Automated Gate Installation Cost Guide 2025
Everything you need to know about the cost of an automated gate in the UK — by the team that installs them.
One of the most common questions we get asked is "how much does an automated gate cost?" The honest answer is: it depends on a lot of factors. But rather than leaving you with a non-answer, this guide breaks down every cost element — gate type, size, material, access control, and labour — with realistic price ranges based on what we actually install across Wigan, St Helens and the wider North West.
Quick summary: A standard residential automated gate installation in the UK typically costs between £2,000 and £8,000, with the average detached home spending around £3,500–£5,500. Commercial installations start from around £4,000.
What Factors Affect the Cost?
Automated gate costs are made up of several components. Understanding each one helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises:
- Gate type — swing, sliding, or bi-folding
- Opening width — wider openings need bigger motors and more material
- Material — steel, aluminium or timber
- Access control — fob, keypad, video intercom, or app-based entry
- Number of gates — single-leaf vs double (paired) gates
- Ground works — posts, concrete bases, electrical supply
- Residential vs commercial — commercial specs require higher-duty motors
Cost by Gate Type
Swing Gates
Swing gates are the most traditional style and generally the most affordable automated option. They open inward or outward on a hinge, much like a door or garden gate.
| Configuration | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|
| Single swing gate (up to 3m) | £1,800 – £3,200 |
| Double swing gates (up to 4m total) | £2,800 – £5,000 |
| Double swing gates (4m–6m total) | £3,500 – £6,500 |
| Large/heavy commercial swing gates | £5,000 – £10,000+ |
Important: Swing gates need space to open into. If your driveway slopes upward from the road, inward-opening swing gates may not work — a sliding gate may be more practical.
Sliding Gates
Sliding gates run along a track parallel to your boundary wall or fence. They are ideal for driveways with limited depth or an upward slope. They typically cost a little more than equivalent swing gates because the track and motor mechanism is more complex.
| Gate Width | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|
| Up to 3m | £2,200 – £4,000 |
| 3m – 5m | £3,200 – £6,000 |
| 5m – 8m (commercial) | £5,000 – £12,000+ |
Bi-Folding Gates
Bi-folding gates fold back in sections — like bi-fold patio doors — meaning they need less lateral space than a sliding gate but less driveway depth than swing gates. They tend to be the most expensive option due to the more complex mechanism, but are popular where space is genuinely tight.
| Configuration | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|
| Pair of bi-fold gates (up to 4m) | £3,400 – £6,500 |
| Pair of bi-fold gates (4m–6m) | £5,000 – £9,000 |
Cost by Material
The material you choose has a significant effect on both price and maintenance requirements:
| Material | Price Impact | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Galvanised steel | Base price | Most popular. Strong, durable, powder-coated in any RAL colour. Needs no ongoing maintenance beyond an occasional clean. |
| Aluminium | +5% – 15% | Lighter than steel, resistant to rust without galvanising. Good for wider openings where gate weight matters. |
| Timber (hardwood) | +20% – 40% | Warmer look, popular in rural and period settings. Requires occasional treatment to protect against the elements. Heavier than steel or aluminium. |
Access Control Costs
Every automated gate needs some form of access control — a way to open the gate from the outside. The type you choose adds to the overall cost:
| Access Control Type | Added Cost (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Fob / remote handsets (2–4 fobs included) | £0 – £200 (usually included) |
| Keypad entry | £150 – £350 |
| Video intercom (wired) | £350 – £800 |
| Video intercom with smartphone app | £500 – £1,200 |
| ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) | £800 – £2,500 |
What's Included in the Installation Price?
When you receive a quote from a reputable installer like MPW Electrical Security, the price should always include:
- Free site survey and no-obligation quote
- Supply and delivery of the gate
- Motor and control board supply and installation
- Post installation (including concrete bases where required)
- Electrical connection (from an existing external supply — rewiring may be extra)
- Safety sensors (photocell or loop detector)
- Commissioning and testing
- Handover and demonstration
Watch out for: Quotes that exclude VAT, groundworks, or the electrical supply run to the gate. Always ask for a fully itemised quote so you can compare like for like.
Additional Costs to Budget For
- Extended electrical run: If your external electrical supply is a long distance from the gate, the cable run will add cost. Budget £150–£400 for a typical run.
- Ground loop detectors: A loop buried in the driveway surface that prevents the gate closing on a vehicle. Adds £200–£500 but highly recommended for driveways used by multiple vehicles.
- Annual servicing: Electric gates require annual servicing to keep them safe and compliant with BS EN 12453. Budget £80–£150 per year.
- Intercom cable run: If the intercom is some distance from the gate motor, the cable will need to be trenched and may add to cost.
Does Location Affect Cost?
Yes — installation costs in the North West of England (including Wigan, St Helens, and Merseyside) are typically 10–20% lower than equivalent work in London and the South East. Labour rates in the North West are more competitive, and there are several strong local installers competing for the same work.
Do Automated Gates Add Value to Your Property?
Consistently, yes. Automated driveway gates are one of the highest-return home improvements in terms of kerb appeal and perceived value. Estate agents commonly report that automated gates make a property easier to sell and support asking prices at the upper end of the local range. For homes in the £300,000–£600,000 bracket in the North West, a set of quality electric gates can realistically add more than their installation cost to the property value.
Beyond resale value, automated gates offer genuine security benefits (deterring opportunistic car theft and burglary), privacy, and the day-to-day convenience of not having to get out of your car to open your driveway — particularly valuable in the North West's wet winter months.
How to Get an Accurate Quote
The only way to get an accurate price for your specific property is to have a professional carry out a free site survey. A good installer will measure your opening, check the ground conditions, assess the electrical supply, and recommend the right gate type and motor for your driveway — rather than guessing from a phone conversation.
At MPW Electrical Security, we offer free site surveys and no-obligation quotes across Wigan, St Helens, Newton-le-Willows and the wider North West. Call us on 07434 001222 or use the form below to arrange yours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an automatic gate installation cost in the UK?
Automatic gate installation in the UK typically costs between £1,800 and £8,000 for a standard residential installation. The exact cost depends on gate type (swing, sliding, bi-fold), gate width, material (steel, aluminium or timber), and the access control system chosen (fob, keypad, video intercom or app). Commercial gates start from around £4,000.
What is the cheapest type of automated gate?
Single swing gates are generally the most affordable automated gate option, starting from around £1,800 including installation. Sliding gates are typically more expensive due to the track and more powerful motor required.
Do automated gates add value to your home?
Yes. Automated gates are consistently shown to increase property value — typically adding between 5% and 10% to a property's kerb appeal and perceived value. They also improve security and privacy, which can be a selling point.
Ready for Your Free Site Survey?
We carry out free no-obligation surveys across Wigan, St Helens, Newton-le-Willows and the wider North West. No pushy sales — just honest, expert advice.