How Much Do Electric Gates Cost in the UK? [2026 Pricing Guide]

Category: Electric Gates | Reading Time: 7 min | Author: Electric Gates Experts

If you've been searching for "how much do electric gates cost in the UK," you've probably noticed that prices vary considerably depending on who you ask. That's not evasion — it's the honest reality of a product where the gate type, material, automation system, site conditions, and location all pull the final figure in different directions.

At Electric Gates Experts, we supply, install, service and repair automated gate systems across the UK. Our fabrication workshop is based in Balfron, Scotland, and we operate out of offices in Glasgow and London — with a growing national footprint. Pete handles all design and fabrication, Jack handles electrical installation and automation, and every project goes through both of them from start to finish. This guide gives you a clear, honest picture of what you can expect to pay in 2026 and what drives costs up or down.

Electric Gates

What's the Average Cost of Electric Gates in the UK?

For a standard residential property, a professionally supplied and installed set of electric gates — including the gate structure, automation kit, access control, and all labour — typically falls in the range of £3,500 to £12,000.

That's a genuine spread, not a vague disclaimer. A pair of treated softwood swing gates with an above-ground motor on a flat driveway sits at the lower end. A fully bespoke set of wrought iron double gates with underground hydraulic motors, HD video intercom, and keypad access on a sloped driveway in a period property sits at the upper end.

Here's a breakdown by gate type:

Gate Type	UK Guide Cost (Supply + Install)
Single swing gate (basic)	£2,500 – £6,000
Double swing gates (residential)	£4,500 – £10,000
Standard sliding gate	£5,000 – £10,000
Bi-fold gates (residential)	£7,500 – £15,000
Commercial sliding gate	£10,000 – £20,000+

Guide prices for 2026. Every project is different — contact us for a free, no-obligation site survey and an accurate written quote.

Location does affect labour costs to some degree: London and the South East typically run at the higher end of these ranges, while Scotland and the North of England tend to sit toward the lower end. But the single biggest variable in any gate project is the specification — what gate, what automation, what access control, and what groundworks are involved.

What Affects the Cost?

1. The Gate Itself

This is where Electric Gates Experts differs from most installers. Pete fabricates our gates in-house at our Balfron workshop, which means we control quality from raw material to finished product — and you're not paying a supply chain margin on top of a standard gate. Every gate we produce is bespoke, made to the exact dimensions and design brief of your property.

Cedar clad and timber gates give a warm, natural look that suits both countryside and urban settings. Treated softwood is the most affordable starting point; hardwood in iroko or European oak adds cost but delivers real longevity. Timber requires periodic maintenance — repainting and treating — to stay weatherproof, particularly relevant in wetter northern locations.

Wrought iron and cast iron gates are the classic choice for traditional, period, and conservation area properties across the UK — from Glasgow's Victorian sandstone suburbs and Edinburgh's Georgian streets through to Manchester's red-brick Edwardian villas and London's historic terraces. This is Pete's craft and his reputation: bespoke ironwork fabricated to complement the specific architecture of each property.

Aluminium gates are increasingly the specification of choice for contemporary and low-maintenance installations nationwide. Rust-resistant, lightweight, and available in any RAL powder-coat colour, aluminium suits both modern new builds and period properties where a traditional finish isn't the priority.

Stainless steel gates are specified for high-security, commercial, and exposed coastal or urban environments where long-term finish durability is paramount.

Composite clad gates offer excellent longevity with minimal upkeep and a clean, modern appearance — popular for contemporary properties and developments across the UK.

2. The Automation System

We cover every automation system type and match the specification to the gate weight, site conditions, and customer requirements:

Above-ground arm motors are the most common choice for residential swing gates across the UK. Reliable, straightforward to service, and cost-effective — budget £1,000–£1,800 for a quality kit including motor and control board.

Underground (hydraulic) systems are buried entirely beneath the gate pillars, leaving no visible mechanism above ground. This is the premium choice for prestige properties, conservation area installations, and contemporary designs where completely clean aesthetics are the priority. Underground systems typically add £500–£1,500 to the overall cost and are increasingly requested on high-specification projects nationwide.

Sliding systems solve the challenges that swing gates can't: limited driveway depth, sloped plots, or properties where the gate needs to open without encroaching on the road. They typically cost more than swing gate automation but are often the only viable option for certain sites.

Safety bollards and barriers for commercial sites, car parks, and high-security residential applications.

3. Access Control

How you open your gate matters day-to-day. We cover the full spectrum of access control systems:

• Remote fob handsets (simple, affordable, and reliable)

• Audio intercoms (speak to visitors at the gate from inside the house)

• Video intercoms — including Wi-Fi and GSM models for smartphone control from anywhere

• Keypad access (PIN entry for visitors, tradespeople, and regular callers)

• Mobile-controlled access (open and close via app from any location)

• Number plate recognition (ANPR) — your gate opens automatically as your vehicle approaches

• Flash-to-open, ground sensor, swipe card, and infrared access systems

Budget £500–£1,500 for a video intercom or keypad system. ANPR and advanced multi-user systems sit at the higher end. The good news is that most modern automation systems are designed to accept upgrades — you can start with a fob and add a video intercom or app module later.

4. Installation and Groundworks

Professional installation — ground preparation, pillar construction where needed, cable ducting, electrical supply works (Jack holds full 18th edition BS 7671 certification), and safety commissioning — typically adds £1,500–£4,000 depending on site complexity.

The factors that regularly affect installation cost across the UK:

• Sloped driveways: Common across northern cities, Scottish hillside suburbs, and many rural properties. Slopes require careful motor selection and gate specification to ensure safe, reliable operation.

• Ground conditions: Rocky subsoil, made ground in urban areas, or heavy clay all affect how straightforward groundworks are.

• Power supply distance: Running electrical cable from your consumer unit to the gate position can be a quick job or require significant trenching — it depends entirely on the property.

• Existing boundary structures: Older properties across every major UK city — Glasgow's sandstone walls, Manchester's Victorian brick boundaries, London's period piers — often need structural assessment and sometimes reinforcement before gate posts can be properly secured.

• Conservation area or listed building requirements: Certain locations require specific materials, gate designs, or concealed automation. These don't make a project impossible, but they do affect specification and therefore cost.

Ongoing Running Costs

Electricity: An average residential gate operated around 15 times per day costs approximately £15–£20 per year to run. Under 30p a week.

Annual servicing: A professional maintenance visit — checking motor operation, safety sensors, alignment, lubrication, hinges, and control boards — typically costs £150–£300. Annual servicing is strongly recommended regardless of where you are in the UK. It extends system life, maintains safety compliance, and identifies small issues before they become expensive failures. Exposure to wind, rain, and freezing temperatures accelerates wear on any mechanical system, and the UK climate generally demands more from outdoor automated equipment than manufacturers' minimum-maintenance claims suggest.

What Should Be in Your Quote?

Any reputable installer's quote should clearly itemise:

• Gate panels (material, finish, dimensions, and fabrication details)

• Automation kit (motor make, model, and type)

• Access control system (intercom, keypad, or fobs — specified)

• Groundworks and any pillar construction required

• Electrical supply works and certification

• Safety devices (photocells and safety edges — required under BS EN 12453)

• Commissioning, handover, and documentation

• Warranty terms

Be cautious of any quote that gives a single total without a breakdown. When comparing installers, always check for NICEIC accreditation, Gate Safe certification, or equivalent — these confirm that the installation will meet UK safety standards and that the electrical work is properly certified.

Finance Is Available

Electric Gates Experts offers finance through our trusted partner, Phoenix Financial Consultants, allowing you to spread the cost of your installation without compromising on quality or specification. All finance is subject to status and credit checks.

Get an Accurate Quote for Your Property

The figures in this guide are a starting point. The only way to get a precise number for your specific property is through a free, no-obligation site survey — where we assess your driveway, ground conditions, boundary structures, power supply, and any planning considerations, and produce a fully itemised written quote with no hidden costs.

Electric Gates Experts serves residential and commercial customers across the UK, from our bases in Glasgow and London. Whether you're in Scotland, the North of England, the Midlands, or the South, we'd be happy to discuss your project and advise on the right specification for your property and budget.

Call 0141 611 5662 or email hello@electricgatesexperts.co.uk to arrange your free site survey.

Prices are guide figures for 2026 based on current UK market data and are for reference only. Final costs vary based on individual project requirements, location, and specifications.