How much do locksmiths charge in Australia for a house lockout?

During business hours, most Australian locksmiths charge between $80 and $150 for a standard house lockout callout. After-hours and weekend rates typically range from $130 to $250, and late-night or public holiday callouts can reach $400 or more. Always ask for a full quoted price before the locksmith begins work. Some operators have been known to charge excessive amounts after the job is done, so getting a price upfront protects you.

What do I do if I've locked myself out of my house?

Start by checking all windows and doors around the perimeter of your home, including back doors and garage entries. Then contact anyone who holds a spare key, such as a family member or neighbour. If you're a renter, call your property manager as they usually have a copy. If none of those options work, call a licensed emergency locksmith. There are over 578 emergency locksmiths operating across Australia, all offering 24/7 service, so you won't have to wait long.

Can a locksmith open my house without damaging the lock?

In most cases, yes. A trained locksmith will attempt to pick the lock first, which is a non-destructive method that leaves the lock fully intact. Drilling is only used as a last resort when the lock is seized, broken, or has a high-security cylinder that can't be picked. If your lock needs to be drilled, a replacement will usually be required. Standard replacements using brands like Lockwood or Gainsborough typically cost $80 to $200 for supply and installation.

Locked Out of House? What to Do (2026)

What Australian Locksmiths Actually Charge for a House Lockout

The first thing most people want to know when they're standing outside their locked house is: how much is this going to cost? The honest answer depends on the time of day, your location, and the type of lock involved. But here are realistic figures based on current Australian market data.

Scenario	Estimated Cost
Business hours callout (metro)	$80 – $150
After-hours or weekend callout	$130 – $250
Late night or public holiday	$200 – $400+
Lock replacement (if required)	$80 – $200 extra

Reddit discussions from Australian users back this up. One commenter noted: "A call out after hours will set you back around $130–$180 total." Another warned: "Depending on the time of day or night it should have been $150–$350. Get a quote first." The same thread flagged cases where unscrupulous operators charged over $1,200 for after-hours work, so always ask for a price before they start.

Several highly rated Australian businesses operate across the country. Terry's Locksmiths holds a 4.9-star rating from over 3,017 reviews. Tas Mobile Locksmith has a perfect 5.0 stars from 1,591 reviews. Express Locksmith Gold Coast and Tweed also carries a 5.0-star rating with 1,375 reviews. These businesses represent the standard you should expect: a clear callout fee quoted up front, a prompt arrival time, and a tidy job with no damage to your door or frame.

Tip: Always ask two questions before a locksmith starts work: "What is your callout fee?" and "What is the total estimated cost including labour and parts?" A reputable locksmith will give you both figures without hesitation. Any business that refuses to quote before starting is a red flag.

Your First Steps When Locked Out

Before you call a locksmith, run through these steps. You may be able to get back inside without spending a cent.

1. Check Every Entry Point

Walk the full perimeter of your home. Check the back door, any side gates, the garage entry, and every ground-floor window. Many people discover a flyscreen window they left on the latch, or a back door that wasn't fully pulled shut. Do this before anything else.

2. Contact Someone With a Spare Key

Call a family member, housemate, or a trusted neighbour who may hold a copy of your key. This is the fastest and cheapest resolution. If you live alone and have no spare key holder, make this a priority to fix once you're back inside.

3. Check With Your Property Manager (If Renting)

Tenants should call their property manager or real estate agency. Most agencies keep a master key and can arrange access, often at no charge during business hours. After-hours call-out fees may apply through the agency's emergency contact line.

4. Call a Licensed Locksmith

If the above steps don't work, call a professional. There are over 578 emergency locksmith businesses operating across Australia, and 100% offer 24/7 service. In Melbourne alone there are 178 listings, with 150 in Sydney, 68 in Brisbane, 67 in Perth, 46 in Adelaide, and 33 on the Gold Coast.

Provide your full address and ask for an estimated arrival time. Most metro locksmiths arrive within 30 to 60 minutes. Ask for the total quoted price before they begin any work.

Warning: Do not attempt to force entry yourself using credit cards, bobby pins, or screwdrivers unless you have clear experience doing so. Forcing a modern deadbolt or deadlatch can cause expensive damage to the lock cylinder, door frame, or door itself. In rental properties, you may be held liable for that damage.

What Happens When the Locksmith Arrives

A trained locksmith will assess your lock type before deciding on a method. For a standard deadlatch or knob lock, they'll typically use picking tools or a bypass technique that takes two to ten minutes and leaves the lock intact. For a deadbolt, the process may take longer, particularly with high-security cylinders like Abloy or Mul-T-Lock.

Lock Picking vs. Lock Drilling

Picking is always preferred. It's non-destructive and faster. Drilling is a last resort used when a lock has seized, been tampered with, or has a restricted keyway that can't be picked with standard tools. If a locksmith heads straight for the drill without attempting to pick, ask why.

If the Lock Needs Replacing

Sometimes a lockout happens because a key broke off in the cylinder, or the lock was already faulty. In those cases, you'll need a replacement. A standard Lockwood or Gainsborough deadbolt supply-and-fit typically costs $80 to $200 on top of the callout. High-security options like Abloy Protec2 or Kaba cylinders cost more, usually $150 to $400 for parts alone.

Tip: Ask the locksmith to rekey your locks rather than replace them entirely if the lock itself is still in good condition. Rekeying changes the internal pins so your old key no longer works, and it costs considerably less than a full replacement. This is particularly useful if you've lost your key rather than just left it inside.

How to Avoid Being Locked Out Again

A lockout is a stressful and avoidable situation. These practical steps will reduce the risk significantly.

Install a Key Lockbox

A key lockbox mounted near your door stores a spare key behind a combination code. Brands like Master Lock and Delf are widely available at Bunnings and Mitre 10 for $30 to $80. Choose a model with a shrouded shackle and at least a four-digit code.

Give a Spare Key to Someone You Trust

A family member, close friend, or reliable neighbour with a spare key is your fastest path back inside. This costs nothing beyond the $5 to $10 for a key cut at your local hardware store or locksmith.

Consider a Smart Lock

Smart locks like the Yale Assure or Schlage Encode allow keypad entry, so a lost or forgotten key doesn't lock you out. They retail from around $200 to $500 and can be retrofitted to most Australian door preparations. A locksmith can install one in under an hour.

Warning: Do not hide a spare key under a doormat, pot plant, or fake rock near your front door. This is one of the first places a burglar will check. A lockbox with a secure code is a much safer alternative.

Key Takeaways: When locked out, always check for open windows and doors first, then contact a spare key holder. If you need a locksmith, expect to pay $80–$150 during business hours and $130–$350 after hours. Always get a quote before work begins. Businesses like Terry's Locksmiths and Express Locksmith Gold Coast and Tweed have strong reputations nationally. Once you're back inside, set up a spare key arrangement so this doesn't happen again.

Locked Out of Your House: What to Do and What It Will Cost You