A door entry system costs £300 to £2,000 installed for a house in the UK, and £180 to £450 per flat for a block of flats. The price depends on whether you choose audio or video, whether the existing cabling can be reused, how many flats the system serves, and whether you want to answer the door from a mobile app. Replacing an old system in a block of flats usually costs less per flat than a brand-new installation, because the existing riser cables can often be kept.
Key Takeaways
- Audio door entry for a house costs £300-£700 installed; video costs £600-£1,500
- App-based IP video intercoms that ring your phone cost £800-£2,000 for a house
- Blocks of flats typically cost £180-£450 per flat, depending on whether cabling is reused
- 4G (GSM) intercoms avoid wiring to each flat: £800-£2,000 plus a SIM of £5-£15 a month
- A new door lock release or maglock adds £150-£400 if the door has none
Door entry in London
Get a written quote for your building
The figures in this guide are typical UK prices. Your price depends on the building, the number of flats and the existing wiring, so we survey first, free and with no obligation, then give you a written quote before any work starts. We install and replace Hikvision, Comelit, BPT and Videx door entry systems, with 200+ five-star reviews.
Or see our door entry systems service in London.
How Much Does a Door Entry System Cost for a House?
A door entry system for a house costs £300 to £2,000 installed in the UK. A basic audio intercom with one indoor handset sits at the bottom of that range, while a video system with an app that lets you answer the door from anywhere sits at the top. The biggest single factor is cabling: if a cable can be run from the gate or front door to the indoor screen without lifting floors, labour stays low.
| System type | What you get | Typical installed cost |
|---|---|---|
| Audio intercom | Door panel, one handset, lock release | £300-£700 |
| Wired video intercom | Camera door panel, 7-inch indoor screen | £600-£1,500 |
| IP / app video intercom | Answer the door on your phone, call history | £800-£2,000 |
| Gate intercom with long cable run | Panel at the gate, screen in the house | £900-£2,500 |
For gates and driveways, the cost of the cable run often matters more than the equipment. Our gate intercom systems page explains when a wireless or 4G option makes more sense than digging a trench.
How Much Does Door Entry Cost for a Block of Flats?
Door entry for a block of flats typically costs £180 to £450 per flat, plus the entrance panel and lock. A small block of four flats usually comes to £1,200 to £3,500 in total, and a block of 25 flats £6,000 to £12,000, depending on audio or video and how much new cabling is needed.
| Building | Audio system | Video system |
|---|---|---|
| 2-4 flats | £1,200-£2,500 | £1,800-£3,500 |
| 6-12 flats | £2,200-£4,500 | £3,500-£6,500 |
| 20-30 flats | £4,500-£8,000 | £7,000-£12,000 |
Video systems cost more because every flat needs a screen rather than a handset, but they are now the default choice for managing agents because residents can see who they are letting in. Our guide to door entry systems for blocks of flats covers the options in more detail.
Can I Keep My Existing Wiring When Replacing a Door Entry System?
Yes, in most blocks the existing wiring can be reused, which typically saves 30-50% on labour. Modern two-wire systems from Hikvision, Comelit and BPT run over a single pair of cables, so an old multi-core audio installation can usually be upgraded to video without chasing new cables up the stairwell.
- Like-for-like replacement on existing cabling: typically £180-£300 per flat
- New system with new riser cabling: typically £300-£450 per flat
- Cable faults found during the survey: repaired or replaced flat by flat, priced separately
A survey checks the cable condition before anything is ordered, so you know whether a reuse is realistic before you commit.
What About 4G and App-Only Intercoms?
A 4G (GSM) intercom costs £800 to £2,000 installed and suits buildings where running cables to each flat is impractical. The door panel calls residents' mobile phones directly, so there is no wiring to individual flats. The trade-off is a monthly SIM cost of around £5 to £15, and residents need a mobile signal and phone to answer.
App-based IP intercoms work in a similar way but use the building's broadband. They suit managing agents who want to add and remove residents remotely, though some brands charge a subscription per flat, so check the ongoing cost before choosing.
What Else Affects the Cost of a Door Entry System?
Beyond the panel and screens, the door itself often decides the final price. A door entry system needs something to release the door, and older doors frequently lack one.
| Item | Typical installed cost |
|---|---|
| Electric lock release (strike) | £150-£300 |
| Magnetic lock with exit button | £200-£400 |
| Door closer to make the lock work reliably | £100-£200 |
| Fob or keypad entry added to the panel | £150-£400 |
| Trades button or timed access for post | £50-£150 |
Other factors include vandal-resistant panels for exposed entrances, the number of entrances (front, rear and bin store), and integration with access control for staff or contractor fobs.
How Long Does a Door Entry Installation Take?
A house intercom is usually installed in half a day to one day. A block of up to 12 flats typically takes one to two days when existing cabling is reused, and two to four days when new cabling is needed. Residents normally lose door entry for only a few hours on changeover day, and the old system stays working until the new one is ready.
Is It Worth Repairing an Old Door Entry System?
Repairing is worth it when a single handset or the power supply has failed and the system is less than about ten years old. A typical repair costs £100 to £300. Once parts are discontinued, faults keep recurring, or residents want video, replacement is usually better value. A survey identifies which applies, and we only quote a replacement where a repair would not last.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a door entry system cost for a house?
A door entry system for a house costs £300 to £2,000 installed. Audio intercoms cost £300-£700, wired video £600-£1,500, and app-based video intercoms that ring your phone £800-£2,000.
How much does door entry cost per flat?
Door entry for a block of flats typically costs £180 to £450 per flat. Reusing existing cabling keeps it towards £180-£300 per flat; a new installation with new cabling is nearer £300-£450.
Can a new video intercom use the old door entry wiring?
Usually, yes. Two-wire video systems from brands such as Hikvision, Comelit and BPT run over a single pair of existing cables, which avoids rewiring the building and saves 30-50% on labour.
Do 4G intercoms have a monthly cost?
Yes. A 4G or GSM intercom needs a SIM card, typically £5 to £15 a month. In return there is no wiring to individual flats, which can make installation much cheaper in older buildings.
Who pays for a door entry system in a block of flats?
Communal door entry is normally paid for through the service charge and arranged by the freeholder or managing agent, as it is a shared part of the building.
Get a written quote for your property
Free, no-obligation survey across London and the Home Counties.
Call 0208 422 7918