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Lock Change London

Professional lock change and replacement service across London. All lock types, all door types. From £69 labour with 25-minute response.

City Locksmith London
Average response
25 min
Average response
On London doorsteps
15+ yrs
On London doorsteps
Every day of the year
24/7
Every day of the year
Call-out fee
£0
Call-out fee
Vetted & insured
DBS
Vetted & insured

Lock Change & Replacement Services

A lock change in London costs from £69 labour plus the new lock, or from £55 to re-key an existing lock so old keys no longer work. Each lock typically takes 15-30 minutes to change, we cover all door types (wooden, uPVC, composite and aluminium), operate 24/7 with no call-out fee, and give you a fixed quote before any work begins.

Helpful guides: what you need to know before you change your door lock and lock change prices.

Yale & Night Latch Lock Change

From £69

We replace all types of Yale and night latch locks with modern, high-security equivalents. Upgrade to anti-snap, anti-pick cylinders for maximum protection.

Mortice Lock Change

From £69

Five-lever mortice deadlocks changed and replaced to BS3621 standard. Essential for home insurance compliance and effective against forced entry.

Euro Cylinder Lock Change

From £69

Euro cylinder replacement for uPVC and composite doors. We fit anti-snap, anti-bump, anti-pick cylinders that meet the latest security standards. See our dedicated uPVC locksmith services page.

Multi-Point Lock Change

Free quote

Complete multi-point locking mechanism replacement for uPVC and composite doors. We carry gearboxes and mechanisms for all major door manufacturers. Curious how long each job takes? Our guide on how long a locksmith takes to change a lock breaks down timings by lock type.

Prices are starting labour rates, ex VAT, and exclude parts. See the full price list for details.

How Much Does a Lock Change Cost in London?

The cost of a lock change has two parts: the labour (from £69) and the price of the new lock itself. Because lock prices vary widely by type and security grade, the realistic total is best given as an estimate and then confirmed by a free upfront quote before any work starts. The table below shows the labour anchor for each common job alongside a typical total range, including a mid-range lock.

Job Labour from Typical total (labour + lock)
Euro cylinder change (uPVC/composite) £69 Estimate confirmed on quote (basic cylinder) up to more for a 3-star anti-snap upgrade
Night latch / rim cylinder £69 Estimate confirmed on quote, depending on the night latch chosen
5-lever mortice deadlock (BS3621) £69 Estimate confirmed on quote, kitemark insurance-grade lock
Multi-point mechanism (gearbox) £99 Estimate confirmed on quote, mechanism priced by manufacturer
Lock re-key (existing lock kept) £55 No new lock needed in most cases

Prices shown are starting prices and exclude VAT. There is no call-out fee. Your exact price is always agreed before work begins.

Several factors move the final price: the lock type and security grade you choose, the number of locks being changed, and the door type (uPVC and composite doors need specialist cylinders and mechanisms). The time of day also matters for emergencies - we run a 24/7 service, so out-of-hours and same-day call-outs are available across London. London call-outs can carry a small premium for travel and parking, but we never hide it: you get one clear quote, with no call-out fee and no surprises.

For a full breakdown of every service, see our lock change price list. If you are shut out right now, our locked out of house page covers emergency lock opening before a change, and you can read more on the average cost to replace a door lock.

Re-key vs replace, standards & timing

Re-key vs Replace: Which Do You Need?

Re-key (from £55) when the lock is sound and you just need old keys voided; replace it fully when it is worn, damaged, below British Standard, or due a security upgrade.

Re-keying - from £55

Re-keying changes the internal pins of your existing lock so old keys no longer work, while keeping the lock body in place. It is the cheaper option and ideal when the lock is in good condition and you simply need old keys voided - for example after losing a single key or following an ex-partner moving out.

Full replacement

A full lock change is the right choice when the lock is worn or damaged, is not a recognised British Standard, or you want to step up the security grade - for instance moving to a 3-star anti-snap cylinder or a BS3621 deadlock. Our locksmith will tell you honestly which option fits your door.

When you move home we recommend re-keying or replacing all external locks, because you can never be sure how many key copies the previous occupants made. Our guide on whether to change locks when moving into a new house explains the reasoning, and the signs you need to replace your locks guide helps you spot a lock that is past saving.

Insurance-Approved Locks & British Standards

Most home insurers expect a BS3621 mortice deadlock on final-exit doors, plus TS007 3-star or Sold Secure anti-snap euro cylinders on uPVC and composite doors.

BS3621 - the insurer's benchmark

BS3621 is the kitemark British Standard that most home insurers require on final-exit doors, typically a 5-lever mortice deadlock or a British Standard rim automatic deadlatch. Fitting a non-compliant lock can leave a contents-insurance claim disputed after a break-in. We fit to BS3621 as standard wherever your policy or door calls for it.

TS007 3-star & Sold Secure anti-snap

Lock snapping is the most common forced-entry method on uPVC and composite doors. We fit TS007 3-star and Sold Secure SS312 Diamond euro cylinders, engineered to resist snapping, picking, bumping and drilling. These are the cylinders behind many Secured by Design, police-approved installations.

If you want to understand the difference between a 1-star and a 3-star cylinder, or which lock your door actually needs, see our guide to door and window lock types in London and the explainer on what lock snapping is and how to prevent it. For our recommendations on the strongest front-door options, read the best front door locks in the UK.

Changing All the Locks in Your Home

Most homes have two or more external doors, and sometimes window locks too, so changing a full set is best handled as a single scheduled visit. The per-lock cost comes down when several locks are done together, and you receive one upfront quote for the whole job rather than a charge per door.

Common triggers for a full-house change include moving into a new home, the end of a tenancy, a relationship breakdown, or simply upgrading security across the property. If you are renting, our guide on whether a tenant can change locks in England explains the permissions involved. Our residential locksmith service handles the whole property in one appointment, and if you are adding locks to doors that do not yet have them, see our door lock installation page. After a burglary, our break-in repair team can secure and re-secure the property the same visit.

Re-key vs replace, standards & timing

When Should You Change Your Locks?

Change your locks when you move in, after a break-in, when keys are lost or stolen, or once the locks are worn or damaged.

Moving Into a New Property

You never know who has copies of the existing keys. A full lock change gives you complete control over who can access your property.

After a Break-In

Compromised locks should be replaced immediately with higher-security alternatives to prevent repeat burglaries. Our emergency locksmiths respond within 25 minutes.

Lost or Stolen Keys

If your keys are lost or stolen, changing the locks is the only way to ensure your property remains secure.

Worn or Damaged Locks

Old locks can become stiff, difficult to operate, or vulnerable to forced entry. Replacing them restores both convenience and security. Not sure if yours has reached that point? See our guide to 5 signs of a broken door lock and what to do.

Insured & DBS-checked

Why Londoners trust our lock change service

Fully insured, DBS-checked engineers with 15+ years securing London homes and businesses - no call-out fee, with the price agreed up front.

Non-destructive entry

We open without damage where possible

DBS-checked engineers

Background-vetted technicians

Fully insured

Comprehensive public liability cover

15+ years

Serving London since 2008

24/7, 365 days

Day, night, weekends, bank holidays

No call-out fee

Free quotes, price agreed up front

Every job is carried out by an insured, DBS-checked engineer, with a fixed, all-inclusive price agreed before any work begins - no call-out fee and no surprises on the doorstep.

Lock Change FAQ

Find answers to common questions about our locksmith services.

How much does a lock change cost in London?
Lock change labour starts from £69, plus the cost of the new lock. The total price depends on the lock type, the number of locks being changed, and the door type. We provide a clear quote before starting any work.
How long does it take to change a lock?
A standard lock change typically takes 15-30 minutes per lock. More complex locks such as multi-point locking systems may take 45-60 minutes. Our locksmiths carry a wide range of locks to complete the job in a single visit.
When should I change my locks?
You should change your locks when moving into a new property, after a break-in, if keys have been lost or stolen, after a relationship breakdown where a partner had keys, or if your locks are old and worn. We also recommend upgrading to British Standard locks for improved security.
What type of lock should I choose?
We recommend British Standard BS3621 locks for insurance compliance. Popular choices include Yale deadlocks, Chubb mortice locks, and ERA high-security cylinders. Our locksmith will assess your door and recommend the most suitable lock for your needs.
Can you change locks on any type of door?
Yes, we change locks on all door types including wooden doors, uPVC doors, composite doors, aluminium doors, and security doors. We carry locks suitable for every door type in our fully stocked vans.
Do you charge a call-out fee for a lock change?
No. We do not charge a call-out fee. You get a clear, upfront quote before any work begins, and the price we agree is the price you pay. There are no hidden charges and no bait-and-switch - just the labour (from £69) plus the cost of the lock you choose.
Should I re-key or replace my locks?
Re-keying (from £55) changes the internal pins so old keys no longer work while keeping the existing lock body - ideal when the lock is in good condition and you simply need old keys voided, for example after losing one key. A full replacement is the better option when the lock is worn, damaged, not to British Standard, or you want to upgrade the security grade. We will advise on the most cost-effective choice when we assess the door.
Can you change a lock without the original key?
Yes. If you have lost your key or been locked out, we can change the lock without the original. Wherever possible we use non-destructive entry by picking the lock, then fit your new lock. Only if a lock cannot be opened any other way will we use controlled drilling, and we will always confirm the approach and price with you first.
How much does it cost to change all the locks in a house?
Changing a full set of locks is a single scheduled visit. The total is the labour for each lock (from £69) plus the cost of the locks chosen, and the per-lock cost is lower when several are done together. A typical home has two or more external doors, so we give one upfront quote for the whole job before starting.
Are your lock changes insurance-approved?
Yes. We fit BS3621 kitemark mortice locks and deadlocks - the British Standard most home insurers require on final-exit doors - as well as TS007 3-star anti-snap euro cylinders for uPVC and composite doors. Fitting locks that meet these standards helps keep your contents insurance valid.
Can a tenant change the locks?
Tenants can usually change a lock with the landlord's permission, and many tenancy agreements expect the original lock to be refitted at the end of the tenancy. Landlords should not change locks to remove a tenant without following the correct legal process. For a fuller explanation, read our guide on whether a tenant can change locks in England.
Do I need to change my locks after a break-in?
Yes. Any lock that has been forced, drilled or tampered with should be replaced straight away, ideally with a higher-security upgrade such as a 3-star anti-snap cylinder or a BS3621 deadlock. If you have just had a break-in, our emergency locksmiths can secure the property first and replace the compromised locks the same visit.
Reviews

What our customers say

Real jobs, real Londoners. A few words from people we have helped.

Changed three locks across my flat in one visit. Booked it for a time that suited me, turned up bang on, very tidy. The little things like hoovering up the shavings made a difference.
Bianca · Bermondsey SE16
Asked them to rekey rather than replace to save money and they were happy to do it. A lot of places would have just sold me new locks. Honest outfit, that's why I'd recommend them.
Gordon H. · Highbury N5
Had a relationship break down and needed the locks changed quick and discreetly. They were really understanding about it, came same day and sorted everything. Can't thank them enough for the speed.
Raj · Ilford IG1

Need a lock change? Call now

Our locksmiths carry a full range of locks and can change your locks today. 24/7 service, from £69 labour.

Call 020 4524 6667
Call Now: 020 4524 6667