Moving Into a New Home? A Practical Security Checklist for Homeowners

Congratulations on your new home! After months of viewings, mortgage applications, and solicitor exchanges, completion day has finally arrived. But before you start arranging furniture, there's one important question many new homeowners forget to ask: who else might have keys to your property?

The Home-Buying Journey: What Happens Before You Get the Keys

Understanding the typical house-buying process helps explain why lock security matters so much when you move in.

1. Mortgage Approval

Your lender agrees to finance the purchase. A surveyor visits the property to assess its value—and they're often given temporary key access.

2. Estate Agent Handover

Estate agents hold keys throughout the selling process. Multiple viewings mean multiple strangers have entered your future home. Keys are copied, shared between offices, and passed to contractors for photos and inspections.

3. Solicitor Completion

On completion day, your solicitor transfers funds and the property legally becomes yours. Keys are typically collected from the estate agent—but these are rarely the only copies in existence.

4. Insurance Setup

Your buildings insurance becomes active from completion. Interestingly, many insurers now ask whether you've changed the locks—some even require it for full coverage.

Who Could Still Have Keys to Your New Home?

This is the question that catches most new homeowners off guard. The honest answer is: you don't know.

Keys may have been held or copied by:

• Previous owners – and their family members, cleaners, or dog walkers
• Estate agents – often multiple branches and staff members
• Contractors – builders, plumbers, decorators who worked on the property
• Neighbours – trusted with spare keys "just in case"
• Tenants – if the property was previously rented
• Letting agents – who may have retained copies

Even if everyone acts honestly and returns their keys, there's no way to know how many copies were made over the years.

When Should You Change the Locks?

The simple answer: as soon as possible after completion.

Ideally, arrange for a locksmith to attend on moving day or within the first 48 hours. This gives you peace of mind from your very first night in the property.

Some homeowners wait until they've "settled in"—but this defeats the purpose. The security gap exists from the moment you own the property.

What Type of Locks Should You Choose?

When changing locks, it's worth considering an upgrade rather than a like-for-like replacement.

Anti-Snap Cylinders

If your doors use euro cylinder locks (common on uPVC and composite doors), standard cylinders can be snapped in under 30 seconds using basic tools. Anti-snap locks are specifically designed to resist this attack method and are now considered essential for any modern home.

British Standard Locks

Look for locks that meet BS3621 or TS007 3-star standards. These are tested against common break-in methods and are recognised by insurance companies.

Smart Locks

For tech-savvy homeowners, smart locks offer keyless entry and the ability to grant temporary access codes—perfect for letting in delivery drivers or tradespeople without handing out physical keys.

A Practical Moving-Day Security Checklist

Here's what to prioritise when moving into your new home:

1. Change all external locks – front door, back door, side gates
2. Check window locks – ensure all windows have functioning locks and keys
3. Test existing alarm systems – if fitted, get the codes and check it works
4. Secure the garage – often overlooked but a common entry point
5. Meet your neighbours – they're your first line of informal security
6. Update your address – with banks, DVLA, and official bodies to prevent mail theft
7. Consider outdoor lighting – motion-sensor lights deter opportunistic intruders

Do Estate Agents Change Locks for New Owners?

No. Estate agents facilitate the sale and hand over whatever keys they hold, but they have no obligation—and no ability—to account for every copy ever made. Lock changes are entirely the new owner's responsibility.

Does Changing Locks Affect Insurance?

Quite the opposite. Many home insurance policies look favourably on lock upgrades. Some require BS3621-compliant locks for full cover. Changing to high-security locks may even reduce your premium.

Always keep receipts and, if possible, ask your locksmith for a certificate confirming the lock standard fitted.

Local Locksmith Services Across Wrexham, Chester & Shrewsbury

If you've recently completed on a property in Wrexham, Chester, Shrewsbury, or the surrounding areas, we can help you secure your new home quickly and affordably.

Our mobile locksmith service covers:

• Lock changes and upgrades
• Anti-snap cylinder fitting
• uPVC and composite door lock repairs
• Security assessments for new homeowners

We work around your moving schedule and can often attend on the same day you complete.

Final Thoughts

Buying a home is one of life's biggest decisions. After all the stress of mortgages, solicitors, and estate agents, the last thing you want is to feel unsafe in your own property.

Changing the locks isn't paranoia—it's common sense. It's a simple, affordable step that gives you complete control over who can enter your home.

Take that control from day one.