How Much Does a Locksmith Cost in London?
A non-destructive lockout in London starts at £90. A lock change is £61 per lock. Here is the full breakdown — and what to watch out for.
The short answer
Lockout: £90 for non-destructive entry, £120–£299 if drilling is needed. Lock change: £61 per lock labour, plus the cost of the lock. UPVC repair: from £86 plus parts. Safe opening: £149 non-destructive.
These are starting prices. The final price depends on the lock type, whether the entry can be non-destructive, and whether parts are needed. Any legitimate locksmith will confirm the price before travelling.
Emergency lockout prices in London
A straightforward lockout — where the engineer can pick or manipulate the cylinder without damage — is £90, any hour of the day or night. There is no separate night rate; what changes the price is whether the lock can be opened non-destructively.
Drilling or destructive entry costs more: £120–£299. This is more likely for high-security cylinders, damaged or seized locks, or some after-hours jobs where a non-destructive attempt isn't practical. A Banham lock, for example, is a specialist job and will cost more than a standard Yale or euro cylinder.
Non-destructive entry is always attempted first. If the lock needs to be drilled, the engineer tells you before starting and quotes the cost of a replacement at the same time.
Lock change prices
Labour for a standard lock change is £61 per lock. The lock itself is quoted separately.
- Standard euro cylinder (no security rating): £25–£40 - TS007 3-star anti-snap cylinder: £40–£60 - BS3621 5-lever mortice lock: £50–£90 - High-security cylinder (Mul-T-Lock, Ultion, Banham): £70–£140+
A front door that needs a new BS3621 deadlock and a new anti-snap euro cylinder will typically cost £111–£151 all in, including labour and parts. A full high-security upgrade (British Standard 1-star to 3-star, supplied and fitted) is £225–£600.
UPVC door repair prices
UPVC door repairs cover gearboxes, handles, cylinders, and the mechanism itself.
- Labour to repair or open a UPVC lock: from £86 plus parts - Mechanism case (gearbox) replacement: £144–£594 - Full multipoint mechanism replacement: £399–£1,359 - Adjustable handle, supplied and fitted: £186–£236
Most gearbox and handle jobs take 45–90 minutes on the first visit.
The rogue locksmith pricing trap
Search "locksmith near me" and many of the top results advertise £39 or £49. That is almost always just the call-out fee. The engineer arrives, looks at the lock, and quotes the real price — often £200–£400.
Which?, the consumer group, found that 84% of rogue locksmith complaints involved misleading pricing. By the time the engineer is at your door and you are locked out, you have very little negotiating room.
The fix is simple: ask for a full price on the phone, including all labour and the most likely parts. A legitimate locksmith will give you a range. If they will not, call someone else.
When not to call a locksmith
If you are insured and your policy includes home emergency cover, call your insurer first. The locksmith is often covered at no extra cost. Check your policy documents before paying out of pocket.