Congratulations! You’ve finally got the keys to your new place. The boxes are packed, the removal van is booked, and you’re already planning where the sofa is going to go.
But if you are writing a to-do list for your move, you need to add one vital item to the very top: Change locks new house.
It sounds like just another chore, but amidst the chaos of moving day, this is the one security check that most new homeowners in Wiltshire and Gloucestershire completely overlook.
The “Key Audit”: Who has a copy?
When you buy a second-hand car, you don’t worry about someone else having a spare key. But with a property, it’s a different story.
Think about the previous owners for a second. Over the last 10 or 20 years, they might have given spare keys to:
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Estate agents
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Dog walkers or cleaners
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Trades people for renovations
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Neighbours for watering plants
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Family members or Ex-partners
Even if the previous owners were lovely people, can you be 100% sure they remembered to ask for every single spare back before they handed the keys to you? The reality is, they probably forgot.
As a local locksmith, I tell my customers that when you decide to change locks, new house ownership truly begins. It is the only way to hit the “reset” button. Once the job is done, you are the only person in the world with access to your home.
Change Locks New House: Is Your Property Secure?
Aside from missing keys, new houses often come with old problems. If you’ve moved into an older property in Chippenham, Bath, or the surrounding Wiltshire villages, the locks might be decades old.
I often visit new homeowners and find locks that are vulnerable to “lock snapping”—a common technique burglars use to break in within seconds.
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The Check: Look at your lock. Does it have the British Standard Kitemark or a 3-Star TS007 rating?
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The Fix: If not, it’s time to upgrade. I install anti-snap locks that meet these strict standards, giving you genuine protection rather than just the illusion of it.
Check Your Insurance (The Fine Print)
Here is something many people don’t realise: your home insurance policy often has strict clauses about “unauthorised entry.”
If someone enters your home using a key—even an old one intended for a previous cleaner—your insurer might refuse to pay out because there was no “forced entry.” By upgrading to new Yale and Mortice Locks, you create a clear security boundary that insurers appreciate. When you browse your policy, look for the section on locks; almost all of them will recommend that you secure the property immediately upon moving in.
DIY vs. Professional Locksmith: Is it worth it?
You might be tempted to head to a hardware store and try to change the barrels yourself to save a few pounds. While I appreciate the DIY spirit, locks can be tricky.
If you measure the cylinder incorrectly, even by a few millimetres, the lock can protrude from the door handle. This is known as “cylinder overhang,” and it is exactly what burglars look for because it makes snapping the lock incredibly easy.
When you hire a professional to handle the change locks new house project, you get:
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Perfect Fit: Flush fitting locks that cannot be grabbed by tools.
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British Standards: Guarantee that the parts meet TS007 security ratings.
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Smooth Operation: No stiff keys or jiggling handles.
How Wotlocks Can Help
The good news? You don’t need to replace the whole door to be safe. In most cases, I can simply replace the lock barrels (the cylinder). It’s a quick, cost-effective job that instantly secures your new home.
If you are moving house in Chippenham, Bath, Bristol, or Gloucestershire, give me (Andy) a call. I can pop round, perform a full security audit, and give you a quote for a “New Home” lock package.
Get the keys, unpack the kettle, and then call Wotlocks. Let’s make sure your new home stays yours.
