Are you moving home this spring? If so, you’re not alone. This season is arguably the UK’s most popular time to move house. According to Rightmove, “the spring months are typically the busiest period of the year for the housing market”. Demand naturally peaks as families prepare for summer transitions.
Yet amid all the packing and paperwork, one key task is often overlooked: changing the locks.
It doesn’t matter if you’re moving into a preowned home or a newly built property. Replacing your locks should be a top priority. Why? This guide explains why it matters and how to secure your new home from day one.
Why Changing Your Locks Matters
The keys are new to you. However, when you purchase a home, knowing how many duplicates are already in circulation is impossible. It’s not just previous owners you have to worry about. Spare keys may have been handed out to neighbours, cleaners, pet sitters, and even tradespeople. The issue: not all of them get returned. Even if you trust the seller, they might not be aware of every key floating around.
New-build homes are not victims of this situation, right? Wrong. The risk is no less significant. Developers often grant access to a range of contractors, including electricians, plumbers, and decorators. Unless you’re handed a fresh set of locks upon completion of the build, there’s no way to confirm who might still have access to your property.
The risk isn’t only about unwanted visitors. Many insurers require evidence of forced entry to validate a burglary claim, so unauthorised access with a key could mean your home insurance claim is denied if it’s proven that you didn’t take reasonable precautions in changing the locks. Additionally, many insurers expect homeowners to have locks that meet British Standards.
All these points are why we recommend changing your locks as soon as you move in – ideally on day one. This isn’t just the front and back doors, either. It also includes keys for sheds, gates, garages, and even post boxes. By upgrading to anti-snap and British Standard compliant locks, you improve both security and your peace of mind.
After all, a new home should be a fresh start, not a potential security risk.
Additional Security Tips When Moving
You now know the importance of changing your locks. However, there are additional steps to take to prevent bigger issues from cropping up later. Yes, moving house is a hectic time, but the following tips help protect your new home from day one.
- Don’t leave keys in obvious spots: New locks are still vulnerable if you leave spare keys in obvious spots. Think doormats, plant pots, and bins. These spots are the first places a potential intruder will check. Instead, consider using a secure key safe or leaving a spare with a family member or trusted neighbour.
- Check all windows and outbuildings: Make sure all windows – especially those on the ground floor – have working locks. This is the same case for garages, sheds, and gates. When left unsecured, you can be providing easy access to tools and valuables.
- Upgrade to British Standard or anti-snap locks: It’s imperative that, when taking the steps to change your locks, you do it right. That’s where it’s important to use high-security locks that meet British Standards. Anti-snap locks can also provide an extra layer of protection against potential burglars.
- Review your home insurance requirements: It’s wise to check your policy for any lock standards that must be met. Remember: not using compliant locks could affect your ability to claim in the event of a break-in.
- Choose a professional locksmith: Avoid DIY solutions and unaccredited installers. Instead, use a professional locksmith who is DBS checked and possesses accreditations and a wealth of positive reviews. Aside from completing the installation effectively, a good locksmith will advise you on the right locks to use.
How LockRite Locksmiths Can Help
At LockRite, we make securing your new home simple, fast, and stress-free. Our nationwide DBS-checked locksmith team is professionally trained and available – even on moving day. Whether you’ve just moved into a new build or a Victorian house, we can upgrade your locks quickly. Many of our locksmiths possess over a decade of experience and understand the urgency of moving home security.
We supply and install the best locks for your needs, to not just boost your home’s protection, but also meet insurance requirements where required. As for our quality, don’t only take our word for it. With thousands of verified five-star reviews on Trustpilot, Reviews.io, and Google Business, LockRite is a name you can trust when it matters most.
Your new home deserves a fresh start with the right security in place. With LockRite, you can enjoy peace of mind from day one.
Recent New Home Jobs Completed by LockRite
Location: Epsom, Surrey
Epsom Locksmith: Morne
Our customer had just purchased a three-bed property and was concerned about who might have old keys. We replaced two outdated Euro cylinders with new British Standard models to enhance their front and back door security.
Location: Andover
Andover Locksmith: Kevin
We replaced multiple locks for a customer moving into a new home. The job included an ERA high-security night latch, two British Standard 5-lever sash locks, three Euro cylinders, two rim cylinders, and a cam lock for the post box.
Location: Chigwell, Essex
Chigwell Locksmith: Chad
For a customer who had just moved in, we installed four new anti-snap Euro cylinders, a BS 5-lever mortice deadbolt, and a Yale Kitemarked rim cylinder to bring their home security up to modern standards.
Final Thoughts
In the grand scheme of purchasing a new home, changing your locks is a small step. However, don’t underestimate how vital a step it is to take. It’s an easy way to take control of your security and protect your belongings and those in your home. With so many unknowns – like who may still have a spare key – it simply isn’t worth the risk.
Don’t rely on outdated locks or attempt a DIY fix. Instead, choose a professional, trusted locksmith to do the job right. At LockRite, we’re here to help start this new chapter with confidence and peace of mind.
