The keys handed over on completion day may open your new front door, but you cannot know how many other copies are still in circulation. Previous owners may have given keys to relatives, neighbours, cleaners, builders, dog walkers or tenants. That is why many security professionals advise you to change locks when moving house as one of the first jobs after getting the keys.
It is not about assuming the previous owner has bad intentions. It is about starting with clear control over who can enter the property. A lock change is a relatively straightforward measure that can remove a major unknown at a time when you are already dealing with removals, utilities, paperwork and unpacking.
Why change locks when moving house?
A set of keys is easy to copy, easy to misplace and hard to account for. Even if the seller hands over two, three or five sets, there may be older copies that nobody remembers. The same applies to keys for side gates, garages, sheds, patio doors, communal entrances and letterboxes.
Changing the locks gives you a known starting point. From then on, you decide who receives a key, how many are cut and whether access needs to be limited to certain areas. For families, landlords and buyers of previously rented homes, that reassurance is often reason enough.
There can also be a practical security benefit. The locks fitted by a previous owner may be worn, poorly installed or below the standard you would choose today. Moving house creates a sensible opportunity to assess the whole entrance, rather than simply carrying on with whatever was already there.
Change the lock, rekey it or upgrade it?
The right solution depends on the door, the existing hardware and your budget. A qualified locksmith can normally explain the options clearly after inspecting the property.
Rekeying a lock
Rekeying means altering the internal mechanism so that the old keys no longer work. It can be an efficient option where the lock body is sound and compatible with a new key arrangement. It provides the key-control benefit of a lock change without necessarily replacing every visible part of the door furniture.
However, rekeying is not always possible or worthwhile. If the lock is damaged, outdated or offers limited resistance to modern methods of attack, replacement may be the better long-term choice.
Replacing the cylinder or mortice lock
Many modern uPVC, composite and aluminium doors use a euro cylinder within a multi-point locking mechanism. Replacing the cylinder can be quick, but the quality of the replacement matters. A suitable anti-snap cylinder and properly matched security handles can make a meaningful difference to protection.
Traditional timber doors may use a rim cylinder and nightlatch, a mortice sashlock or a deadlock. Where appropriate, a British Standard lock may be recommended, particularly if your insurer specifies one. Insurance requirements vary, so check your policy rather than relying on assumptions made by the previous owner or estate agent.
Upgrading the complete door security
Sometimes the lock is only part of the problem. A loose keep, tired hinges, a weak frame, misaligned multi-point mechanism or poor fitting can undermine an otherwise good lock. A proper inspection should consider how the door closes, whether it is secure in the frame and whether the locking points engage correctly.
This is particularly relevant for doors that have become stiff, need lifting to lock or show signs of previous forced entry. Do not wait for a mechanism to fail completely – a door that is difficult to lock can become a lockout or emergency repair at the least convenient moment.
Which locks should be changed first?
Start with every external door that provides access to the home. That usually means the front and rear doors, but do not overlook the side entrance, integral garage door, conservatory door and any door from a garage into the house.
Then consider the rest of the property. Gate keys can give someone access to a private garden; garage and shed keys can provide access to tools, bicycles and equipment; and a communal entrance key may matter if you have moved into a flat. If there is a key safe outside the property, change its code immediately or replace it if its condition is doubtful.
For a larger property, it can help to make a short access list before a locksmith attends. Include every door, outbuilding, cabinet or safe that uses a key. It prevents the common situation where the main door is secured but an old garage key remains unaccounted for.
Do you need to change locks in a new-build home?
New-build homes deserve the same consideration. During construction, keys may have been used by site staff, contractors, surveyors and cleaners. Some developments use temporary construction cylinders, while others provide final keys at handover. Either way, ask what key-control arrangements have been used and whether locks have been changed or reset before completion.
A new house may also benefit from a security check once you have moved in. Check that doors lock smoothly, windows close properly and external lighting covers access routes. New does not automatically mean correctly adjusted, especially after a building has settled or been through its first season of changing temperatures.
Smart locks: useful, but not right for every door
Moving house is often when people consider a smart lock. They can be useful for households that want code, card or phone access, temporary visitor permissions, or the ability to remove access without collecting a physical key. They can also suit landlords and small businesses where access changes regularly.
The trade-off is that smart locks need careful product selection, correct installation and a clear plan for backup access. Battery management, door compatibility and the quality of the mechanical lock beneath the smart technology all matter. A smart lock should strengthen your control of access, not introduce a weak point or leave you relying on an app when a physical override is needed.
For many homes, a high-quality mechanical lock with restricted or controlled key cutting remains an excellent choice. The best option depends on how the household uses the property, not simply on whether the newest technology is available.
Do not forget security beyond the lock
A new lock will not solve every security issue. Once the property is empty and you have time to look around, inspect the basics: exterior doors, frames, hinges, window locks, garage access, boundary gates and any visible key storage. Make sure you know who has alarm codes, gate fob access, CCTV logins or smart-home app permissions, then reset them where necessary.
If you have inherited a safe, do not force it open or assume a key is the only answer. A locksmith and safe specialist can assess the make, condition and available access options without causing unnecessary damage. The same applies to a jammed garage lock or an old uPVC door that will not lift into place properly.
Choose a locksmith you can verify
Moving day can attract rushed decisions, particularly if you discover a faulty lock late in the afternoon. Be cautious of vague adverts, unrealistically low call-out prices and businesses that cannot clearly identify who will attend. Ask for a clear explanation of the work proposed and the likely cost before authorising it.
An established local locksmith should be able to assess the existing lock, explain whether rekeying or replacement is suitable, and fit an appropriate solution without pressuring you into unnecessary work. Master Locksmiths Association approval is a useful sign that you are dealing with a vetted, assessed professional rather than an unverified lead-generation advert.
KBO Lock & Safe can help homeowners, landlords and property managers across Hampshire and Surrey make a practical plan for securing a newly occupied property, from a single cylinder change to a wider door and access review.
Make the first night in your new home more secure
You do not need to turn completion day into a major security project. Begin with the locks that control entry, make sure every key is accounted for, and deal promptly with any door that feels unreliable. Once you know that access is under your control, you can unpack, settle in and enjoy the home with one less uncertainty hanging over the move.
