Moving Into a New Home? Here's Why You Should Always Change the Locks

You Never Know Who Has a Key

When you move into a new property, you're usually handed a set of keys and told that's everything. But the reality is, there's no way to guarantee those are the only copies in existence.

Think about it — previous homeowners or tenants may have shared spare keys with:

• Family members, friends or neighbours
• Cleaners, dog walkers or regular tradespeople
• Contractors who worked on the property
• Estate agents who managed viewings

It's About Peace of Mind

Moving into a new home comes with enough stress as it is. The last thing you want is to lie awake at night wondering who might still have access to your property.

Changing the locks gives you complete control. You know exactly who has keys, you can hand out spares with confidence, and you eliminate any uncertainty about previous access.

It's a Simple and Affordable Upgrade

One of the biggest misconceptions is that changing locks is expensive or complicated. In reality, it's often quick, straightforward, and more affordable than most people expect — especially when compared to the cost of a break-in, or the stress of an unwanted intruder.

In many cases, a locksmith can replace your locks in a single visit, upgrade your security at the same time, and ensure everything is fitted correctly and securely. Compared to moving costs or new furniture, it's a small investment with significant benefits.

Rekeying vs Replacing — What's the Difference?

If you're new to all this, you might be wondering whether you need a full replacement or if there's a cheaper option. Here's the quick breakdown:

Upgrade Your Home Security from Day One

Moving in is the perfect opportunity to improve your home's security. Instead of sticking with whatever locks are already fitted, you can choose something stronger and more reliable from the start.

Modern locks offer features such as anti-snap protection, anti-drill and anti-pick mechanisms, and high-security cylinders with improved durability. Many older locks simply don't provide the same level of protection — and upgrading early means you're starting off on the right foot, rather than waiting until there's a problem.

It Could Affect Your Insurance

This is something many homeowners don't realise: your home insurance policy may have specific requirements when it comes to locks. Some policies require certain types of locks, may not cover break-ins if locks are deemed inadequate, or expect reasonable steps to have been taken to secure the property.

If you move into a home with outdated or low-quality locks, you could unknowingly be putting your cover at risk. Changing your locks ensures you're compliant and properly protected — which is especially important from day one.

It's Especially Important for Rental Properties

If you're renting, it can be tempting to assume that security isn't your responsibility. But your safety still matters — and it's worth having a conversation with your landlord. Many tenants may have lived in the same property over the years, locks may not have been updated in a long time, and security standards may be outdated.

In most cases, landlords are open to upgrading locks — especially if it improves the property's safety and reduces their liability too.

When Should You Change the Locks?

The best time to change your locks is as soon as you move in. Ideally, arrange it for moving day or shortly after, do it before fully settling in, and prioritise external doors first. The sooner you do it, the sooner you eliminate any uncertainty.

• Arrange it for moving day or the day after
• Do it before fully settling into the property
• Start with external doors — front, back and any side access