How much does a locksmith cost in London?
A locksmith in the UK typically charges £60–£120 per hour, with an emergency lockout call-out costing £70–£150 plus any parts. In London (London), a locksmith typically charges £65–£130 per hour — that is +7% versus the UK average of £60–£120.
London locksmith rate: £65–£130 per hour. London runs at index 107 (UK = 100), so local prices are adjusted +7% from the national band.
Locksmith prices in London
| Job | UK typical | London | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency lockout (gain entry)Higher out of hours | £70–£150 | £75–£160 | per call-out |
| Standard hourly ratePlus parts | £60–£120 | £65–£130 | per hour |
| Change a standard lockIncl. a basic replacement lock | £80–£200 | £85–£210 | per lock |
| Replace uPVC door mechanismCommon failure point | £120–£250 | £130–£270 | per door |
| Upgrade to anti-snap cylinderInsurance-grade security | £70–£150 | £75–£160 | per cylinder |
| Rekey / change after moving inSeveral locks at once | £100–£300 | £110–£320 | per property |
City prices are the UK bands scaled by the London regional price level. Source: ONS — Relative regional consumer price levels of goods and services, UK: 2016 (all-items relative price level, UK=100) (2016). ONS release.
What changes a locksmith's price
- Emergency vs planned: A 2am lockout costs more than a planned lock change booked for daytime. If you are safe, waiting until morning is cheaper.
- Lock type: A simple cylinder swap is quick; a full uPVC multipoint mechanism or a high-security insurance-grade lock costs more in both parts and labour.
- Parts: The lock or cylinder itself is billed on top of labour — anti-snap, British Standard, and smart locks cost more.
- Use a vetted locksmith: Locksmiths are unregulated in the UK, so check membership of the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) and beware inflated “national” call-out lines.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a locksmith cost to get into a house?
An emergency locksmith call-out to gain entry typically costs £70–£150, higher out of hours, plus the cost of any lock that has to be replaced. If you are locked out but safe, booking for daytime is cheaper.
How much to change the locks after moving house?
Changing the locks when you move in typically costs £100–£300 for the property, depending on how many doors and what type of locks you choose. It is a sensible first job — you never know who still holds an old key.
Locksmith cost in other cities
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