How much does it cost to change locks in London
July 29, 2025
What are the options when it comes to changing locks in London
How much does it cost to change a lock in London is probably the most common question people have when they are in need of upgrading their security, moving homes or just need new keys.Lock changes are extremely important for a good number of reasons. There are even times when a lock might have to be changed even after it has just been installed. This could result from someone loosing their keys, or simply because you are not satisfied with the level of security that was installed.Changing a lock is also a blanket term used by homeowners or even tenants who aren't entirely sure what they need. It is important to understand what it is you need before you start looking into the cost to change locks. For example, should you be locked out of a cupboard, or room, asking a locksmith over the phone or even searching for a lock change will not give you the correct answers, this is because the door must first be opened, only then can the lock be changed.
Essentially, you need to figure out exactly what service you need in order to gauge the correct cost to change locks. If you are confused and have no idea what you should be paying attention to when it comes to lock changes or are just not sure of the service you need, just send us an email and we will get back to you.
Here we will go through a few of the options you have to change or upgrade your locks in London.
1 - DIY
DIY is often the first thought that comes to mind when people want to do anything in a home that they themselves own.You might have made you way down to a local Screwfix or B&Q to try and see if there was anyone there that could provide you with some relevant answers (probably not). Or you may have googled " How to change a lock " (that might have been a bit confusing).
When it comes to DIY installation, homeowners have several options to choose from when they want to buy their locks. Locks can be bought from your local hardware store, online or even from your local locksmith shop. As with all lock changes you also have two options, to change the exact same lock, brand for brand, size for size, or to upgrade your locks to something better.
The cost to change locks will be influenced by the type of lock you want to buy. For example, if you choose to buy a British standard 3621 lock for an exterior door, it will very likely be more expensive than a basic lock or latch for an interior door. However it is very important to realize that changing locks can be a time-consuming process. Just like any other DIY project it will take up your time and time can often be worth more than the locks. To start, you will have to spend time identifying which locks you need and sifting through the different lock brands on the market and comparing them to the one on your door. This is no easy task as should you get the same lock but manufactured by a different brand you will end up having to adjust the existing hole in the door, often you will have to get the same brand and size to ensure it will match up, although identifying the lock is a challenge in itself remember.
Aside from the fact that you might pick out the wrong lock, there will probably be no one around to help you. Unless it is the guy from the outdoor plants section who has no idea that a strike plate is just as important as the lock as should you get a different brand you will have to adjust the frame side as well. Furthermore, you will have to factor in the time that you will need for the installation process itself and any adjustments that may need to be made.
Thus we only advise the DIY route if the person doing the work has experience with tools, the best suited would be an advanced carpentry enthusiast.
Price of locks for a lock change - £15 - £300
Cost of time for a lock change - £depends on how much you spend and how much its worth to you personally. Provided you can locate the exact same lock (brand & size) & have some experience with a screwdriver, it's feasible.
Price of locks for a lock upgrade - £25 - £300
Cost of time for a lock upgrade - £ May not be feasible, will require a lot of research and experience with power tools.
2 - Calling a professional
There is a common myth that doing it yourself is much cheaper than having a professional deliver a specific service. In some cases, this might be true, however, when it comes to changing your locks , you might be better suited going with a locksmith. This is not just because we are a locksmith blog and we're here to promote ourselves. There are many reasons you would go with a professional in a specific field, the main one we already touched on above - time.
From a monetary standpoint, hiring a professional may increase the cost in cash to change locks by a little bit, but it will help you save on so many other things. Chief among these is time. Any professional locksmith will be able to change your locks much faster than you would if you were doing it yourself. This is because, as professionals, they have much more experience in this field than you do. Therefore, they will not spend time trying to find the right tools, reading up on instructions or trying to figure out how to begin the lock change process . In addition to all of this, when you call a mobile locksmith he will most likely have the lock that you need and be able to offer different locks, brands and sizes to best suite your needs and the properties security. Considering that most lock change jobs will only take a maximum of 20 minutes, including the time to travel to you it will be done in under one hour (especially if you call a local locksmith).
Considering this saves you at least 4/5 hours of time that you would have had to spend just researching which lock you had in your door, and you don't need any experience to find a good local locksmith , that's a lot of time saved, and a lot of security gained.
Cost of locks for a lock change - £15 - £300
Cost of labour for a local locksmith - £55 - £75
The above are prices for both lock changes and lock upgrades. As the locksmith has all the best tools necessary to complete the job he will be able to offer any kind of adjustments needed to suite the new lock. A professional local locksmith will also offer a warranty n the work thus guaranteeing your safety for a period of time after the job has been completed. We offer a one year warranty for example giving you 1 year to prove the quality of the lock and the work.
To summarise
Changing a lock , brand for brand, size for size is a possible accomplishment provided you have some DIY experience and are willing to spend some time researching your exact lock. If there is no brand on the lock and it is not common, definitely best to call a professional.
For any other work that may need to be done, upgrades, fresh installations and where the homeowner has no DIY experience it's best to contact a professional. Most local locksmith companies will be happy to provide a straight quote including their labour and different options for locks. Once on site they will even be able to provide home security advice to give you peace of mind.
For a basic price list check out our online Locksmith price list
If you live in Wimbledon’s SW19, you know the vibe - gorgeous tree-lined streets, the buzz of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, and the charm of the Village or Common just a short walk away. But between the stunning Victorian houses, sleek modern flats, and lively shops on the high street, there’s a catch: lockouts after a late night cheering at the All England Club or the odd break-in, in quieter spots can throw a wrench in your day. Even thing like moving homes or updating your home insurance can come with challenges. That’s when you need a local locksmith you can count on to sort things out fast. At SMS Locksmiths, we're proud to serve Wimbledon and the SW19 area (including Southfields, Merton Park, and Colliers Wood) with 24/7 emergency and planned services. Our DBS-checked, fully insured technicians arrive within 30 minutes, using non-destructive methods and transparent pricing - no hidden fees or call-out charges. Whether you're a homeowner securing your Edwardian semi-detached or a business owner in the Wimbledon Broadway retail hub, we're here to keep you safe. In this guide, we'll cover the top 5 locksmith services we provide to SW19 residents, tailored to local needs like upgrading heritage locks or handling post-match rush lockouts. Read on for practical tips, and remember: prevention is key to peace of mind. 1. Emergency Lock Opening: Back Inside in Minutes, No Damage to basic locks Nothing disrupts a Wimbledon evening stroll like realising you're locked out - keys forgotten after a coffee at Gail's or a tennis viewing party. Our lock opening service gets you back in fast using advanced pick-and-decode tools, bypassing tools and years of skill and experience, avoiding costly door damage. • Why Wimbledon residents love it: SW19's mix of old sash windows and modern uPVC doors means quick, non-destructive entry is essential. We handle everything from front doors to sheds and post boxes without a trace. • Real-life example: A local family in Southfields called us at 10 PM after misplacing keys during a dog walk on the Common. We arrived in 25 minutes, opened the lock in under 10, and advised on a spare key safe. • Pro tip: Always keep a copy of your keys with a family member or a person you trust, but call us immediately for lockouts - DIY attempts often lead to bigger bills. No matter the time, our 24/7 team ensures you're not stranded. Customer review: "SMS saved our night - professional and stress-free!" – Wimbledon Village resident (5 stars on Trustpilot). 2. Lock Changing: Fresh Security for New Starts in SW19 Moving into a charming Wimbledon flat or after losing keys? A lock change is your first line of defence against unknown access. We replace old locks with high-quality, British Standard (BS3621) compliant options that meet insurance requirements. • Tailored for Wimbledon: Many SW19 homes have outdated rim locks on period properties; we swap them for secure euro cylinders or deadbolts that fit seamlessly. • The process: On-site assessment (free quote), removal of old locks, installation (under 45 minutes), and a full test. Costs start from £110, with a 1-year warranty. • Local insight: With rising lettings in Merton Park, tenants often request changes post-move—we've helped dozens secure their new homes and flats without voiding deposits. Don't risk spare keys circulating; a quick change brings instant security. Book via our site for same-day service. 3. Lock Upgrades: Boost Protection Against Wimbledon Burglary Trends SW19 saw a spike in bike thefts and shed break-ins last year, per Merton Council reports. Our lock upgrades modernise your setup with anti-snap, anti-drill cylinders and multi-point systems, deterring thieves in high-traffic areas like Haydons Road. • SW19-specific benefits: Upgrade Victorian night latches to snap-resistant models or add 5 lever British standard deadlocks for Colliers Wood flats – we supply multiple brands for you to choose from on site. • Why upgrade now?: Standard locks fail 70% of tested break-ins; our BS-approved options slash that risk and keep premiums low. • Quick win: A Wimbledon Broadway shop owner upgraded their rear door after a near-miss; no incidents since, and they saved on insurance. We offer free security audits to spot weak points - perfect for families near the tennis grounds during tournament season. 4. New Lock Installations: Seamless Fits for Home or Business Renovating your Wimbledon townhouse or fitting out a new office near Plough Lane? Our lock installation service handles everything from single deadbolts to full master key systems for multi-unit properties. • Local expertise: We specialise in SW19's diverse builds -reinforced locks for ground-floor flats or heavy-duty ones for garage conversions in quiet Merton Park cul-de-sacs. • Step-by-step: Site visit for measurements, custom sourcing (e.g., thumb-turn cylinders for easy exit), professional fitting, and handover with keys and instructions. Most jobs completed in the first visit. • Business perk: For Wimbledon shops and cafes, we install mechanical digital access control for staff shifts, reducing downtime. Invest in lasting quality - our installations come with lifetime advice and no-fuss guarantees. 5. After-Burglary Services: Restore and Reinforce in SW19 A break-in is every homeowner's nightmare, and Wimbledon's green spaces can attract opportunists. Our after-burglary response includes immediate boarding-up, full lock replacements, and forensic-safe repairs to get you secure overnight. • Comprehensive support: We coordinate with police (providing reference numbers for claims), replace damaged frames, board up broken doors and windows to restore security providing you with peace of mind and giving you time to change doors. • Wimbledon focus: In areas like Southfields, where gardens back onto commons, we add perimeter advice like gravel paths for noise alerts. • From the frontlines: After a recent Merton burglary wave, we helped a family in SW19 board up, reinstall high-security locks, and claim via photos - back to normal in 24 hours. Act fast: Delaying repairs invites further risk. We're your second call after the police post-incident, with compassionate, efficient service. Why Choose SMS Locksmiths for Your Wimbledon SW19 Needs? As a family-run business with over a decade in South West London, we know SW19 inside out - from the rush of match days to the serenity of the Common. Our services aren't just fixes; they're tailored solutions with free quotes, 30-minute responses, and eco-friendly practices (we recycle old locks!). Plus, we're fully insured and DBS-vetted for your peace of mind. Ready to secure your Wimbledon home or business? Visit smslocksmith.co.uk to book online or request a free security check. For emergencies, we're just a click away - no postcode too far in SW19! Stay safe, Wimbledon - SMS Locksmiths has your back. #WimbledonLocksmith #SW19Security #EmergencyLocksmith #LockChangeWimbledon #MertonLocksmith ________________________________________ FAQs for SW19 Residents: Q: How quickly can you arrive in Wimbledon? A: Typically 20-30 minutes, 24/7 - no exceptions for rush hour on the A3! Q: Are your services insured for SW19 properties? A: Yes, all work is given a 1 year warranty and compliant with UK standards. Q: What's the cost for a basic lock change in Wimbledon? A: From £110, with no surprises - get a quote today. For more security tips, check our blog or follow us on social for Wimbledon updates!
Below is a more detailed breakdown of each service, which you can place under “Locksmith services we provide in Hounslow”: Lock Changes & Upgrades
 If you’ve just moved into a new home or want to increase your security, we can replace your locks with better, more secure models. Whether it’s euro cylinders, mortice locks, deadbolts or master key systems, we can recommend and install insurance-grade products. Lock Repair & Adjustment Locks wear out over time - maybe the key sticks or you force it to turn. We diagnose whether parts can be repaired (springs, levers, cylinders) or whether it requires replacement. We can also realign misaligned mechanisms so things work smoothly again. Emergency Lockout / Non-Destructive Entry Locked out at an inconvenient hour? We specialize in non-destructive entry, meaning we’ll open your door without breaking it. We carry a full set of specialised tools, from lock picks to tensioners, to gain entry safely and professionally. Burglary & Forced Entry Repair If your property has been broken into, we can repair or replace damaged locks, door frames, or hinges. We can also strengthen weak points and offer recommendations to prevent future incidents (e.g. reinforced strike plates, heavy-duty cylinders). Door & Frame Carpentry / Refurbishment Sometimes the door frame, jamb or door edge is also damaged or poorly aligned. We can carry out carpentry, reinforce the frame, repair door edges, or adjust the door fitting so your locks work properly. UPVC / Multi-Point Door & Window Mechanisms UPVC doors and windows often have multipoint locking systems that require delicate handling. We service, repair, or replace gearboxes, locking rods, handles, and cylinders. We can also realign or replace stuck mechanisms so your windows and doors seal properly. Commercial & Business Services For offices, shops, and commercial premises, we offer: Master key systems Restricted key zones Keyholding & emergency access Panic bars, exit devices, and high-security door furniture Mechanical Digital keypad / access control installations Lock re-keying when staff changeover occurs Area Coverage & Availability We cover the TW3 area and nearby zones in Hounslow, including Feltham, Heston, Cranford, and West Drayton. Wherever you are in Hounslow, we strive to reach you fast. We operate 24/7, every day. Even during weekends and bank holidays, we remain on call.
