Locksmith Costs in London: How Much Do Locksmiths Charge

If you find yourself locked out of your house, or if you’re looking to replace your current locks and upgrade your security, there are plenty of locksmiths in London who can help you out. But how much can you expect to pay? Will it cost more for an emergency locksmith to come to your property? How can you tell if a particular locksmith is going to be reliable and trustworthy, and do a good job? And how can you avoid being overcharged? In our comprehensive guide, we take a look at what you can expect to pay for a London locksmith, and what you should consider to ensure you get the right locksmith for you and your needs.

Common Locksmith Services and Their Costs

Locksmiths in London offer a wide range of services to cater to various security needs. Here's a more detailed breakdown of common lock services and their associated costs.

Lock Replacement and Installation

Residential Lockout: Basic lockout services for homes start at around £85. Emergency call-outs, especially after midnight or during weekends and public holidays, tend to be more expensive. Residential lockout jobs tends to take around 10-30 minutes at the most, although this time can increase depending on the complexity of the lock system. At Banham, our prices start at £99. 
 
The prices can vary depending on what type of lock you have at your property. For instance, a Euro Cylinder lock may require a different length of time to install or replace in comparison to a mortice lock or a uPVC door lock. 

In some cases, a newly fitted lock can be paired with an existing one so that the locks can use the same key. Be sure to ask your locksmith if you find yourself in need of a lock replacement.  
 
If you’re now asking yourself “is there a quality locksmith near me?” then give Banham Security a call. We’ve been looking after the doors and locks of Britain’s finest homes since 1926, and offer a wide range of exceptional security services for ultimate peace of mind. You don’t have to have a Banham lock – our lock experts can help with a wide variety of locks and situations. So, iIf you’re after a locksmith in London, take a look at our locksmith prices now.  We also provide locksmith services in Bath, Bristol, Hampshire, Sussex, Surrey and Berkshire. 

Factors That Affect Locksmith Pricing 

Several factors can influence the cost of locksmith services in London and the Southeast. Knowing these can help you better anticipate costs and make more informed decisions. 

Time of Service:

Services requested outside of normal working hours (8 am to 6 pm) often incur higher charges. Late-night, weekend, or public holiday services can be significantly more expensive. 

Type of Lock:

High-security locks or branded cylinders are more costly than standard locks. The complexity of the lock can also affect the price. 

Location and Travel:

A locksmith in London may charge more due to congestion, ULEZ and parking fees, especially if called out to Central London. Additionally, longer travel distances can increase costs too. 

Locksmith's Level of Expertise:

An apprentice or junior locksmith may charge lower rates, but they may also take longer to complete the job. A more experienced master locksmith however will most likely operate under a different locksmith pay rate and charge a little more but provide a higher quality of service and efficiency.
Meanwhile a locksmith with specialised skills or niche expertise (e.g. antique locks or high-tech systems) will typically command the highest fees.

Emergency Locksmith Services: Costs and Considerations

Emergency locksmiths, due to the nature of lockouts, are often needed at the most inconvenient times. As such, their prices can be a little higher than that of a locksmith working to an arranged appointment. Here are some of the factors that can affect how much you’ll have to pay.

Call-Out Fee:

Many, but not all locksmiths charge a call-out fee for emergencies. This will be charged on top of the service cost.

Hourly Rates:

Emergency hourly rates can start from £115 and rise to £145, depending on the time and day. Weekends and Bank Holidays can cost a little more in some cases.

Minimum Charge:

Some locksmiths may have a minimum charge for emergency services, often equivalent to one hour of work. Before you arrange an emergency call-out, it’s worthwhile considering what constitutes an emergency in the first instance. A lockout is the most common emergency, but other reasons for immediate action can include burglaries or attempted break-ins, which often necessitate a lock replacing or repairing right away.
A malfunctioning lock that compromises security, meaning you can no longer lock your property or close/open the door properly can also be considered an emergency situation. Of course, this depends on the location and importance of the door to your security set-up. Finally, a lost set of keys, especially for high-security properties or businesses may constitute an emergency too, and may need an immediate lock change and a new set of keys. Again, this is of course dependent on the situation.
If you’re in need of an exceptional emergency locksmith in London, speak to usBanham. Our emergency locksmiths emergency locksmiths page has all you need to know.

How to Choose a Reliable Locksmith in London

For the best quality of locksmith service and the fairest level of pricing, there are a number of factors to consider when it comes to picking the right one. Firstly, it’s worth knowing that the locksmith industry in the UK is not regulated by the government. Because of this, it’s wise to pick a locksmith who has the right credentials and certifications. At Banham, each one of our expert locksmiths is fully trained and vetted for your peace of mind.

While online you can also use research and reviews from platforms like Trustpilot, Checkatrade or Google Reviews to help guide you towards the best locksmith for your situation. Take a look at how long they have been in business too – established businesses tend to have better levels experience and more reliable track records.

You can also ask for a detailed breakdown of costs, including parts, labour, and call-out costs. Transparency is key: be wary of locksmiths who are vague about costs or change prices dramatically upon arrival. Getting a written estimate is never a bad idea either, as it can help to safeguard against misunderstandings and manage expectations. Get multiple quotes from different locksmiths too, to ensure you pay only the fairest price.

Avoiding Locksmith Scams and Overcharges

The unregulated nature of the UK locksmith industry unfortunately leaves it open to scams and unscrupulous behaviour. Here are some red flags to avoid:

Extremely Low Quotes:

If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Unmarked Vehicles:

Legitimate locksmiths usually have branded vehicles.

Pressure Tactics:

Be wary of locksmiths who pressure you into unnecessary services.

Cash-Only Payments:

Reputable locksmiths should offer various payment options.

To protect yourself against a locksmith scam, you should always ask for ID once they arrive, so you can check to see that they are who they say they are, and have the right credentials.

If something doesn’t feel right, you can cancel the service. If you have fallen victim to a scam locksmith, you can report the scam to Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud reporting centre. You can also report any unethical practices to your local Trading Standards office, and they’ll be able to provide helpful advice too.

At Banham, we never outsource. All of our expert locksmiths are accredited, insured, fully vetted and DBS verified for your complete peace of mind.

FAQs

How much does a locksmith cost in London?

The cost of locksmith services in London can vary widely based on the factors we've discussed above. Basic services, such as simple lock changes or key cutting, will cost less than a more complex job or an emergency call-out.

Are locksmiths available 24/7?

Yes, it is possible to get a 24-hour locksmith in London and the south east to cater to for emergencies, no matter what day of the week. However, it's important to note that you should expect to pay premium rates for services outside of normal business hours, while some specialised services may not be available during off-hours. And, while a 24 hours locksmith in London might promise fast response times, factors including traffic and your location can affect when they arrive, particularly at night or during rush-hour.

What should I consider before hiring a locksmith?

Before hiring a locksmith in London, consider the following:

• Urgency: Determine if you need immediate assistance or if it can wait for regular business hours.
• Research: Take time to research and read reviews online if possible, even in urgent situations.
• Credentials: Verify the locksmith's qualifications and membership in professional associations, such as the MLA accreditations and identity card on arrival.
• Detailed Quote: Insist on a comprehensive quote, including all potential charges.
• Payment Methods: Confirm acceptable payment methods beforehand.
• Guarantee: Ask about any warranties or guarantees on the work performed.
• Go local: Consider choosing a locksmith London-based or in the south or south east for potentially faster service and local expertise, depending on where you live.

For the very best in locksmith services, Banham are ready to help you. Whether you’re locked out of home, require commercial locksmith services, or are in need of comprehensive lock repair, call us today on 020 7622 5151. We’re available 24/7 across London, Sussex, Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire, Bath, and Bristol, Kent, Essex, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire.