How Much Does a Locksmith Cost in the UK? Locksmith Prices 2025

The cost of a locksmith in London varies widely depending on who you call. It can be difficult to determine a fair price for a good locksmith when there are so many mixed messages online.  

Here, we shed some light on locksmith prices in 2025 and how to get the best value for money. Read on to find out everything you need to know about locksmith prices and realistic locksmith costs, and what affects them. Remember, when it comes to choosing a locksmith, if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is! 

What Affects Locksmith Costs in 2025

It helps to understand the different factors that affect how much a locksmith costs. These can be divided into general variances that apply to all locksmiths and those specific to rogue or dishonest locksmiths.

General Variances Affecting the Cost of Any Locksmith Job:

• The type of job you need a quote for: A quick opening with no damage would cost less than fitting or replacing a new lock.
• The parts the customer chooses: The price will vary depending on whether you choose a basic or high-security insurance-approved lock. The day and time you call a locksmith:Out-of-hours rates (after 5pm, weekends and bank holidays) can cost up to 50% more than standard weekday rates Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
• Location of the job and proximity of the locksmith: The distance a locksmith needs to travel and any parking charges can increase the overall locksmith cost.
• Mobile vs. retail locksmiths: Mobile locksmiths often have very lower overheads and can offer more competitive rates.
• VAT:If the locksmith company is VAT registered, 20% VAT will be added to your final bill. This should always be made clear and agreed before the job is booked.

Cost Variances Applicable to Dishonest Locksmiths:

• Contacting a rogue locksmith: Dishonest locksmiths look for opportunities to overcharge within all the factors mentioned here and above.
• Fitting cheap locks and charging prices for high security insurance approved locks is a common way for dishonest locksmiths to overcharge.
• VAT: Look out for locksmiths adding VAT when they are not VAT registered, or quoting a price and then adding VAT after the work is done without prior notice.
• The method of advertising used by a locksmith: Sponsored adverts on Google Ads are extremely expensive, and locksmiths using this method of securing work need to charge high to cover their advertising spend.
• Call out charge: You shouldn’t expect to pay a locksmith call out charge on top of parts and labour.
• Hourly rates: Always agree a fixed price cost with the locksmith before agreeing to go ahead with the job to avoid unexpeced costs.

Typical Locksmiths Costs at a Glance (2025)

The following locksmith costs for common jobs will give you a realistic idea of what you should expect to pay when hiring a local locksmith in 2025.

Job	Labour	Parts	Call-out	VAT	Total (estimated)
Unlocking a standard door	£70 – £100	£0	£0	20%	£84 – £120
Change locks (like for like)	£70 – £100	£30 – £120	£0	20%	£120 – £144
Replace euro cylinder uPVC	£70 – £100	£40 – £120	£0	20%	£132 – £264
Mortice lock replacement	£70 – £100	£40 – £150	£0	20%	£132 – £300
Emergency (out of hours)	£ 100 – £200	as above	£0	20%	£120 – £220

How Much Does a Locksmith Cost in the UK?

Assuming you are calling a reputable London Locksmith, labour costs should be in the region of £70+ (increasing to £90 – £120 for out of hours calls). The cost of parts and VAT will be added on top of the labour charge. See the table above as a guide to prices. 

Here’s a guide to the average locksmith labour charges by time of day:

• Standard 6am -6pm £70+ for working hours
• Evening 6pm – 10pm £75 – £120 (the same applies for bank holidays)
• Night time 10pm – 6am £90 – £120

Cheap Locksmiths

If you call a locksmith and ask, “How much does it cost for a locksmith?” and you are just quoted a cheap price on the phone with no questions about the job and the type of lock this is a bad sign, you should take caution.

If you are quoted locksmith rates less than this (e.g. £59), be wary because you could be on the verge of being ripped off by one of London’s many rogue locksmiths. Always choose a qualified and trusted locksmith and check their credentials before booking.

Locksmith service prices quoted over the phone, which are significantly less than £70, are likely to be suspicious and can lead to unexpected costs once the work begins.

How Locksmiths Charge: Fixed Price vs Hourly

Always agree on fixed emergency locksmith prices when requesting a quote. A locksmith may quote an hourly rate; however, IKS Locksmiths provides a fixed rate that is fair to both parties. We will only quote an hourly rate in exceptional circumstances.

If you’re unsure, ask for a written quote or read our guide to choosing a trustworthy locksmith for more advice.

Emergency Locksmith Cost (Out of Hours)

An emergency locksmith will charge as much as 50% more out of hours. Emergency locksmith (24/7) rates should only apply outside normal working hours, including late in the evening, early mornings, and public holidays.

If an emergency call is made within normal working hours, emergency locksmith rates should not be charged.  All jobs within working hours should be charged at the same rate as general locksmith charges detailed above. The cost to call a locksmith when you are locked out of your house during the day should not cost more just because it requires an emergency response. 

When Out of Hours Emergency Locksmith Charges are Applicable

Emergency out of hours locksmith rates are applicable at the following times:

• Between the hours of 5pm and 9am 
• Weekends
• Public Holidays (often including the period between Christmas and New Year) 

Out of Hours Locksmith Charges

The main influencing factor affecting emergency locksmiths costs is the time of day you need an emergency locksmith. If you need a locksmith in an emergency at night-time, at the weekend or on a bank holiday it will cost much more than if you can wait until normal working hours.

How Much Does a Locksmith Cost for Common Jobs?

When calculating locksmith costs, it’s important to understand what’s included in the price.

A typical locksmith quote should consist of;

• Labour charge: usually fixed and agreed at the time of quoting.
• Cost of any parts: depending on the parts chosen by the customer. There may be a few options for the customer to choose from.
• Parking or congestion charges if applicable in your area. 
• VAT: only if the locksmiths company is VAT registered. 

Note: Always ask the locksmith, prior to any works completed, if there is a call out charge. 

All these details should be discussed and agreed at the time of quoting and before any work begins. The only variable should be the cost of parts that are to be chosen by the customer based on options presented to the customer. 

A professional locksmith should be able to provide a ballpark figure for parts to ensure the customer is fully informed of the total cost before confirming the job.

If these details are not discussed clearly on the phone, consider it a red-light warning sign. It is not uncommon for rogue locksmiths to quote low initially and send a much higher invoice on completion of a job.

Note: All prices below are based on standard rates (as opposed to out of hours rates) and exclude VAT.

Unlocking a House or Flat Door

The average locksmith cost to unlock a house or flat door should cost between £70 – £95,  assuming there is only just one lock to open and no damage is required.

Changing Locks on a House

The cost to replace door locks depends on the lock used for the job. Lock prices vary depending on the type and quality of a lock and whether they are insurance approved or not. 

Here are some typical price ranges to expect for quality branded locks;

• Mortice locks can cost between £30.00 to £120.00
• Rim cylinders can cost between £30.00 to £120.00

The total price will depend on the lock required for the job and the option chosen by the customer.

You can expect a labour charge in the region of £80+, depending on how many locks need to be changed, in addition to the cost of the locks. 

Replacing a Single Lock or Cylinder

A straightforward cylinder lock change or replacement should cost between £120 – £200, including labour. The price will depend on the security rating of the lock installed.

UPVC and Multipoint Mechanism Repairs

Repairing or replacing a UPVC door mechanism should cost £90 (upwards) plus parts at £90 (upwards), depending on the specific mechanism required.

New Locks Installation or Upgrade

Installing or upgrading new locks should cost £150 (upwards) labour charge, plus locks ranging from £30 – £120, depending on the lock required.

How Much Do Security Grilles & Shutters Cost?

As MLA approved security grilles and roller shutters installation specialists, we offer bespoke security grilles cost in the region of £250 per square metre. You can read more detailed information about how much security grilles cost here.

What Drives the Price of a Locksmith Up or Down?

There are several factors that can affect how much a locksmith costs and the overall value for money you receive when you call a locksmith. 

Factors which increase the cost of a locksmith

• Choosing a rogue locksmith
• Calling a locksmith who advertises on Google Ads, as they often charge higher rates to cover expensive pay-per-click costs.
• Calling a locksmith out of hours, including evenings, weekends and bank holidays.
• Calling a locksmith who is based far away from the job
• A locksmith with a high street retail premises is likely to have higher overheads usually meaning higher prices.
• Choosing the most expensive locks – this could be, but is not always the most cost effective option.

Factors which decrease the cost of a locksmith

1. Choosing a genuine approved locksmith (such as an MLA approved professional.
2. Finding a locksmith using organic search rather than paid ads.
3. Calling a locksmith within normal working hours
4. Calling a local locksmith who doesn’t have to travel far
5. Calling an approved mobile locksmith who has lower overheads and can offer more competitive prices
6. Choosing the best value locks for the job, with advice from an experienced, genuine locksmith (the most expensive is not always the best option) 

Ways to Save on Locksmiths Costs (Without Compromising Security)

Choosing an approved and trusted locksmith will ensure you pay a fair price for high quality, reliable work. 

Prevention is key to saving on locksmith costs in general. Arrange a security survey with your local trusted locksmith to ensure your locks meet security requirements, are in good working order, and are well maintained. This will help prevent failed locks and getting locked out. 

How to Choose a Trustworthy Locksmith

Choose an MLA (Master Locksmiths Association) approved locksmith, or a genuine locksmith recommended by someone you know and trust. 

Opting for the cheapest locksmith you find online could prove to be an expensive mistake. You can read more about the dangers of choosing a seemingly cheap locksmith here.

Choosing an MLA Approved Locksmith

Choosing an MLA Approved locksmith provides assurances on;

• Locksmith pricing – transparent and fair
• Experience and qualifications – verified by the MLA 
• Reliability and Trust – backed by professional standards

FAQs: Quick answers on locksmith costs for 2025

Refer to our quick reference to locksmith costs in 2025 above to find out what locksmith prices are realistic and fair. Below are quick answers to the most common questions.

How much do locksmiths charge in the UK?

You should expect prices from £70 upwards. Anything less than that is unrealistic, and the locksmith may not be genuine and could ultimately overcharge later. 

Do locksmiths charge more on a Sunday?

Yes, you can expect to pay 50% more for a locksmith on weekends and bank holidays.

How much does a locksmith cost if you get locked out?

You can expect to pay £70 upwards for a locksmith if you are locked out.

How much does it cost to unlock a lock?

You can expect to pay £70 upwards for a locksmith to unlock a door, depending on exactly what needs to be done

Get a fixed quote today at IKS Locksmiths 

Contact IKS Locksmiths for a fixed price quote today. At IKS we are experienced MLA approved locksmiths and property security specialists based in North London. Our Locksmith service areas are London and Hertfordshire. 

If you have a question we haven’t answered  let us know and we will add the answer to this post. 

Follow us on social media for more advice on locksmiths’ costs and general security tips and advice in our security blog.

Contact us for home security, locks, door reinforcement, security grilles and safes.

• Call, Text or WhatsApp us: on 0203 284 1045 or 07947426981
• Email us: info@ikslocksmiths.co.uk 

This post was updated in November 2025.