Get clarity and skip the hunches with the 5 best private investigators in London
When someone’s story has more gaps than your morning Tube service, it’s hard to switch off. Suspicions about hidden assets or unexplained whereabouts can soon take over your day.
You might start by looking at security companies, though an investigator may better suit the questions you need answered. Having someone gather the facts can help you decide what to do next.
So we’ve rounded up the best private investigators in London to make that search a little easier. Let’s look at what each agency offers and how it could fit your case and budget.
How much does a private investigation cost in London?
For individuals trying to track a debtor or check a new tenant, standard flat-fee background checks typically range from £350 to £3,000, while surveillance work usually costs between £50 and £200 per hour.
| Pricing Model | Typical Cost (GBP) | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly Rate | £50 to £200 / hour | Surveillance, open-ended tasks, or tracking movements |
| Day Rate | £450 to £1,200 / day | Sustained or full-day observation per operative |
| Fixed / Flat Fee | £50 to £3,000 | Background checks, people tracing, or asset discovery |
1. Expedite Detective Agency Ltd
Website
Address: Suite 4, 21 Stanley Park Road, Wallington
Contact: 020 8669 5851 | 07956 592409 | [email protected]
Hours: 24/7 contact availability
Waiting for answers can turn refreshing your phone into a full-time occupation. We like how Expedite Detective Agency keeps you in the loop by sending surveillance photos and videos through WhatsApp in real time.
The team handles personal and commercial enquiries, from background checks to UK people tracing.
For UK traces, Expedite offers typical results within 24–48 hours under its no-find, no-fee terms. You can use its published prices to start planning your budget and contact the team around the clock to discuss your case too.
The agency’s staff also bring police or military experience. You can even request a written report to keep the findings organised.
Do note, however, that you’ll need to book at least four hours of surveillance, even for a brief check.
After the initial case-specific quote, Expedite also charges £50 for additional hours between 9 AM and 9 PM, or £60 overnight.
Customer Reviews
“Infiltrate the target and gather lots of useful information”
Fantastic detective agency. I don’t know how they did it, but they managed to infiltrate the target and gather lots of useful information for me. Even provided a detailed statement I can use in court if my issue progresses that far. Hopefully, though, the vast amount of information supplied will do enough to shut down my problem. I particularly liked the owner’s flexibility on prices 😉
— Lucy McEwan | Google Review
2. National Private Investigators
Website
Address: 71–75 Shelton Street
Contact: 020 7459 4526 | 07766 762887 | [email protected]
Hours: 24/7 support
When your case stretches beyond London, it helps to have investigators who can follow enquiries further afield. It’s a good thing that National Private Investigators’ network includes over 40 surveillance operatives across the UK.
Former Army reconnaissance soldier Jack Charman leads the team, which handles matrimonial enquiries, corporate due diligence and bug sweeps.
Its ABI and IPI memberships also give you professional credentials to weigh alongside that experience.
If you’re working with divorce lawyers, the team’s detailed reports help you share findings with your solicitor. You can start with a free consultation to talk through your concerns, with 24/7 support available as questions arise.
That said, background checks and asset searches each start at £750 plus VAT, so answers don’t come at pocket-money prices. Either service may stretch your budget when you only need a narrow check.
Customer Reviews
“Finding out information we required, discreetly, promptly and professionally”
Jack was nothing short of amazing at finding out information we required, discreetly, promptly and professionally. I hope we don’t need to use his services again but if we ever did he’s the man! Would highly recommend to anyone. Thanks Jack.
— Sara Malone | Google Review
“Swift investigation”
I used the services of National Private Investigators for a sensitive matter as a close family member had started a new relationship, and we were concerned that she was being taken advantage of. We are so relieved we had him checked out, as they found out he was a scammer and he had befriended women previously and taken money from them, which we thought he was doing this time. So glad we had him investigated; I would highly recommend their swift investigation
— Robert Palmer | Google Review
3. SPS Investigations Ltd
Website
Address: First Floor Office, 3 Hornton Place
Contact: 0208 154 3359 | [email protected]
Hours: Available 24/7
When a London mystery starts taking up too much headspace, SPS Investigations gives you somewhere to turn. The agency advertises Kensington and Mayfair offices and handles personal and commercial enquiries across the capital.
You can ask the team to investigate relationship concerns, conduct surveillance or trace people you’ve lost contact with. They handle data recovery, vehicle tracking and process serving, giving you several ways to tackle a complicated enquiry.
We like how, rather than picking a package and hoping it fits, you discuss your needs before SPS prepares a costed action plan.
Its 24/7 availability also makes it easier to start that conversation around your schedule.
However, SPS focuses on London, the Home Counties and selected commuter towns, so cases spanning distant UK regions may suit a wider network.
Customer Reviews
“Knowledgeable, discreet, and extremely thorough”
Very professional service. The technician was knowledgeable, discreet, and extremely thorough during the sweep. Everything was explained clearly and the process was handled with complete respect for privacy.
Highly recommended if you want a reliable and professional bug detection service.
— Jackson Pat | Google Review
“Zeroed in on a long-lost family member”
I was recommended Patrick and his team @ SPS Investigations by my solicitor to locate and zero in on a long-lost family member last seen in 2008 > which they did within 3 working days. Cheers, mate- really appreciate your help.
— WISEGUY | Google Review
4. Are They Safe Private Investigators
Website
Address: 1st Floor, 2 Woodberry Grove
Contact: 0800 019 9424 | +44 20 7183 6973 | [email protected] | [email protected]
Hours: Available 24/7
Before you share a home or sign an agreement, you might want to know whether someone’s story adds up. Are They Safe addresses those concerns through background checks, the service that launched the agency in 2014.
Its work now extends to child-custody enquiries, fraud investigations and online research. That broader scope gives you somewhere to turn when a background concern develops into a more complicated personal or business matter.
The agency also assigns a dedicated case manager to keep you updated, so you’ve got a clear point of contact. It offers 24/7 availability, holds ICO registration and states that it maintains professional and public liability insurance, too.
On the flip side, you’ll generally need to pay upfront unless an account arrangement applies. Quoted fees exclude expenses such as travel and undercover costs as well, so fieldwork may leave your budget doing some extra legwork.
Customer Reviews
“Real reassurance and peace of mind”
…was extremely impressed with the service. The investigator was professional, discreet and explained the process clearly from start to finish.
The inspection was carried out thoroughly and gave me complete peace of mind knowing that my home had been checked for any listening devices or hidden surveillance equipment. The team was knowledgeable, reassuring, and took the time to answer all of my questions.
I would highly recommend Are They Safe Private Investigators to anyone concerned about their privacy or security. A first-class service that provided real reassurance and peace of mind.
— Grace Thorne | Google Review
“Exceeded my expectations”
If you are looking for a private investigator in London, then I would highly recommend this firm. My investigation was handled extremely professionally, and regular updates were provided throughout the course of my instruction. The evidence gathered was detailed, well-presented, and exceeded my expectations. Thank you so much.
— Jennifer J | Google Review
5. London Private Investigators
Website
Address: Registered Office (UK) Ltd, 167–169 Great Portland Street, 5th Floor
Contact: 020 3834 9289 | [email protected]
Hours: By appointment
When stock keeps disappearing, or a site suffers repeated vandalism, guesswork soon wears thin. London Private Investigators offers corporate and infrastructure investigations to help you establish what’s happening.
The agency has former military personnel leading its operation, with enquiries available across the UK.
We like how its services include covert monitoring, bug sweeps and drone support, giving you options when a case needs more than conventional observation.
But before you commit, the team explains its proposed approach and provides a written quotation.
Afterwards, you receive a report with time-stamped photographs, video or other supporting documentation where appropriate, helping you discuss the findings with your advisers.
The catch? Covert camera and remote monitoring starts at £1,500 including VAT per week, which needs some budget breathing room. Surveillance starts at £78 including VAT per hour, per operative, so bringing in several investigators increases the bill.
Customer Reviews
“First class service”
The London Private Investigators provided us a first class service. I was a bit nervous making the enquiry but my mind was put at ease after the initial discussion. Once we went ahead with the job, communication was great throughout which was again very helpful for someone who has never used this service before. Would highly recommend. Many thanks
— Fort Media | Google Review
“Discreet and easy to work with”
I recently used London Private Investigators and found them to be professional, discreet and easy to work with. They communicated clearly throughout the process and provided the information I needed in a well-presented report.
The team was responsive, knowledgeable and handled the matter with sensitivity and professionalism. I appreciated their straightforward approach and attention to detail, which gave me confidence in the work they carried out.
— Georgia Pike | Google Review