How much does a locksmith cost in London?
Emergency and scheduled locksmith services for lock changes, lockouts, UPVC mechanism repairs, and security upgrades. Fast response times.
Prices by job type · London 2026
| Job type | Typical low | Typical high | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency lockout | £60 | £150 | — |
| Lock replacement | £80 | £200 | — |
| UPVC lock repair | £100 | £250 | — |
| Security upgrade | £200 | £500 | — |
| Key cutting | £30 | £80 | — |
| Safe opening | £100 | £300 | — |
| Master key systems | £300 | £800 | — |
| Smart lock installation | £150 | £400 | — |
What affects the price?
Location
Central postcodes typically cost 10–15% more than outer areas due to higher overheads.
Urgency
Emergency and same-day callouts attract a premium of £40–£80 on top of standard rates.
Complexity
Specialist work, structural changes or listed buildings increase labour time and cost.
Certification required
Gas Safe, NICEIC or FENSA-registered work costs more but is legally required for certain jobs.
Prices by area in London
| Area | Avg hourly rate | Avg job total |
|---|---|---|
| SE1 | £75/hr | £338 |
| SE2 | £75/hr | £338 |
| SE3 | £75/hr | £338 |
| SE4 | £75/hr | £338 |
| SE5 | £68/hr | £306 |
| SE6 | £68/hr | £306 |
| SE7 | £68/hr | £306 |
| SE8 | £68/hr | £306 |
Frequently asked questions
Most locksmiths in London charge £55–£85 per hour. Emergency callouts may add £40–£80 on top. Fixed-price quotes are available for defined jobs.
Locksmiths registered for VAT (turnover above £85,000) must charge 20% VAT. Sole traders below the threshold are VAT-exempt. Always ask for a VAT-inclusive quote.
Yes — we recommend getting at least 3 quotes. Domifyr makes this easy: submit one request and receive quotes from verified local locksmiths.
Most locksmiths ask for no more than 25% upfront, with the balance on completion. Never pay the full amount before work begins.