Short answer: as a rough guide, new steel electric swing gates in London start from around £5,000 fully installed, and an electric sliding gate from around £7,000. Large or highly decorative gates can cost well over £10,000. If your existing gates are in good condition, adding automation usually starts from around £2,000. Below we explain what is included, what pushes the price up or down, and how to avoid paying for things you don’t need.
Electric gate prices in London at a glance
| Type of job | Rough guide price |
|---|---|
| Automating existing swing gates (motors, control box, safety devices) | from around £2,000 |
| New steel electric swing gates (pair, 3–4 m driveway) | from around £5,000 |
| New steel electric sliding gate | from around £7,000 |
| Pedestrian side gate (manual, matching design) | from around £1,000 |
| Intercom, keypad or app control | from a few hundred pounds |
| Annual service | a few hundred pounds a year |
What is included in the price of electric gates?
When you compare quotes, make sure you are comparing like with like. A complete electric gate installation should include:
- The gates themselves – made to measure, in steel or with aluminium or composite cladding, treated against rust and finished in your chosen colour.
- Posts or pillar fixings strong enough to carry the weight of the gates and the motors.
- Automation – underground or arm motors for swing gates, or a sliding gate operator with a rack.
- Control panel and remote fobs.
- Safety devices – photocells and, where needed, safety edges, so the gates stop and reverse if something is in the way.
- Groundworks and cabling – ducting and an armoured power cable from the property.
- Installation, testing and handover, including showing you how to use the manual release.
If a quote looks much cheaper than the others, check which of these items are missing. Groundworks, the power supply and safety devices are the usual “extras” that appear later.
Swing vs sliding electric gates: which costs less?
Electric swing gates
Swing gates are the most common choice on London driveways and usually the cheaper option. They need less groundwork and suit most flat driveways. You do need enough space behind the gates for them to open fully without hitting parked cars, and a slope can make swing gates impractical.
Electric sliding gates
Sliding gates cost more because they need a concrete foundation or track and enough clear space along the boundary for the gate to slide into. In return they are ideal for short or sloping driveways, they don’t take up space on the drive, and they are very secure. For wide entrances and busy roads, a sliding gate is often the better long-term choice.
What makes electric gates more or less expensive?
- Width and height. Bigger gates need more steel, stronger posts and more powerful motors.
- Design. A simple vertical-bar gate costs less than a decorative design with scrolls, finials or full privacy cladding.
- Material and finish. Steel is strong and secure; aluminium or composite cladding adds privacy and a modern look but increases the cost.
- Ground conditions. Slopes, existing paving, block driveways and underground services all affect how much groundwork is needed.
- Distance to a power supply. The further the cable has to run, the higher the cost.
- Access control. Remote fobs are standard; video intercoms, keypads, GSM or app control cost extra.
- Existing gates. If your current gates and posts are solid, automating them is the cheapest route. If they are rotten or rusty, replacing them is usually better value.
Do you need planning permission for electric gates?
In England, gates are usually allowed under permitted development if they are no higher than 1 metre next to a road used by vehicles (including the pavement beside it), or no higher than 2 metres elsewhere. You are likely to need planning permission if:
- the gates will be taller than these limits,
- the property is a listed building,
- the property is in a conservation area or covered by an Article 4 direction (common in many London boroughs).
If you are also creating a new driveway entrance or dropped kerb, that needs separate approval from your council. Always check with your local planning department before you order.
Electric gate safety: don’t cut corners
Automatic gates are powered machinery, and in the UK they must be installed to meet safety standards such as BS EN 12453. In practice this means:
- photocells and, where required, safety edges so the gates stop and reverse on contact,
- correctly set closing force,
- a manual release so you can open the gates in a power cut,
- clear documentation and handover once the installation is complete.
A cheap installation without proper safety devices puts children, pets and visitors at risk, and can leave you exposed if something goes wrong. Ask every installer how the gates will be safety tested.
Running and maintenance costs
Electric gates use very little electricity. The main ongoing cost is servicing. An annual service, usually a few hundred pounds, keeps the motors, hinges and safety devices working properly and extends the life of the system. Steel gates with a good protective coating need little else beyond an occasional clean and a touch-up of any chips.
How to get an accurate price
To give you a fixed, honest quote, an installer needs to know:
- the width of the opening and the height you want,
- whether you prefer swing or sliding gates,
- a few photos of the entrance and driveway,
- your postcode,
- whether there is a power supply nearby.
At PL Trading we design, manufacture and install bespoke automatic gates and steel gates across Greater London and the Home Counties. Everything is made to measure, and we can match railings and pedestrian gates to the same design. Have a look at our recent work, then send us your details for a free, no-obligation quote.
Frequently asked questions
How much do electric gates cost in London?
As a rough guide, a new pair of steel electric swing gates in London starts from around £5,000 fully installed, and an electric sliding gate from around £7,000. Large or highly decorative gates can cost well over £10,000. Adding automation to existing, sound gates usually starts from around £2,000. The exact price depends on size, design, ground conditions, power supply and access control.
Are sliding or swing electric gates cheaper?
Swing gates are usually cheaper because they need less groundwork. Sliding gates need a concrete track or foundation and extra space along the boundary, but they work better on sloping or short driveways where swing gates would hit cars or the ground.
Do I need planning permission for electric gates in London?
In England, gates up to 1 metre high next to a road used by vehicles, or up to 2 metres elsewhere, are usually permitted development. Taller gates, listed buildings, conservation areas and properties with Article 4 directions may need planning permission, so check with your local council first.
How long does it take to install electric gates?
Once the design is agreed, manufacturing bespoke steel gates usually takes a few weeks. Installation on site, including posts, groundworks, cabling and commissioning, typically takes 1–3 days depending on the job.
How much does it cost to service electric gates?
A routine annual service for residential electric gates usually costs a few hundred pounds. Regular servicing keeps the safety devices working, extends the life of the motors and helps avoid expensive breakdowns.