An access control system costs £300 to £1,200 per door installed in the UK. A standalone keypad or fob reader on a single door sits at the lower end, while a networked system with software, smartphone credentials or biometrics sits at the top. A typical three to five door office system costs £1,500 to £3,500 installed. The final price depends on the type of credential, the condition of the doors, and whether you need software to manage users remotely.
Key Takeaways
- A single standalone keypad or fob door costs £300-£600 installed
- Networked systems such as Paxton Net2 typically cost £600-£1,200 per door
- A 3-5 door office system usually costs £1,500-£3,500 in total
- Biometric (fingerprint or face) readers cost £1,000-£2,500 per door
- Check for licence or cloud fees: some systems charge £20-£100 per door per year
Access control in London
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How Much Does Access Control Cost Per Door?
Access control costs £300 to £1,200 per door installed in the UK, with most business installations between £400 and £900 per door. The type of reader is the biggest factor, followed by whether the door already has a suitable lock.
| System type | Per door (installed) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Standalone PIN keypad | £300-£600 | Single doors, stores, plant rooms |
| Standalone fob or card reader | £300-£600 | Small offices, communal entrances |
| Networked fob or card (e.g. Paxton Net2) | £600-£1,200 | Offices with staff changes, audit trail |
| Smartphone / app credential | £600-£1,100 | Flexible or remote user management |
| Biometric (fingerprint or face) | £1,000-£2,500 | High-security rooms |
Standalone systems store users in the reader itself, so adding or removing a fob means visiting the door. Networked systems connect every door to software, which lets you add users, set time schedules and see who opened which door, from one place.
How Much Does a Typical Office System Cost?
A typical three to five door office access control system costs £1,500 to £3,500 installed, and £3,500 to £6,500 for a larger five-door office with 50 or more staff. The per-door cost falls as the system grows, because the controller, software and installation set-up are shared across more doors.
| Premises | Doors | Typical installed cost |
|---|---|---|
| Single entrance, small business | 1 | £400-£1,200 |
| Small office | 2-3 | £1,200-£2,500 |
| Office with internal doors | 4-6 | £2,500-£6,500 |
| Residential block (entrance, bin and bike stores) | 3-5 | £1,800-£4,500 |
For residential blocks, access control is often combined with a door entry system, so residents use one fob for every communal door and visitors call through the intercom.
What Door Hardware Will I Need?
Every controlled door needs a locking device, an exit button or handle on the inside, and usually a door closer. If the door already has suitable hardware, costs stay at the lower end of each range; older or heavy doors often need upgrading.
| Item | Typical installed cost |
|---|---|
| Magnetic lock (maglock) with bracket | £150-£300 |
| Electric strike in the frame | £150-£300 |
| Request-to-exit button | £40-£80 |
| Green break-glass emergency release | £40-£80 |
| Door closer | £100-£200 |
| Fobs or cards | £3-£8 each |
Doors on escape routes must always release safely in an emergency. Maglocks are fitted with an emergency break-glass and are normally linked to the fire alarm so they release automatically when it sounds.
Are There Ongoing Costs for Access Control?
Some systems have ongoing costs and some do not, so it is worth checking before you choose. Traditional systems such as Paxton Net2 have no licence fee for the software. Cloud-based systems often charge a subscription, typically £20 to £100 per door per year or £30 to £200 per month for the site, in return for managing doors from anywhere.
- Software licences: none for many on-site systems; £20-£100 per door per year for some cloud platforms
- Replacement fobs and cards: £3-£8 each
- Annual maintenance visit: typically £120-£300, depending on the number of doors
Is Paxton Access Control Worth It?
Paxton is one of the most widely used access control brands in the UK, and it suits most offices and residential blocks. Net2 is managed from on-site software with no licence fees, while Paxton10 combines access control and video in one system. Our Paxton access control guide compares the two in more detail.
How Long Does Access Control Installation Take?
A single door is normally installed in half a day. A three to five door office typically takes one to two days, including cabling, lock fitting, programming and showing your team how to add and remove users. Work can usually be scheduled outside opening hours to avoid disrupting staff or residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does access control cost per door?
Access control costs £300 to £1,200 per door installed in the UK. Standalone keypad or fob doors cost £300-£600, networked systems £600-£1,200 per door, and biometric readers £1,000-£2,500.
How much does a single door access control system cost?
A single door with a standalone keypad or fob reader costs £300 to £600 installed. A networked single door with software costs around £600 to £1,200, depending on the lock and reader.
Does access control have monthly fees?
Not always. Many on-site systems, including Paxton Net2, have no licence fees. Cloud-managed systems usually charge £20 to £100 per door per year, or a monthly site subscription.
Can access control work with my intercom?
Yes. Access control is often combined with a door entry system so residents or staff use a fob while visitors call through the intercom. The two can share the same door lock.
Do maglocks need to be linked to the fire alarm?
Doors on escape routes must release in an emergency. Maglocks are fitted with an emergency break-glass and are normally linked to the fire alarm so they release automatically.
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