Security — Pricing Guide
Access Control System Cost UK
Realistic pricing for door access control systems. From single-door fob entry at £500–£1,000 to multi-door commercial systems at £5,000–£10,000+.
How Much Does Access Control Cost in the UK?
Access control pricing depends on the number of doors, the type of readers, and the level of management you need. Here are realistic UK price ranges for fully installed systems.
Single Door System
£500–£1,000One access-controlled door with a reader, controller, and electric lock release. Ideal for a small office, studio, or storage unit entrance.
Typical Small Business
£1,500–£3,5002–4 doors with fob or card readers, a central controller, and basic user management. Suits small offices, workshops, and retail back-of-house areas.
Multi-Door System
£3,500–£6,0004–8 doors with networked controllers, tiered user permissions, and integration options for CCTV or alarm systems. Common in medium-sized offices and warehouses.
Larger Commercial System
£6,000–£10,000+10+ doors, multi-site capability, advanced software with audit trails, visitor management, and full integration with existing security infrastructure.
All prices include equipment, installation, configuration, and handover. VAT may apply to commercial installations.
Example Access Control Pricing
Every premises is different. These examples give you a realistic idea of what to expect for common access control installations in the South East.
Single Door — Office Entrance
A small office in Crawley needing controlled entry to the main door. Key fob reader, electric lock release, and a simple controller with capacity for up to 50 users.
- ✓1 fob reader
- ✓Electric lock release
- ✓Controller with 50-user capacity
- ✓Exit button
- ✓Full installation and setup
Small Business — 2–4 Doors
A workshop and office in Horsham with separate access to the front entrance, workshop, server room, and rear door. Card readers with central management software.
- ✓4 card readers
- ✓Networked controller
- ✓User management software
- ✓Tiered permissions
- ✓Audit trail logging
Commercial — Multi-Door System
A medium-sized warehouse in Worthing with 8 access points including loading bays, offices, and restricted storage. Integrated with existing CCTV for visual verification.
- ✓8 readers (fob + card)
- ✓Multi-zone controller
- ✓CCTV integration
- ✓Visitor management
- ✓Remote access via software
What Affects Access Control Cost?
The final price depends on your premises, the number of controlled entry points, and the features you need. These are the main cost factors.
Number of Doors
Each door needs its own reader, controller (or controller port), and lock hardware. More doors means more equipment and cabling.
Type of Access
Basic keypads are the most affordable. Fob and card systems add per-unit reader costs. App-based and mobile credential systems cost more upfront but reduce ongoing fob replacement costs.
Wired vs Wireless
Wired systems are more reliable and suit permanent installations. Wireless options reduce cabling costs and work well in listed buildings or where running cables is difficult.
Integration with Alarms or CCTV
Linking access control to your CCTV or alarm system adds functionality — such as triggering a camera when a door opens — but increases configuration time and cost.
Software & User Management
Basic systems use standalone controllers. Larger installations need networked software for user permissions, audit trails, time schedules, and remote management.
Installation Complexity
Door types (fire doors, glass, roller shutters), cable runs, power supply requirements, and building construction all affect installation time and cost.
What's Included in the Price
Our access control quotes are fully inclusive — equipment, labour, configuration, and handover. No hidden extras.
Controllers & Readers
Access control panel and door readers (keypad, fob, card, or app-based) sized to your requirements.
Door Hardware
Electric lock releases, maglocks, or strike plates matched to your door type — including fire doors.
Professional Installation
Fitted by NICEIC-approved engineers with all cabling, power supplies, and mounting hardware.
System Configuration
Controllers programmed, zones set up, time schedules configured, and network connected if applicable.
User Setup
Fobs or cards enrolled, user permissions assigned, and admin access configured for your team.
Testing & Handover
Every door tested, system demonstrated, and user guide provided. Full walk-through of daily operation.
Types of Access Control
The type of reader you choose affects both cost and convenience. Here's a quick comparison of the most common options.
Keypad
PIN code entry — simple and low cost. No fobs to manage or replace. Best for low-traffic doors where a shared code is acceptable.
Fob / Card
The most common choice for businesses. Each user has a unique fob or card, making it easy to add, remove, or track individual access.
App-Based / Mobile
Unlock doors using a smartphone app via Bluetooth or NFC. No physical tokens to lose. Ideal for tech-forward offices and co-working spaces.
Biometric
Fingerprint or facial recognition for high-security areas. Higher cost, but eliminates the risk of lost or shared credentials entirely.
Many systems support multiple reader types — for example, fob entry on external doors and keypad on internal rooms. We'll recommend the best combination for your premises.
How to Get an Accurate Quote
Access control pricing depends on your building layout, door types, and how you need to manage users. A site survey lets us assess all of this and provide a fixed, no-surprises quote.
1. Book a Free Survey
We visit your premises, review the doors and entry points that need controlling, and discuss your requirements — no obligation.
2. Receive a Fixed Quote
You get a clear, itemised quote covering all equipment, installation, and configuration. The price we quote is the price you pay.
3. Professional Installation
Our engineers install, configure, enrol users, and hand over the system — typically within 1–3 days depending on the number of doors.
Book your free survey or call us on 01798 263333.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get a Free Access Control Quote
Book a free site survey and receive a clear, fixed-price quote for your access control installation. No hidden costs, no obligation.