Yes, you should change or rekey your locks immediately after moving into a new home. You have no way of knowing how many spare keys the previous owners, real estate agents, neighbors, or contractors might have floating around.
While you aren't legally required to change the locks when you buy a house, it is highly recommended. You have no way of knowing how many spare keys the previous owners gave to friends, family members, neighbors, or contractors over the years.
Quite simply, yes changing the lock when you buy a new house or move house is the only way to be completely in control of who has keys to your property. And it's not just previous occupants to consider. Cleaners, babysitters and estate agents could all have a spare key to your new home.
Without changing the locks, you have no way of knowing who could access your home. This uncertainty undermines the security of your entire property. Whether it's a standalone house, a unit or a townhouse, the safest course of action is to start fresh and ensure you're the only one with working keys.
Some of the key tasks to complete when you purchase a house include:
Bringing good luck to a new home involves traditional housewarming gifts, ritual crossings, and symbolic decor. Universal practices include entering with a new broom to sweep away negative energy, and stocking the kitchen with bread and salt to ensure the home is always filled with prosperity, abundance, and long-lasting relationships.
Factors that decrease property value the most fall into three main categories: location issues, structural damage, and poor neighborhood conditions. These factors can collectively slash a property’s value by 5% to 30% or more.
Rekeying locks keeps your existing hardware intact while replacing internal tumblers and pins so a new key operates the lock without full replacement. Lock replacement costs around $315 on average, while rekeying ranges from $50 to $100, making rekeying the more budget-friendly choice for your home.
Secure Your Home
This includes changing your locks and resetting any codes if your house has a security system or electronic garage door. Also be sure to test all of the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your new home to ensure they are working and purchase any additional detectors if necessary.
A standard lock change in London typically costs between £95 and £180. This price includes labour and a new British Standard lock, like a Euro cylinder. The cost can increase for high-security locks or for after-hours emergency services.
How to change locks on your house
Over time, various situations, such as moving into a new home, experiencing a break-in, or dealing with worn-out mechanisms, can necessitate lock replacement.
Short answer, yes you should. This is one of the most important things to consider when moving into a new property, doing this will ensure the safety and security of your home. The locks on your doors are a crucial aspect of home security.
You'll need a rekeying kit that matches your lock brand, along with basic tools like a screwdriver, plug follower, and tweezers. Follow a simple process: remove the lock, replace old pins with new ones matched to your key, then reassemble.
Most lock-updating services cost around $15–$50 per cylinder, depending on the number of locks and whether you already have an existing key. For a typical three-door house, a full rekeying job usually lands in the $150–$250 range, including the service call.
Home Depot generally charges about $𝟓 to $𝟐𝟎 per lock cylinder to rekey a lock. However, pricing and availability are determined on a store-by-store basis. Many locations perform the service entirely for free if you buy the new lock in-store.
A lock installed by a handyman will only work with the new keys that come with that lock. A locksmith can cut additional keys and can even provide a service to reduce down the amount of keys required by having one key that operates all locks.
Replacing a lock is easy — a beginner DIY homeowner can do it. But if you don't feel confident in your DIY abilities or want to put your home's security in the hands of a professional, you can always put your trust in a locksmith.
When experts refer to the "3-3-3 rule" in real estate, they typically mean one of two things: a financial readiness checklist or an affordability limit.
When preparing to move house, start by decluttering, then pack your least frequently used items (such as out-of-season clothing, books, and decor). On moving day, transport your "essentials" box—containing toiletries, a change of clothes, and basic cleaning supplies—first so you have immediate access to what you need upon arrival.
When buying a house, key red flags include severe foundation issues (like stair-step cracks or sloping floors), unpermitted renovations, and water damage that can signal hidden mold or a failing roof. Always investigate the property's history, as frequent relistings or heavy reliance on air fresheners can point to unresolved structural or odor problems.
Police typically recommend using high-quality deadbolt locks, specifically ANSI Grade 1 or Grade 2 deadbolts, for exterior doors.
Is Rekeying the Cheapest Way to Change Locks? Yes, in almost all cases rekeying a lock is less expensive than replacing an old lock with a new one.
Most standard locks can be rekeyed, but not all of them. Locks with pin-and-tumbler cylinders, deadbolts, and knob locks are commonly rekeyed. However, keyless locks, damaged locks, and those without removable cylinders cannot be rekeyed.