Home Security Upgrade Guide (2026)

Australia's national burglary rate remains a real concern for homeowners. According to the Australian Institute of Criminology, residential break-ins frequently involve forced entry through poorly secured doors and windows. Many Australian homes still rely on basic pin tumbler locks that are vulnerable to lock picking, bumping and shimming.

A security upgrade is not just about replacing a lock. It involves assessing your entire entry point system: front and rear doors, sliding doors, windows, garage access and any side gates. Starting with a professional security assessment from a licensed locksmith is the most practical first step.

Front and Back Doors

A quality deadbolt is the minimum for any external door. Look for a deadbolt with a minimum 25mm throw bolt and anti-pick, anti-drill and anti-bump cylinders. Brands like Lockwood, Abloy and Mul-T-Lock are widely used by Australian locksmiths and meet AS 4145.2 standards.

For renters or owners who want keyless access, a smart deadbolt allows PIN, fingerprint or app-based entry. These range from $150 to $600 for the hardware alone, plus $80 to $200 installation labour.

Sliding Doors

Standard sliding door locks are notoriously easy to defeat. A secondary lock such as a patio bolt or a keyed sliding door lock adds meaningful resistance. These cost $40 to $120 for the lock, plus installation.

Windows

Window locks are often overlooked. Keyed window sash locks or casement locks cost $15 to $60 each. For aluminium sliding windows, a secondary pin lock or blocking bar is a low-cost deterrent.

Garage Doors

An internal door from your garage into your home should be treated like an external door. Fit it with a quality deadbolt. For the garage roller door itself, consider a garage door defender bar or a keyed secondary lock.

If you've recently moved into a property, rekeying is the most cost-effective first step. A locksmith rekeys the cylinder so that old keys no longer work. Rekeying costs $70 to $130 per lock in Australia, compared to a full lock replacement at $150 to $600 per lock.

Rekeying is appropriate when your existing locks are in good condition and meet Australian Standards. Replacement is the right call when locks are worn, outdated or below the standard required by your insurer or a new tenancy agreement.

Alarm Systems

A professionally monitored alarm system adds a significant deterrent. Basic DIY systems such as Ring Alarm or Yale start at $300 to $600. Professionally installed and monitored systems from companies like ADT, Bosch or Inner Range start at $800 to $1,500 for installation, with ongoing monitoring fees of $30 to $60 per month.

Security Cameras

IP cameras covering key entry points cost $100 to $400 each. A basic four-camera system with an NVR recorder runs $500 to $1,500 installed. Footage evidence has become increasingly useful in Australian insurance claims and police investigations.

Smart Access Control

Key management is a significant vulnerability in many homes. A key lockbox, master key system or smart lock with individual PIN codes per user removes the risk of lost or copied keys. A master key system installed by a locksmith typically costs $500 to $1,200 depending on the number of points.

Many Australian locksmiths offer a security assessment as a standalone service or as part of an upgrade quote. During an assessment, a qualified locksmith will check each entry point, identify weak locks or frames, and recommend upgrades in order of priority.

Expect to pay $80 to $150 for a standalone security audit. Some locksmiths will waive this fee if you proceed with the recommended work. Businesses like Terry's Locksmiths (4.9 stars, 3017 reviews), Wynns Locksmiths Preston (4.8 stars, 1390 reviews) and Sheehan Locksmiths (4.9 stars, 934 reviews) are among the highly rated operators in Australia with documented experience in residential security upgrades.