Are you looking to change locks on a new house? Moving into a new house is an exciting milestone, a fresh start, a new space, and endless possibilities. But before you unpack your boxes and settle in, there’s one small but crucial task that often gets overlooked: changing the locks.
Key takeaways
- Change the locks or rekey them right after moving in, since you cannot know who holds old keys
- Make a full list of entry points, including garage, side gates, sheds, and patio doors
- Reset garage door openers, keypad codes, smart locks, and alarm codes as well as physical locks
- Rekeying suits locks in good condition, while replacement makes sense for worn or low-security hardware
It’s not just a matter of security; it’s about peace of mind. You never really know who still has a copy of the old keys. From former owners and tenants to cleaners, builders, or estate agents, there could be several sets of keys still floating around.
Change Locks As Soon As You Move In
The easiest way to make sure only you and your family can access your new home is to replace or rekey all the locks right after you move in.
1. Security and control from day one
Your home’s locks are the first line of defence. By changing them immediately, you take control of who can enter your property. It’s a simple step that prevents unexpected visitors and eliminates the risk of someone using an old key to get in.
2. Opportunity to upgrade
A lock change isn’t just about replacing old hardware. It’s a chance to upgrade your home security. You can install high-security locks, smart locks, or insurance-approved British Standard locks (BS3621) for better protection and compliance. A professional locksmith can advise which type suits your doors best, from mortice and rim cylinders to modern keyless options.
3. Rekeying vs. replacing locks
If your existing locks are in good condition, you might not need a full replacement. Rekeying is a cost-effective alternative where the internal mechanism is adjusted to fit new keys. This way, old keys won’t work anymore, but you keep your existing lock body and handles.
4. Moving into rented or shared accommodation
Even if your new place is rented, it’s still worth asking the landlord when the locks were last changed. If you’re responsible for your own security, arrange a professional locksmith visit right after you collect the keys. It’s also a good moment to fit additional locks or restrict access to private areas.
5. Add locks to windows and outbuildings
Don’t forget about other entry points. Garages, sheds, and patio doors are common weak spots. A locksmith can check all your locks and suggest any upgrades needed for insurance or safety purposes.
When to call a professional locksmith
A local locksmith can change your locks quickly, often the same day you move in. They’ll make sure everything is fitted correctly, the keys work smoothly, and your new locks meet security standards. If you’re in a rush, many locksmiths offer 24/7 emergency service, even on weekends.
A good locksmith company in London you can contact anytime is SW Locksmith, but many other small local businesses would help you even faster, such as Battersea Locksmith or Knightsbridge Locksmith. Give them a call and they will help you in about 30 minutes.
A Move-In Day Security Checklist Beyond the Front Door
When you change the locks, it is easy to focus on the front door and forget everything else. Walk around the whole property on the first day and list every way in: back and side doors, the door from the garage into the house, patio and sliding doors, basement entries, gates, and outbuildings. This list becomes your plan for the locksmith or your own weekend project.
Many homes also have electronic access that old keys do not cover. Previous owners, neighbors, or contractors may still have garage remotes, keypad codes, or app access to smart locks and doorbells. Reset these to factory settings and create new codes, and ask the seller or agent for any alarm system codes so you can change them with the monitoring company.
If you are moving in over a weekend or holiday, plan ahead so you are not left with unknown keys for days. Book a locksmith in advance for the day you collect the keys, or buy replacement hardware beforehand if you plan to do the work yourself. In the meantime, use any interior bolts or door chains at night, and keep windows and back doors closed and locked while you are busy unpacking.
- Reprogram garage door openers and keypads
- Reset smart locks and remove old user accounts
- Change alarm codes and update contact details
- Check for spare keys hidden outside the house
What It Costs to Change the Locks on a New Home
The cost to change the locks depends on how many doors you have, whether you rekey or replace, the type of lock, and whether you hire a locksmith or do it yourself. Rekeying is usually the less expensive option because you keep the existing hardware and only the internal pins change. Replacing locks costs more, especially for high-security or smart models.
Locksmith call-out fees, after-hours rates, and labor vary a lot by region, so ask for a clear quote before work begins. A helpful way to save is to buy new locks that can all be keyed alike, so one key opens every exterior door. It is convenient for the family and reduces the number of keys that can go missing.
Before you change the locks, count how many keys each household member really needs, and decide whether a trusted neighbor or relative should hold a spare. Keep a simple record of who has keys so you can track them over time. If you ever lose a key or have a falling out with someone who holds one, you will know exactly which locks to rekey. It is also worth checking whether your home insurance policy has any requirements about lock types on exterior doors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Changing Locks Yourself
Swapping a standard doorknob or deadbolt is a manageable project for many handy homeowners, but a few mistakes come up again and again. The most common is buying a lock that does not fit the door. Measure the backset, which is the distance from the edge of the door to the center of the hole, and the door thickness before you shop.
Other problems include overtightening screws so the lock binds, leaving the strike plate misaligned so the bolt does not fully extend, and using short screws that give little protection if someone kicks the door. Test every lock with the door both open and closed before you finish. For multipoint locks, damaged doors, or anything that does not feel right, calling a professional locksmith is the safer choice.
- Measure backset and door thickness first
- Check the bolt fully extends into the frame
- Use longer screws in the strike plate where suitable
- Test each lock several times with the door closed
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you change the locks when you buy a house?
Yes. When you buy a house, you have no way of knowing how many copies of the old keys exist or who holds them. Changing or rekeying the locks as soon as you move in is an inexpensive way to make sure only your household can get inside.
Is rekeying as secure as replacing the locks?
Rekeying makes old keys stop working, so it solves the problem of unknown key holders. However, it does not upgrade the lock itself. If your current locks are old, worn, or low security, replacing them with stronger hardware gives better protection than rekeying alone.
Can I change the locks in a rental property myself?
Usually not without permission. Most leases require tenants to ask the landlord before changing or adding locks, and the landlord may need a copy of the key. Check your lease and local rules, then speak to your landlord. Many are happy to arrange a lock change for new tenants.
How long does it take to change the locks on a house?
A locksmith can often rekey or replace a standard lock in well under an hour, so an average home is frequently done in a single visit. Doing it yourself may take longer the first time. Extra doors, smart locks, or damaged frames can add time to the job.
Final thoughts
Changing the locks in your new house is one of those small tasks that makes a big difference. It’s affordable, fast, and instantly boosts your security. You’ll sleep better knowing no one else has access to your home, because your keys are truly yours. Reach out to your local locksmith now, and you’ll get the best solution for your new house.
