Updated April 2025 to reflect Finfort’s new range of smart locks.

We all approach decision-making differently. Whether your priorities are price, quality, style, or a combination of all three, there's a door lock perfectly suited to your door type and property. Consider these seven essential factors before you buy:

1. Type of Door

2. Type of Property

Your property's architectural style can influence your choice of lock. Edwardian, Georgian, Victorian, or 1920s homes often suit traditional lock sets with two or three locks to complement their classic appearance. New-builds, however, offer flexibility—traditional or multipoint systems can be used, as long as they meet PAS24 compliance standards.

3. Required Level of Security

Security levels vary between locks. Some offer basic protection, while others are engineered to resist advanced break-in techniques. Consider your location, local crime rates, and how much protection your home requires. For added peace of mind, choose locks with registered keys that can’t be duplicated without permission.

4. Required Level of Convenience

Convenience plays a big role in modern lock selection. While traditional locks may require manual locking or separate keys, newer systems offer smarter solutions. Finfort’s automatic deadbolt locks engage without needing to lift a handle or use a thumbturn—ideal for busy households.

For a streamlined experience, keyed-alike locks allow a single key to open multiple locks on the same or even different doors.

Finfort now also offers smart locks that combine mechanical auto-deadbolting with keyless, phone-operated access—bringing together high-security and convenience. This hybrid approach outperforms many conventional smart locks, especially when maintaining the classic aesthetic of British doors is important.

5. Style of Locks

Door locks are available in a wide range of finishes to complement your home’s architecture. Choose from traditional polished or antique brass, or go modern with satin chrome, matt bronze, or satin brass. Adding prominent lockguards can also enhance the overall look while acting as a visual deterrent to intruders.

6. Length of Warranty

Check the warranty. Some locks offer limited coverage, while others, particularly high-security British-made models, come with multi-year warranties. Always read the fine print to understand what’s covered.

7. Budget

While budget-friendly locks start from around £30, high-end options offering features like auto-deadbolting and keyed-alike security typically range from £250–£500. Investing in quality often means fewer replacements, fewer keys, and stronger protection in the long run.

Need more info?

Want to dive deeper into the types of door locks available? Our 5 Common Door Locks article breaks down how they work and their pros and cons—helping you choose the ideal lock set for your home.

Who are Finfort

Finfort designs and manufactures high-security automatic deadbolt locks and lock sets in six beautiful finishes. We serve homeowners, bespoke door makers, architectural ironmongers, and locksmiths. Now offering both traditionally keyed and smart phone-operated options, our UK-made locks combine award-winning engineering with timeless style.