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Getting locked out rarely happens at a convenient time. Sometimes it’s a snapped key after work, sometimes it’s moving into a new house and suddenly realising you’ve no idea who still has a spare key.

Whether you need help getting back into your home, replacing worn locks, or upgrading your security, locksmith prices can vary quite a bit depending on the job and the time of day you need help.

This guide explains typical locksmith prices in the UK, including lock replacement costs, emergency callout fees, hourly rates and what affects the final bill.

How much does a locksmith cost in the UK?

As a guide, locksmith prices in the UK start from around £65 per hour during standard working hours.

The total cost will depend on the type and number of locks, whether it’s an emergency, your location, and time of day.

Most standard lock changes carried out during normal business hours will fall somewhere within these ranges.

Get a quote from locksmiths near you

For an accurate price, it’s worth getting quotes from a few checked local locksmiths.

Enter your postcode to compare reputable locksmiths who've been reviewed by people in your local area.

Locksmith prices at a glance

• Standard locksmith hourly rate: around £65 per hour

• Emergency locksmith call-out fee: £50–£150

• Emergency hourly rate: £80–£200

• Yale lock replacement: around £100 per lock

• Standard uPVC lock replacement: around £125 per lock

• Anti-snap uPVC lock replacement: around £150 per lock

• Full lock change (2 exterior doors + windows): around £500

• Emergency boarding up: around £200

Front door lock replacement costs in the UK

One of the most common reasons people call a locksmith is to replace or upgrade their front door locks — often after moving house, losing keys, or improving home security.

Typical front door lock replacement prices:

• Average cost to change a Yale lock: around £100 per lock

• Standard uPVC lock replacement: around £125 per lock

• Anti-snap uPVC lock replacement: around £150 per lock

These costs usually include labour and materials during standard business hours.

Emergency locksmith costs

Needing a locksmith urgently will almost always cost more than booking planned work during the day.

Most locksmiths will charge an upfront emergency call-out fee, but in addition to this, their hourly rate could be up to double their usual rate, sometimes even more. Material costs are charged separately.

How much do locksmiths charge per hour?

The average locksmith hourly rate can vary depending on the time of day (or night) that you need them. Between 8am–6pm, a locksmith's rate typically falls around £65 per hour.

How much do emergency locksmiths charge per hour?

Evening, overnight and weekend call-outs are usually more expensive because fewer locksmiths are available and response times become more urgent.

If you need an emergency locksmith out of hours, then many locksmiths will charge a tiered hourly rate. Here's what you might expect to pay based on the time of your call-out:

• Between 6am–8am/6pm–8pm: £75 per hour

• Between 8pm–midnight: £85 per hour

• Between midnight–6am: £120 per hour

Real locksmith call-out scenarios and costs

Locksmith prices often make more sense when you look at the type of situations they're needed for — whether that’s getting locked out late at night, replacing locks after moving house, or dealing with a snapped key.

Locked out after losing keys

You get home late, realise your keys are missing, and can’t get back into the house.

Typical costs might include:

• Emergency callout fee: £50–£150

• Regaining entry: around £110

• Replacement Yale lock, if needed: around £100

If the locksmith can gain entry without damaging the lock, the cost is usually lower.

Moving into a new home

A lot of people change locks shortly after moving in because they don’t know who might still have copies of the old keys.

Typical costs:

• Yale lock replacement: around £100

• Standard uPVC lock replacement: around £125 per lock

• Full lock change for two exterior doors and windows: around £500

This is one of the most common non-emergency locksmith jobs.

Snapped key in the lock

Keys often snap when locks become stiff or worn (not because you've suddenly developed superhuman strength).

Typical costs:

• Broken key extraction: around £90

• Replacement cylinder, if needed: extra

If the lock mechanism is damaged, the locksmith may recommend replacing the lock entirely.

Burglary or forced entry

After a break-in or forced entry, you may need urgent boarding up and lock replacement. A qualified locksmith will ensure your locks meet modern security standards, operate smoothly, and help restore your peace of mind.

Typical costs:

• Emergency boarding up: around £200

• Replacement locks: varies depending on damage

Upgrading locks after insurance advice

Some homeowners replace locks after being told their current locks no longer meet insurance requirements.

Typical costs:

• Anti-snap uPVC lock: around £150 per lock

• Mortice lock replacement: around £140

What affects locksmith prices?

Locksmith costs can vary for several reasons:

• Type of lock: Higher-security locks and specialist systems usually cost more to repair or replace

• Number of locks: Changing multiple locks naturally increases labour and material costs

• Time of call-out: Evening, overnight and weekend callouts are more expensive than daytime appointments

• Materials and parts: The price of replacement cylinders, handles, mechanisms or anti-snap upgrades can affect the final cost

• Location: Locksmith prices are usually higher in London and the South East

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Locksmith prices by region in the UK

Average locksmith prices can vary slightly depending on where you live in the UK.

These average locksmith prices are based on customer feedback submitted to Checkatrade from different parts of the UK:

• Locksmith prices in Bolton average around £140

• Locksmith prices in Carlisle average around £131.38

• Locksmith prices in Edinburgh average around £100

• Locksmith prices in Exeter average around £102.54

• Locksmith prices in Glasgow average around £142.14

• Locksmith prices in Leeds average around £149.32

• Locksmith prices in London average around £163.47

• Locksmith prices in Sheffield average around £135.22

Additional locksmith costs to budget for

There may be additional costs to budget for, depending on the scope of the work. These are some of the extras you may see:

• Emergency call-out fees

• Replacement parts

• Lock upgrades

• Boarding up

• Additional labour time

• VAT

• Extra security hardware

• Multiple key copies

Not every job will include these costs, but it’s worth checking before any work begins.

What should be included in a locksmith quote?

Clarity is important when you receive any quote. A clear locksmith quote should explain:

• Labour costs

• Call-out charges

• Lock type and parts

• VAT

• Expected timescale

• Whether parts are included

• Whether the quote is fixed or estimated

• What’s excluded

Locksmith prices calculator

Use our locksmith price calculator to get a rough idea of likely costs before requesting quotes.

Consider the type and number of locks, whether replacement parts are needed, time of day and whether it’s an emergency, and your location.

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For an accurate figure, ask local locksmiths for written quotes based on your specific job.

Can you change locks yourself?

Some locks are DIY-friendly, and legally there’s nothing stopping you changing your own locks.

However, it’s easy to fit the wrong lock, choose the wrong size or install it incorrectly. A badly fitted lock can also compromise the security of your home and affect insurance compliance.

For most people, especially where external doors or security standards are involved, hiring a locksmith is the safer option.

Checklist: locksmith prices

• Ask whether the quote is fixed or estimated

• Check whether VAT is included

• Ask whether labour and parts are separate

• Confirm the call-out fee

• Check whether emergency rates apply

• Compare a selection of quotes, where possible

• Ask what lock standard is being fitted

• Get everything in writing before work starts

When should you speak to a locksmith?

It’s worth speaking to a locksmith if:

• You’re locked out

• Your locks are stiff or failing

• You’ve moved house

• Your keys have been lost or stolen

• You want better home security

• Your locks no longer meet insurance requirements

A reputable locksmith will explain your options, recommend suitable lock types, and help you understand the likely cost before work starts.

Find checked locksmiths near you

Comparing quotes from local locksmiths is the best way to understand what a fair price looks like in your area.

An experienced locksmith should be able to explain the work clearly, provide a written quote, explain what’s included, and recommend suitable locks for your property.

Locksmith cost FAQs

How much should you pay for a locksmith?

Most locksmiths charge around £65 per hour during normal working hours. Emergency call-outs and specialist locks usually cost more.

How much do locksmiths charge in the UK?

Locksmith prices vary depending on the job, lock type, callout time and location. Standard daytime rates usually start from around £65 per hour.

How much does it cost to change front door locks?

Changing a Yale lock typically costs around £100 per lock, while changing a standard uPVC lock usually costs around £125.

How much does it cost to change all locks?

Looking for the cost to change locks? It depends on the number of external doors and windows your property has. The cost to change a set of locks will typically be around £500, assuming that your property has two external doors and multiple windows.

How much does a locksmith cost near me?

Locksmith prices vary slightly depending on location. At the lower end of the scale, the average locksmith job in Edinburgh costs around £100, while the average locksmith cost in London tends to be around £163.47.

How much is a key from a locksmith?

The price depends on the type of key and whether it’s a standard or specialist security key. A locksmith can confirm the exact price once they know the lock type.

What proof do I need for a locksmith?

A locksmith will usually ask for proof that you live at or own the property before carrying out work, especially if you’re locked out.

How does a locksmith make a key without the original?

A locksmith can often cut a new key using the lock itself, specialist tools or the lock code, depending on the type of lock.

How long does an emergency locksmith take?

Response times vary depending on location and availability, but emergency locksmiths will usually aim to arrive as quickly as possible.

Is it cheaper to use a locksmith or DIY?

DIY lock changes can sometimes save money, but mistakes can affect security and insurance. For most external doors, professional installation is usually the safer option.

Can a locksmith open a locked door?

Yes, a locksmith should easily be able to open a locked door. Normally, locksmiths will use non-destructive methods to open locked doors so that they don't damage your door or lock.

What's the typical out-of-hours locksmith cost?

The average cost for a locksmith working out-of-hours ranges between £75 per hour–£200 per hour in the UK. This includes work done in the evening, at weekends, and on bank holidays.

What are the most common types of door locks in the UK?

Some of the most common locks found on UK homes include mortice locks, Yale-style nightlatches, anti-snap uPVC locks and multi-point locking systems. Mortice locks sit flush within the door and are commonly used on timber front doors. Yale locks are a type of nightlatch and are often used as a secondary lock. Anti-snap locks and multi-point locking systems are most commonly fitted to uPVC doors and are designed to improve security.

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