insurance policies of homes in the UK usually require the presence of certain kinds of locks on the outer doors to be held. These are normally:
If you’re replacing a lock to meet insurance standards, expect to pay more for compliant hardware. While these locks cost more upfront, ranging from £120 to £250, they can save you money in the long run by potentially lowering your insurance premiums or ensuring your claims are honoured.
Certain locksmiths are under discounts when it comes to:
In addition to that, you can still save by:
When you are going to move into a new house and want to change all the external locks (it is one of the most popular methods of security), it may happen in the following way:
For a standard two-bedroom house with one front door, one back door, and a patio door, the cost to replace all locks with mid-range security fittings might total between £300 and £600. This price contains parts, labour and small additional hardware.
For a larger property or if you’re opting for high-security locks or smart systems throughout, the total can easily exceed £800.
The emergency locksmiths are more expensive. They are more expensive, especially when one is travelling at night or on weekends. Unless there is an emergency, you can wait and make a regular appointment.
Get a detailed quote for the work before it is carried out. Others provide very rough estimates by locksmiths. Hidden charges can be incorporated into the final bill. Being aware of how much the parts and labour will cost you in advance creates no surprises.
Inexpensive locks can be cost-effective in the short term. However, these fade out soon and can get broken easily. You will end up replacing them once again. A quality lock which will last longer is better to pay more money for.
Some locksmiths do not add their prices to VAT. This is an additional 20% to the bill. When it is not certain whether VAT is included in the price, always inquire. It prevents last-minute shocks.
Protect your room by spending a little on having an approved locksmith look at the security of the locks and make sure the locks can withstand insurance tests, or even upgrade to the smart or anti-snap locks, provided it is within your budget.
The estimation is worth paying the price of a secure home, and when you know how much you will pay, you can make a choice. In the context of security, convenience, or to comply with insurance, replacing locks is not a bad investment in your safety and tranquillity.
Costs of various services and materials in this cost guide should be taken as estimates. These depend on location, preference and demands in the market.