Should You Invest in a Smart Lock for Your London Property?

Should You Invest in a Smart Lock for Your London Property?
The way we secure our homes is evolving rapidly, and smart locks have become an increasingly popular choice for homeowners and landlords across London.

Whether you’re living in a modern Canary Wharf apartment, managing a short-let property in Shoreditch, or upgrading your family home in Wimbledon, you may be asking: Is a smart lock right for my property?

At Locksmith CO, we install and service a wide range of smart locks across Greater London. In this article, we’ll break down the key advantages and potential drawbacks of smart locks to help you make an informed decision based on security, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.

What Is a Smart Lock?

A smart lock is a keyless door locking system that allows you to lock and unlock your door using:

• A mobile app
• PIN code
• A key fob
• Biometrics (e.g. fingerprint)
• Remote access via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth

Many smart locks can be integrated with smart home systems, offering real-time alerts, access logs, and automation options.

Popular brands include Yale, Nuki, Ultion Smart, August, and Schlage—many of which are fully compatible with UK door types and insurance requirements.

Pros of Smart Locks for London Properties

1. Keyless Convenience

One of the main benefits of a smart lock is that it eliminates the need for traditional keys. You no longer have to worry about:

• Misplacing your keys
• Locking yourself out
• Making duplicate copies for guests or tenants

With a smart lock, you can unlock your door via phone, fob, or code, and some models even allow auto-unlocking when you approach your door.

2. Remote Access and Control

Living in a city like London means busy schedules and frequent travel. With a smart lock, you can:

• Unlock your door remotely from your smartphone
• Let in a cleaner, dog walker, or delivery person without being there
• Grant or revoke access instantly
• Check whether your door is locked—even while abroad

This is especially useful for:

• Airbnb and short-let properties
• Landlords with multiple tenants
• Families with children or elderly relatives

3. Customisable Access Permissions

Smart locks allow you to control who enters your property and when. You can:

• Set up temporary PIN codes for guests
• Assign specific time windows for access (ideal for tradespeople)
• Monitor entry and exit logs in real time

This level of control is something traditional locks simply can’t offer.

4. Integration with Smart Home Systems

If you use smart home technology like:

• Amazon Alexa
• Google Home
• Apple HomeKit
• Smart lighting or CCTV

Then a smart lock fits in perfectly. You can create automated routines like:

• Unlocking your door and turning on lights
• Receiving alerts when someone enters while you’re away
• Locking your door when you arm your security system

This level of integration boosts overall home security and convenience.

5. Stylish and Modern Design

Smart locks are designed to be sleek, modern, and visually appealing, often available in multiple finishes to suit your property. Whether you prefer minimalist or traditional aesthetics, there’s a smart lock to match your door style.

Many models can also be fitted over existing locks, preserving your door’s appearance while enhancing its functionality.

Cons of Smart Locks You Should Consider

1. Cost of Installation and Hardware

Smart locks are typically more expensive than traditional mechanical locks. You’ll need to budget for:

• The lock unit itself (prices range from £120 to £300+)
• Professional installation
• Optional extras like Wi-Fi bridges or keypads

At Locksmith CO, we offer competitive pricing and can recommend cost-effective options based on your door type and security needs.

2. Power Supply and Battery Maintenance

Smart locks run on batteries, which means they must be monitored and replaced periodically. If the battery dies and you don’t have a backup method (like a key override), you could be locked out of your property.

However, most models provide:

• Low battery alerts
• Emergency power via USB
• Backup physical key access

We always recommend setting calendar reminders for battery checks and replacing them every 6–12 months.

3. Potential Tech Glitches or Connectivity Issues

Like all connected devices, smart locks can be susceptible to:

• Wi-Fi drops
• App bugs
• Firmware updates
• Bluetooth range limitations

Choosing a reliable brand and having the lock installed by a professional greatly reduces the risk of these issues.

Locksmith CO provides ongoing support and troubleshooting for all smart locks we install.

4. Insurance Considerations

Not all insurers accept smart locks—especially those without BS3621 compliance or manual key overrides. If your insurer requires specific lock standards, it’s important to check before installation.

We help clients choose insurance-approved smart locks that offer digital convenience without compromising compliance.

5. Security Concerns with Hacking

Although rare, smart devices can be targeted by hackers. Reputable smart locks, however, use advanced encryption and multi-layered authentication to minimise these risks.

To protect your smart lock:

• Use strong, unique passwords
• Keep your app and firmware up to date
• Avoid using public Wi-Fi when accessing your lock remotely

We only recommend and install smart locks with robust security protocols and data protection standards in place.

Is a Smart Lock Right for Your London Property?

A smart lock can be a game-changer for:

• Busy professionals who want keyless access
• Landlords and Airbnb hosts managing multiple occupants
• Families looking for convenience and monitoring
• Tech-savvy homeowners integrating smart home systems

However, if you prefer a traditional, no-fuss system or have concerns about tech reliability, a high-quality mechanical lock may still be your best option.

At Locksmith CO, we’re happy to assess your needs and help you choose the most suitable solution—whether digital, mechanical, or a hybrid approach.

Our Recommended Smart Lock Features

When selecting a smart lock for your London home, we recommend looking for:

• BS3621 compliance or an insurance-approved rating
• Battery backup and emergency override options
• Mobile app with remote access
• Integration with home security systems
• Tamper detection and audit trail logging
• Professional installation and setup

We partner with leading brands to offer the most secure and user-friendly options available in the UK market.

Need Help Choosing or Installing a Smart Lock in London?

At Locksmith CO, we provide:

• Smart lock installation across all London boroughs
• Combination smart + traditional lock setups
• Mobile and remote access configuration
• Post-installation support and maintenance
• Smart lock repairs and troubleshooting

Call us today on +44 20 3885 1735
Or visit https://locksmithco.co.uk to request a smart lock consultation.

Upgrade your door the smart way—with security, convenience, and confidence from Locksmith CO.