Moving into a new home is an exciting milestone—fresh start, new surroundings, and endless possibilities. But in the midst of unpacking boxes and choosing paint colours, one critical task often gets overlooked: changing the locks.

It may seem like a small detail, especially with all the paperwork, utility set-ups, and decorating decisions involved in moving house. However, failing to change the locks on your new property can pose a serious security risk that many homeowners only realise too late.

So, who really has a key to your home—and why is it so important to take control of your property’s access points the moment you move in?

You’re Not Just Inheriting A House

When you take ownership of a new property, you're not just inheriting bricks and mortar—you’re also inheriting its security history. You may have the front door key, but there’s no guarantee it’s the only one.

Previous owners, tenants, landlords, letting agents, cleaners, dog walkers, tradespeople, neighbours, friends or family members—any of these individuals could have been given a spare key at some point. And unless the locks have been changed and documented, you have no way of knowing who might still have access.

That’s not a hypothetical problem—it’s a real risk. Countless home break-ins and unauthorised entries happen each year because someone uses an old key they never returned.

The Myth Of “Trusting” The Previous Owner

Many buyers are reassured by estate agents or sellers who say, “Don’t worry, we’ve handed over all the keys.” But unless locks have been professionally changed, it’s impossible to confirm how many copies were made—or where they ended up.

Even if the previous owner was honest and trustworthy, can the same be said for every tradesperson or acquaintance they may have given a key to over the years?

Trust is not a security strategy. Control is.

Why It’s Not Just About Burglaries

Unchanged locks don’t only leave you vulnerable to burglary. There are other potential consequences:

• Uninvited Access – Someone with an old key may let themselves in, believing they’re helping or reclaiming forgotten belongings.

• Insurance Claims – Some insurance providers may deny burglary claims if there’s no sign of forced entry and it’s discovered that the locks weren’t changed after purchase.

• Safety Concerns – In shared or rented properties, former tenants or maintenance workers may return with access, causing discomfort or even danger to current occupants.

Changing Locks: A Simple Step For Lasting Peace Of Mind

Fortunately, the solution is straightforward. A professional locksmith can change or rekey all your door locks in a single visit, giving you a brand-new set of keys and ensuring you’re the only person with access to your property.

This process can also be a good opportunity to:

• Upgrade to high-security locks that meet British Standard BS3621 (often required for insurance).

• Install smart locks or keyless entry systems for added convenience.

• Create a master key system if you want simplified access to multiple doors.

Changing locks immediately after moving should be viewed as a non-negotiable task—as essential as setting up your electricity or redirecting your post.

What About New Builds Or Recently Renovated Homes?

You might assume that a brand-new home doesn’t need lock changes—but even new builds come with risks. Builders, contractors, developers, and estate agents often have access during construction and marketing phases. It’s common for “construction keys” to be used—these can often be duplicated, and once the building is sold, they’re rarely collected or invalidated.

Similarly, homes that have undergone major renovations or repossessions could have had dozens of individuals with access at various times.

Bottom Line: If you didn’t personally install or commission the locks, they can’t be trusted.

What Should Be Changed?

When changing locks after moving in, consider more than just the front door. A thorough locksmith will assess:

• Front and back doors

• Side gates

• Patio or sliding doors

• Garages and sheds

• Window locks (where applicable)

Also, be sure to ask about keyed-alike systems, which allow multiple locks to be operated by a single key—ideal for convenience and key control.

Maintaining A Safe Space

Moving into a new home should be about fresh beginnings, not lingering concerns about who might still have access to your space. Taking the

simple step of changing your locks gives you peace of mind, protection, and full control over your property from day one.

In an age where security and privacy are more important than ever, don’t leave something so vital to chance. After all, it’s not just about who had a key—it’s about making sure you’re the only one who does now.