Should You Change the Locks at Your New Home?

Quick Answer

Changing locks costs £100–£150 for a standard lock and takes one locksmith visit. It's not mandatory but worth considering if multiple people had keys or you don't know the property's history. Do it within first week if you're going to do it; same-day emergency visits cost more. Rekeying existing locks is sometimes cheaper if locks are good quality.

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The Security Question: Do You Actually Need New Locks?

When you move into a property, you probably won't know:

• How many previous occupants had keys
• Who has spare copies (estate agents, landlords, previous occupants)
• Whether keys were ever lost or duplicated
• Who might still have access

So the question isn't "Are new locks mandatory?" (they're not). The question is "Would new locks make you feel more secure?"

If yes, do it. If no, skip it. But know the difference between "legally required" (it's not) and "practically sensible" (it often is). Lock security is one of the first priorities when getting to know your new home, and decisions here often pair with understanding your home's security systems more broadly.

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When You Should Definitely Change Locks

Multiple previous occupants: If the property has had tenants or been a rental, multiple people held keys. Change the locks. This is especially common in new build properties where the builder had access. NHBC recommends securing all access points before occupation.

Property's history is unknown: If you don't know the property's background, changing locks is cheap peace of mind. Your survey report may provide clues about occupancy history.

Previous occupants difficult to contact: If the previous owners/tenants are hard to reach or uncooperative, you can't confirm they've returned all copies. Change the locks.

You've had a break-in or security concern: This is obvious but include it anyway.

You have young children or vulnerable family: Extra security measures might feel important.

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When You Could Probably Skip It

New build property: Builder is unlikely to have hidden keys lying around. Security is relatively straightforward.

Recent single owner: If one person owned the property for a long time and you know them, less risk of rogue key copies.

Good quality existing locks: If the existing locks are solid and you're confident in their history, rekeying might be enough.

You genuinely don't care: If security isn't your priority and you trust the property's history, you don't need to do anything.

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Lock Change Costs (2026)

Standard Lock Replacement

• Single lock (e.g., front door deadlock): £100–£150 (materials + labour)
• Yale lock: £59–£120 (standard); £125–£150 (high-security or anti-snap)
• Mortice lock: £130+ to replace
• Anti-snap cylinder: £60+ (premium security option)

Whole Home Lock Change

• Typical 3-entry home (front, back, garage): £300–£450 total
• More entries/higher security: £400–£600+

Locksmith Hourly Rate

• Standard working hours (9am–5pm): ~£65/hour
• Emergency/after hours: £50–£150 callout fee + hourly rate (significantly more expensive)

Rekeying vs. Replacing

• Rekeying: Takes old lock mechanism and changes the key code (cheaper, 30–60 minutes)
• Replacing: Removes old lock entirely and installs new one (more expensive but new hardware)
• Cost difference: Rekeying usually £40–£80; replacing usually £100–£150+
• Benefit of replacing: You get new, modern locks with better security features

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Best Timing to Change Locks

On Moving Day

• Cost: Standard rate (usually 9am–5pm weekday)
• Advantage: You control access from the moment you arrive
• Challenge: You're already exhausted and stressed
• Recommendation: Only do this if you're very concerned about security

Within First Week

• Cost: Standard rate (normal business hours)
• Advantage: Still within "immediate" timeframe; you're slightly less exhausted than day one
• Recommendation: Best option if you're going to change locks

First Month

• Cost: Standard rate if you schedule in advance
• Advantage: You can plan it properly; shop around for best quotes
• Recommendation: Fine if you're less concerned about security

Emergency/After Hours

• Cost: Emergency callout fee (£50–£150) + hourly rate (significantly more)
• Example: Same lock that costs £150 during day might cost £300+ after hours
• Only do if: You're locked out, there's a security breach, or it's genuinely urgent

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How to Get Lock Changes Done

Get Multiple Quotes

• Contact 3–4 locksmiths in your area
• Describe exactly what needs changing (single lock vs. multiple entries, lock type)
• Ask for fixed quotes, not hourly rates
• Takes 10 minutes and saves money

Book in Advance

• Locksmith availability is usually better midweek
• Monday–Thursday you'll get faster appointments than Friday–Sunday
• Morning appointments are standard; you can book specific times

Ask About Options

• Rekeying vs. replacing (sometimes rekeying is sufficient)
• Lock type (Yale vs. mortice vs. deadlock)
• High-security options (anti-snap cylinders cost £60 more but prevent specific break-in method)
• Whether they test locks after installation

On the Day

• Be home for the appointment (locksmith needs you to confirm doors working)
• Ask them to test all locks after installation
• Get a receipt (proves locks changed, date, cost)
• Ask for spare keys if relevant

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The Insurance Question

Your buildings insurance doesn't specifically require new locks, but it might require:

• Locks in "good working order" (existing locks should meet this)
• Proof of forced entry if you make a claim (matters only if break-in)

Most insurers follow industry standards set by ABI guidance on home security practices.

Changing locks doesn't affect your insurance premium. Not changing locks won't invalidate insurance unless locks are broken or non-functional.

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DIY vs. Professional

Can You Rekey a Lock Yourself?

Sometimes. Modern Yale locks (cylinder locks) can be rekeyed by removing the cylinder and sending it to a locksmith. Other lock types require professional tools.

Not recommended unless: You've done it before and you're confident.

Why: If you mess it up, you've made your security worse and now you need a professional locksmith anyway.

Better option: Pay the £40–£80 for professional rekeying. You know it's done correctly. Peace of mind is worth it.

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Final Decision Framework

Ask yourself three questions:

1. Do I know this property's history well? (Previous owners, occupants, key holders)

   • Yes = probably don't need to change locks
   • No = probably should

2. Do I have security concerns? (Multiple previous occupants, rental property, unknown history)

   • Yes = change locks
   • No = optional

3. Would I feel more secure with new locks? (This is valid enough reason)

   • Yes = change locks
   • No = skip it

If you answer "yes" to question 2 or 3, change the locks. It's not mandatory. It's sensible.

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If You Rent Your Property

If you're letting the property to tenants, changing locks before they move in is essential. Tenants should only have keys you've given them. This is standard practice for landlords and aligns with requirements from Gas Safe Register and tenant protection guidelines.

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The Real Talk

Objectively, most break-ins are through windows or forced doors, not bypassed locks. Changing locks is more about peace of mind than genuine security upgrade.

If you read "the previous owners had keys" and it made you uncomfortable, change the locks. Peace of mind in your own home is worth £150. This decision often comes together with your broader first-week moving priorities and admin tasks.

If you read that and thought "whatever, locks work fine," skip it.

Both are correct decisions based on your comfort level.

Do I legally have to change the locks?

No. Changing locks is optional, not a legal requirement. However, it's often sensible if the property has had multiple occupants or you don't know who has spare keys. Your buildings insurance doesn't require it, though they may require locks to be in "good working order." The decision is based on your comfort level and the property's history, not legal obligation.

Is it cheaper to rekey or replace locks?

Rekeying is usually cheaper (£40–£80) than replacing (£100–£150+). Rekeying changes the key code while keeping the existing hardware, suitable if your locks are good quality. Replacing gives you new, modern locks with potentially better security features. Choose based on your existing lock condition and security needs.

When's the best time to change locks?

Within the first week is ideal while you have energy and the issue feels pressing. You can do it on moving day (more stressful), within the first week (best option), or within the first month (still reasonable). Emergency after-hours changes cost significantly more and should only be used if you're locked out or discover a security breach immediately.

Will changing locks affect my buildings insurance?

No. Buildings insurance doesn't require new locks and doesn't increase premiums when you change them. It only requires locks to be in "good working order" for claims to be valid. Changing locks is a security measure that your insurer would likely approve of, though it won't reduce your premium.

Can I change the locks myself?

Modern Yale-type cylinder locks can sometimes be rekeyed DIY by removing the cylinder and sending it to a locksmith, but this only works for specific lock types. For mortice locks and complex systems, professional fitting is essential. The £40–£80 cost of professional rekeying is worth it to ensure the job is done correctly and your security isn't compromised.