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

It depends on the lock type and door type. For a wooden front door with a Yale nightlatch, from £69 fitted. For a 5-lever mortice deadlock (BS3621), from £79 fitted. For a uPVC or composite door euro cylinder, from £59 fitted. All my prices include the lock, fitting, keys, and old lock disposal — no call-out fee and no VAT. National companies typically charge 50-100% more once you add call-out fees and VAT.

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

For a simple euro cylinder swap, you can buy a cylinder for £15-£40 and fit it yourself if you are handy — it is a single screw. But if you buy the wrong size (very common), you are stuck with a lock you cannot use. For mortice deadlocks and multipoint mechanisms, I strongly recommend a professional. An incorrectly fitted mortice lock can weaken the door, and a wrong multipoint mechanism simply will not work. My fitting prices are competitive enough that the risk of a DIY mistake usually is not worth the small saving.

How long does it take to change a lock?

A euro cylinder replacement takes 10-15 minutes. A Yale nightlatch change takes 20-30 minutes. A like-for-like mortice deadlock replacement takes 30-45 minutes. A new mortice lock installation (cutting the door) takes 45-90 minutes. A multipoint mechanism swap takes 30-60 minutes depending on the type. I will give you a time estimate when you call.

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

I carry a full range of euro cylinders, Yale nightlatches, mortice deadlocks, and the most common multipoint mechanisms in my van. In most cases I can do the job on the spot without a second visit. For unusual multipoint mechanisms or specific smart locks, I may need to order the part — but I will tell you that upfront on the phone. You never need to buy a lock yourself unless you want to.

Lock Change Costs Broken Down by Lock Type and Door Type

From a £40 Yale cylinder swap to a £200 multipoint mechanism replacement — here is what every type of lock change actually costs, with no surprises.

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, you are in the right place. I am Ross, a local locksmith in Coventry, and I am going to give you the actual prices I charge — not vague ranges, not "from £XX" with small print, and definitely not "call for a quote."

Every price on this page includes the lock, the fitting, and the removal and disposal of the old lock. No call-out fee. No VAT. No surprises.

Yale Nightlatch Change: From £69

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.

My price: from £69 fitted

That includes a quality replacement nightlatch (I typically fit ERA or Yale brand), fitting, and disposal of the old one. The price can increase if:

You want a British Standard (BS3621) nightlatch — these are more expensive but meet insurance requirements

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

National company price: £100 - £150+ including call-out and VAT

A Yale nightlatch swap is one of the simplest lock changes. It takes about 20-30 minutes. If anyone is quoting you significantly more than this, ask why.

For more on whether you need a Yale, a mortice deadlock, or both, see our guide on [Yale locks vs mortice deadlocks](/blog/yale-vs-mortice-deadlock).

Euro Cylinder Replacement: From £59

The euro cylinder is the lock inside your uPVC or composite door. It is the most common lock type in the UK by a wide margin, and it is also the most frequently replaced.

My price: from £59 fitted

That gets you a quality anti-snap euro cylinder, measured and fitted to your door. I carry a range of sizes in the van, so in most cases I can do this on the spot.

National company price: £90 - £156+ including call-out and VAT

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

**Brand** — budget brands start lower, but I recommend at least a mid-range anti-snap cylinder for security

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](/blog/anti-snap-locks-compared) for a detailed brand breakdown.

For help measuring your existing cylinder, check our guide on [how to measure a euro cylinder](/blog/how-to-measure-euro-cylinder-upvc).

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

The 5-lever mortice deadlock is the lock that sits inside a wooden door — you turn the key and a bolt shoots into the frame. It is the lock most home insurance policies require on external doors.

My price: from £79 fitted (BS3621 certified)

This includes a British Standard BS3621 deadlock, fitting, and the old lock disposal. BS3621 is the standard most insurance companies require, so make sure any mortice lock you have fitted carries this certification. More on that in our [BS3621 guide](/blog/bs3621-locks-explained).

National company price: £120 - £180+ including call-out and VAT

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 straightforward like-for-like replacement takes about 30-45 minutes. A new installation on a door that has never had a mortice lock can take an hour or more.

Multipoint Mechanism (uPVC/Composite Door): From £89 - £150

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.

My price: from £89 - £150 depending on brand and type

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

I carry the most common mechanisms in the van, but unusual or discontinued models sometimes need ordering. I will always tell you on the phone if that is likely.

National company price: £150 - £300+ including call-out and VAT

For a full breakdown of uPVC door lock costs specifically, see our detailed [uPVC door lock replacement costs](/blog/upvc-door-lock-replacement-costs) guide.

Anti-Snap Cylinder Upgrade: From £59

An anti-snap cylinder is a euro cylinder with a built-in sacrifice line. If someone tries to snap it (the most common burglary technique for uPVC doors in the UK), the front section breaks off cleanly but the remaining cylinder stays locked in place.

My price: from £59 fitted

This is the single most cost-effective security upgrade for any uPVC or composite door. If your door currently has a standard euro cylinder, it can probably be snapped in under 30 seconds. An anti-snap cylinder stops that.

The price varies by brand:

**Budget anti-snap** (e.g., UAP+): from £59

**Mid-range** (e.g., ABS, Yale Platinum): from £69

**Premium** (e.g., Ultion, Avocet ATS): from £89

All prices include fitting. I recommend at least a mid-range option for most homes. For more detail, read our [anti-snap locks comparison](/blog/anti-snap-locks-compared) or our guide on [what lock snapping is and whether your home is vulnerable](/blog/what-is-lock-snapping).

Smart Lock Installation: From £120

Smart locks let you unlock your door with your phone, a code, a fingerprint, or a fob — no physical key needed (though most have a key override).

My price: from £120 fitted (lock not included)

Smart lock installation is more involved than a standard lock change because it typically requires:

Removing the existing lock and handle hardware

Fitting the smart lock body and any associated strike plates

Setting up the electronics, pairing with your phone, and programming codes or fingerprints

Testing thoroughly, including the manual override

If you supply the smart lock yourself, my fitting price starts at £120. If you want me to supply the lock as well, the total depends on which model you choose:

**Yale Conexis L2**: from £200 total (lock + fitting)

**Nuki Smart Lock**: from £220 total (lock + fitting)

**Yale Linus**: from £230 total (lock + fitting)

For more on whether a smart lock is right for your front door, see our [smart locks guide](/blog/smart-locks-2026-are-they-secure).

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 lock costs less than a premium one, but the difference in security can be significant. I always recommend at least a mid-range option and will explain the 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 straightforward cylinder swap takes 10-15 minutes. A new mortice lock installation on a hardwood door can take over an hour. My prices reflect the typical time for each job, but I will let you know if your specific situation is likely to take longer.

Number of Locks

If you are changing multiple locks at the same time (common when moving house), I offer a discount on the second and subsequent locks. Call 07735 336175 for a quote on multiple locks.

What Is Included in My Price

Every price on this page includes:

**The lock itself** — quality brand, correct size for your door

**Professional fitting** — properly aligned and tested

**All keys** — typically 3 keys per lock

**Old lock removal and disposal**

**A check of the door and frame** — I will flag any issues I spot while I am there

There is no call-out fee, no VAT, and no hidden extras. The price I quote on the phone is the price you pay.

Ready to Get a Quote?

For a firm price on any lock change, call me on 07735 336175. I will ask a couple of questions about your door and lock, give you a price, and book a time that works for you. Same price day or night, weekday or weekend.

You can also check our full [price list](/prices) or browse our [lock change service page](/services/lock-change) for more information.