The boxes are still in the hall, you cannot find the kettle, and someone hands you a set of keys with a smile and says, “That should be all of them.” Should be is doing a lot of work there. One of the first security decisions in any new home is whether to change locks after moving house, and in most cases the answer is yes.
That does not mean every property needs every lock replaced on day one. But it does mean you should think carefully about who may still have access, what condition the current locks are in, and whether they meet modern security standards. A house move is one of the few moments when you can reset control of your property properly.
Why change locks after moving house?
The simple reason is that you rarely know how many keys are in circulation. Previous owners may have given spare keys to relatives, neighbours, cleaners, dog walkers, tradespeople or tenants. Even if everyone involved is honest, keys get copied, lost and forgotten about over time.
For buyers, that uncertainty is reason enough. For tenants, it can be even murkier if the property has had several occupants over the years. Landlords may have changed locks between lets, but you should never assume. If you are moving into a commercial unit, the same principle applies. Old staff, former contractors or previous occupiers may still have keys or access codes.
There is also the practical side. A lot of people only discover stiff locks, worn cylinders or badly aligned doors once they start using them every day. Moving in is often when small lock issues become obvious, and those small issues can turn into lockouts or failed locks at the worst possible moment.
When changing locks is essential
Sometimes this is not really a judgement call. If you have moved into a property after a messy sale, a relationship breakdown, a repossession, or a change of tenancy with unclear key history, replacing the locks is the sensible step. The same applies if keys were handed over loosely, if key safes are already fitted, or if there are signs of forced entry, poor repairs or DIY security work.
If the door has an older euro cylinder without anti-snap protection, upgrading is worth serious consideration. In parts of South London and Kent, opportunist burglars know exactly what weak points to look for. A lock may still work perfectly well and still not offer the level of protection you would want.
Insurance can matter too. Some policies expect certain lock standards on external doors and windows. If the locks are outdated or not working properly, you may not be as well protected as you think.
When it depends
There are situations where a full lock change may not be necessary. If you know the seller personally, the property is newly built, or the locks are high quality and recently fitted, you may decide that a rekeying or selective upgrade makes more sense. It depends on the type of lock, the condition of the hardware and your comfort level.
That said, peace of mind has value. Many homeowners decide to change at least the front and back door locks straight away, then review side doors, garages, sheds and internal locks once they have settled in. That is often a sensible balance between budget and security.
Which locks should you prioritise?
Start with any external door that gives direct access to the property. Front doors, back doors, side entrances and patio doors matter most. If you have a porch, shared access area or garage with internal entry into the house, include those as well.
Windows are slightly different. You do not usually replace every window lock after moving in unless there is a fault, missing key or obvious weakness. But they should be checked, particularly on ground floor windows and easily accessible upper windows over flat roofs or extensions.
If you have moved into a flat, pay attention to communal entry systems and any additional private locks on your own front door. In some buildings there are rules around what can be changed, so it is worth checking before work is carried out.
Replace or rekey?
People often use these terms interchangeably, but they are not always the same. Replacing a lock usually means fitting a new cylinder, sashlock, nightlatch or mechanism. Rekeying means altering the lock so the old keys no longer work, while keeping some or all of the existing hardware.
Whether rekeying is possible depends on the lock type. On some systems it is a cost-effective option. On others, replacement is quicker, simpler and gives a better result. If the current lock is poor quality, damaged or not compliant with modern standards, replacing it is usually the better long-term choice.
A good locksmith will not push a full replacement if a straightforward rekey will do the job. Equally, they should tell you honestly if keeping the old lock is a false economy.
What about smart locks?
Moving house often prompts people to think about keyless entry. Smart locks can be useful, especially if you want temporary codes for family members, cleaners or short-term access. They can also remove the problem of unknown copied keys from previous occupiers.
But smart does not automatically mean more secure. The best option depends on the door, the existing mechanism, your budget and how comfortable you are relying on batteries, apps and connectivity. For many homes, a high-quality mechanical lock upgrade is still the most practical answer. For others, a smart solution works well as part of a wider security setup.
How much does it cost to change locks after moving house?
The honest answer is that it varies. Cost depends on how many doors need attention, the lock type, the quality of the replacement and whether any mechanism repairs are needed. A standard cylinder change is not the same job as replacing a failed multipoint locking mechanism on a uPVC door.
Cheapest is not always best. External door locks protect the main access points to your home, so it makes sense to choose products that are reliable, durable and appropriate for the door. If a locksmith recommends a higher-grade lock, ask why. You should get a clear explanation, not a sales pitch.
Transparent pricing matters here. You want to know what is being fitted, why it is suitable, and what the total cost will be before work starts wherever possible.
Choosing the right locksmith for a house move
A house move is stressful enough without chasing vague arrival times or speaking to a call centre that cannot answer basic questions. A local locksmith who can assess the property properly and explain your options clearly is usually the safer bet.
Look for someone who offers straightforward advice, uses recognised lock standards and is willing to talk through what needs doing now versus what can wait. You do not need scare tactics. You need calm, practical guidance.
This is especially important if you have inherited awkward doors, older timber frames, uPVC mechanisms that do not quite line up, or a mix of lock types across the property. A proper assessment can save money by identifying what only needs adjustment or repair, rather than immediate replacement.
A sensible first-week checklist
If you have just moved in, deal with the basics first. Make sure all external doors lock properly from inside and outside. Check that every key works smoothly. Test window locks where fitted. Remove hidden spare keys left under pots, mats or bins. If there is an alarm, change codes and confirm it is working. If there is a key safe, reset it or replace it.
Then decide what level of control you want. Some people want every external lock changed immediately and sleep better for it. Others prioritise the main entry points first and book additional work once the move settles down. Both approaches can be reasonable if the risks are understood.
For homeowners, tenants, landlords and small business owners alike, the key point is this: access control should never be based on guesswork. If you do not know who has keys to your property, you do not fully control it.
If you are unsure what your new place needs, a local locksmith can usually tell you quickly whether a lock change, upgrade or simple repair is the right move. At SJ Locksmiths Bromley, that kind of honest advice is often what people value most after the dust of moving day has settled.
A new home should feel like yours from the start, and sometimes that begins with something as simple as knowing the only keys that work are the ones in your hand.