Introduction

Moving into a new home is an exciting milestone, but before you unpack the last box, one of the first jobs you should consider is changing the locks. Although you'll usually receive a set of keys from the previous owner, there is simply no way of knowing how many copies exist or who may still have one.

Changing the locks immediately gives you complete control over who can access your property. It also provides the perfect opportunity to assess the security of every external door and upgrade any outdated locks to modern, insurance-recognised security standards.

Who Could Still Have a Key?

Over the years, spare keys are often handed out for convenience and then forgotten about.

People who may still have access include:

• Previous owners.
• Former tenants.
• Family members.
• Friends.
• Neighbours.
• Cleaners.
• Dog walkers.
• Builders and tradespeople.
• Carers.
• Estate agents.
• Previous letting agents.

Even if every key has been handed over, nobody can guarantee that additional copies haven't been cut.

Replacing the locks removes that uncertainty from day one.

Peace of Mind From the Moment You Move In

One of the biggest advantages of changing the locks is knowing exactly who has access to your new home.

Whether you're moving into your first house, upgrading to a family home or buying an older property, replacing the locks gives you confidence that only you and the people you trust can enter the property.

For many homeowners, that peace of mind alone makes the cost worthwhile.

Upgrade Older uPVC and Composite Door Locks

Many uPVC and composite doors are still fitted with older standard euro cylinders that offer limited protection against modern burglary techniques.

Moving house is the ideal opportunity to replace them with modern anti-snap cylinders offering protection against:

• Lock snapping.
• Lock drilling.
• Lock picking.
• Lock bumping.

Depending on your requirements, you may choose:

• A 1 Star anti-snap cylinder combined with a TS007 2 Star security handle to achieve TS007 3 Star security.
• A 3 Star euro cylinder, which achieves TS007 3 Star protection on its own.

Both options provide a significant improvement over many older cylinders.

Check the Cylinder Is Correctly Sized

It's surprisingly common to find euro cylinders that are the wrong size.

A cylinder that projects beyond the door handle can create a serious security weakness by exposing more of the lock to attack.

When replacing locks, the cylinder should always be correctly measured so it sits as close to flush with the handles as possible while operating smoothly.

Timber Doors Should Be Checked Too

If your new home has timber external doors, don't assume the existing mortice locks meet modern security standards.

Many older properties still have standard mortice locks that may not provide the level of protection expected today.

Upgrade to BS3621 Mortice Locks

Where a timber entrance door uses a key-operated mortice deadlock, upgrading to a BS3621 lock is often recommended.

BS3621 is the British Standard for thief-resistant locks and requires the lock to pass rigorous tests for:

• Resistance to forced entry.
• Resistance to drilling.
• Resistance to picking.
• Bolt strength.
• Durability.

Many home insurance policies require final exit timber doors to be fitted with a BS3621 lock or an equivalent approved security standard.

A BS3621 lock should always be installed with the manufacturer's supplied keep to maintain its tested performance.

Consider BS8621 Locks for Escape Routes

If you want improved fire safety as well as security, a BS8621 lock may be the better choice.

A BS8621 lock provides a similar level of security to BS3621 but allows the door to be unlocked from the inside using a thumbturn instead of a key.

This means occupants can leave the property quickly during an emergency without searching for a key.

BS8621 locks are commonly used on:

• Houses where the front door forms the main escape route.
• HMOs.
• Apartments.
• Rental properties.
• Homes occupied by elderly or vulnerable residents.

Many insurers recognise BS8621 as an acceptable alternative to BS3621 where appropriate, but it's always sensible to check the requirements of your own insurance policy.

Inspect the Whole Door

Changing the locks is also an ideal opportunity to inspect the condition of the entire door.

Checks should include:

• Door alignment.
• Hinge condition.
• Handle operation.
• Gearbox condition.
• Multi-point locking mechanism.
• Weather seals.
• Locking point engagement.

Many lock problems are actually caused by poor alignment rather than worn locks.

Consider Keyed Alike Locks

If your home has multiple external doors, you may want them all to operate from a single key.

Keyed alike locks allow one key to operate:

• Front door.
• Back door.
• Garage personnel door.
• Side entrance.
• Conservatory door.

This provides greater convenience without compromising security.

Don't Forget Garages and Outbuildings

While changing the locks, remember to assess other access points around the property, including:

• Garages.
• Workshops.
• Home offices.
• Side gates.
• Garden rooms.
• Patio and French doors.

A burglar will often choose the easiest point of entry rather than the front door.

A Small Investment That Protects a Major One

Buying a property is one of the biggest financial commitments most people ever make.

Compared with the overall cost of purchasing and moving house, replacing the locks is a relatively small investment that provides immediate security benefits.

New locks offer:

• Complete control over access.
• Improved protection against burglary.
• Compliance with modern security standards.
• Greater convenience.
• Long-term peace of mind.

Conclusion

Changing the locks after moving into a new home is one of the most sensible security upgrades you can make. It ensures that previous owners, tenants and anyone who may still have a copy of the keys can no longer access your property, while giving you the opportunity to upgrade outdated locks to modern security standards. Whether that means fitting anti-snap euro cylinders to uPVC or composite doors, installing a BS3621 mortice lock on a timber entrance door, or choosing a BS8621 thumbturn lock to improve emergency escape, replacing the locks allows you to tailor your home's security to your needs. Combined with a full inspection of the door, locking mechanism and alignment, it's a relatively small investment that provides lasting protection and complete peace of mind from the day you move in.