How much does it cost to change the locks on a front door?

It depends on the lock and door. Current published starting prices include a BS3621-rated five-lever mortice deadlock from £79 and an anti-snap euro-cylinder option from £59. A nightlatch and any other scope are quoted after the product, dimensions, keys and fitting work are identified. Check /prices for the current list; no VAT or separate call-out fee is added.

Is it cheaper to change locks yourself or hire a locksmith?

A euro cylinder can be retained by one screw, but safe replacement still depends on the exact internal and external dimensions, cam, door furniture and current certification. Compare a current compatible-product price with the supplied-and-fitted scope on /prices. Mortice and multipoint work can require precise cutting, alignment and mechanism matching, so use a competent installer where those requirements are outside your experience.

How long does it take to change a lock?

It depends on whether the work is a like-for-like cylinder or nightlatch change, a new mortice cut, or a multipoint-mechanism repair. Door condition, alignment and parts also matter. I give a job-specific time estimate once the lock and scope are identified.

Do you carry locks in the van or do I need to buy one?

I carry common residential cylinders, nightlatches and mortice-lock options, but exact sizes and multipoint mechanisms vary. I confirm stock after the product is identified and tell you before the visit if a part may need ordering. Ask before buying a product yourself so compatibility can be checked.

Lock Change Costs by Lock Type and Door Type

Compare published lock-change from-prices and see why the installed product, measurements, condition and compatible part determine the quote.

How Much Does It Cost to Change a Lock? Every Type, Every Door

If you are looking for a straight answer on lock-change costs, this guide lists my current starting prices and the specific factors that can change the quote.

The published from-prices include the stated standard lock, fitting and removal scope. Product choice, dimensions, door preparation, alignment and additional repairs can change the quote. No VAT or separate call-out fee is added.

Yale Nightlatch Change: Quote After Inspection

The Yale nightlatch is the spring-loaded lock you slam shut. It is fitted to most wooden front doors in the UK, usually mounted on the inside surface of the door with a keep on the frame.

Use the current prices page for published lock-change starting prices. A nightlatch quote is confirmed after the exact product, dimensions, door preparation and fitting scope are identified.

That includes a suitable replacement nightlatch, fitting, and disposal of the old one. The exact product is agreed from the door, dimensions, required features and current availability. The price can increase if:

You want a British Standard (BS3621) nightlatch — this may match a policy that explicitly names the standard, but the policy wording still needs checking

The existing cutout does not match the new lock (rare, but it happens with very old doors)

You want a high-security model with anti-pick, anti-bump features

A like-for-like nightlatch replacement can be simpler than cutting a new opening, but the door, existing cutout, product and alignment determine the work. Ask what the quote includes.

For more on whether you need a Yale, a mortice deadlock, or both, see our guide on Yale locks vs mortice deadlocks.

Euro Cylinder Replacement: From £59

The euro cylinder is the keyed cylinder used in many uPVC and composite doors, and it can be replaced independently of a compatible multipoint mechanism.

My price: from £59 fitted

That covers an anti-snap euro cylinder measured and fitted to your door. I explain the available certification, size, and configuration before fitting.

The price varies based on:

Cylinder length — euro cylinders come in different sizes (typically 35/35, 40/40, 45/45, or offset). The cylinder must match your door exactly

Security rating — a basic euro cylinder costs less than a TS007 3-star rated one

Certification and brand — compare the exact product's independent certification, compatibility, and price rather than assuming one price tier is suitable for every door

If you want a premium brand like Ultion, ABS, or Avocet ATS, expect to pay more for the cylinder itself. See our anti-snap locks comparison for a detailed brand breakdown.

For help measuring your existing cylinder, check our guide on how to measure a euro cylinder.

5-Lever Mortice Deadlock (BS3621): From £79 Fitted

The 5-lever mortice deadlock sits inside a suitable timber door — turning the key extends a bolt into the frame. Some home-insurance policies name BS3621 for particular final-exit doors, while others use different security wording.

My price: from £79 fitted (BS3621 certified)

This includes a British Standard BS3621 deadlock, fitting, and the old lock disposal. If your policy names BS3621, check the exact door and evidence requirements with the insurer before booking. More on that in our BS3621 guide.

The price can vary depending on:

New installation vs replacement — if I am fitting a mortice lock where there was not one before, the door needs morticing (cutting a rectangular pocket). This takes longer and costs more

Door material and condition — hardwood doors are straightforward. Old, soft, or thin doors may need reinforcement

Keep alignment — if the keep (the plate in the frame) needs repositioning, that adds time

A like-for-like replacement can take less time than a new mortice cut. Door condition, case size, alignment and any repair determine the actual duration.

Multipoint Mechanism (uPVC/Composite Door): From £89

The multipoint locking mechanism is the long metal strip inside your uPVC or composite door. When you lift the handle and turn the key, it engages hooks, rollers, or deadbolts at multiple points along the door edge. It is the heart of the door's security.

Published starting price: from £89 under the stated scope

The wide price range is because there are dozens of different multipoint mechanisms, and they are not interchangeable. The price depends on:

Brand — Mila, Yale, GU (Gretsch-Unitas), Lockmaster, Fuhr, Winkhaus, and others all make different mechanisms

Type — some use hooks, some use rollers, some use a combination

Size — the backset, centres, and overall length must match your door exactly

Compatible-part availability depends on the faceplate markings, backset, centres, overall length and locking layout. Photographs can help initial triage, but final identification or ordering may require inspection and measurements.

For a full breakdown of uPVC door lock costs specifically, see our detailed uPVC door lock replacement costs guide.

Anti-Snap Cylinder Upgrade: From £59

Anti-snap cylinders are designed to improve resistance to snapping attacks. Police.uk's door and window lock advice recommends a 3-star TS007 cylinder when a euro cylinder is changed.

My price: from £59 fitted

DHF's TS007 guidance explains the independently tested options: a Kitemarked 3-star cylinder, or a 1-star cylinder used with 2-star security furniture. Certification, correct sizing, compatible furniture, and fitting all matter. An upgrade can improve tested resistance but cannot guarantee that an attack will fail.

Anti-snap cylinder fitting starts from £59. The exact quote depends on the certified product, size, configuration, surrounding furniture, and work required; check the current prices.

The starting amounts on the prices page include fitting only within their stated scopes. The suitable option and final quote depend on the complete door set and any written policy requirement. For more detail, read the anti-snap locks comparison, the guide to lock snapping, or the lock upgrade service.

Smart-Lock Compatibility and Quotes

Smart-lock supply and fitting are not part of the published core-service price table. Compatibility depends on the exact product, doorset, multipoint mechanism, dimensions, escape requirements and backup-entry method. Ask for a compatibility check and full quote before buying a device. For the assessment checklist, see the smart-lock guide.

What Affects the Cost of a Lock Change?

Beyond the lock type itself, several factors can influence the final price:

Lock Brand and Quality

A budget product costs less than a premium one, but price alone does not establish certified attack resistance or suitability. I will explain the available certifications, fit, and trade-offs so you can decide.

Door Type and Condition

Wooden doors, uPVC doors, and composite doors all have different lock systems. Older doors sometimes need additional work — a worn mortice pocket may need packing, or a misaligned uPVC door may need adjusting before a new mechanism works properly.

Time Required

A like-for-like cylinder swap can be quicker than cutting a new mortice. The product, fit, alignment, door condition and any repair determine the actual time; I give a job-specific estimate after the door and lock are identified.

Number of Locks

If you are changing multiple locks, each door, product and fitting scope still needs to be identified. I provide an itemised combined quote rather than promise an automatic discount.

What Is Included in My Price

Each quote states the exact product, keys, fitting, testing and disposal included. Do not assume that every mechanism repair or component change includes a new lock or a fixed number of keys.

There is no VAT or separate call-out fee. I state what the quote includes and agree any changed diagnosis, product or additional work before proceeding.

Ready to Get a Quote?

For a lock-change quote, call me on 024 7522 4730. I will ask about the door and lock, use photographs where helpful, explain the price basis and book an agreed time. The published starting-price policy does not add a night or weekend premium.

You can also check our full price list or browse our lock change service page for more information.

Lock Change Costs Broken Down by Lock Type and Door Type