Moving to a New Home in Ascot? Why You Should Change the Locks

Moving into a new house is an interesting period. Whether you’re arriving from elsewhere or moving within Ascot, it symbolises the beginning of a new chapter full of opportunities. Among all the packing, documentation, and preparation, one often disregarded chore is changing the locks.

Many homeowners believe the property is safe after the keys are turned over. But you have no idea who has access unless the locks have been rekeyed or altered. Professional Ascot locksmiths, therefore, highly advise changing the locks as soon as you move in; here’s why it’s a wise and essential choice.

Key Points

• You can never be sure who still has a copy of the keys.
• Older locks weaken over time and can fail or be bypassed.
• Changing locks is fast, affordable, and hassle-free.
• New locks can align with insurance policy requirements.
• Upgrading locks gives you a chance to boost overall safety.
• Having full control over access brings peace of mind.

1. You Never Know Who Has a Key

The truth is that past owners can have given spare keys to friends, neighbours, family, cleaners, or tradespeople, even if your new house seems safe. It’s easy to forget how many copies were produced and who still owns them over time. Although most people are reliable, you cannot be sure, particularly if the property has several occupants.

Changing the locks offers complete control and mental peace of mind. You know from the minute the locks are changed that nobody else has illegal access to your house. This basic yet essential action will improve your security starting now.

2. Old Locks Could Be Outdated or Wearing

The age and state of the current locks are other crucial factors to change them. Older locks are more likely to be picked or forced open since they gradually lose strength. Some may no longer follow current British Standards, undermining your security and influencing your house insurance policy.

Examining your present locks, qualified Ascot locksmiths can suggest appropriate replacements. Modern choices have more durability and better protection against standard burglary methods, including anti-snap euro cylinders or insurance-approved deadlocks.

3. It’s quick, reasonably priced, and handy

Many believe that changing locks is either costly or time-consuming. When done by an expert, this process is relatively quick and cheap. Usually, the locks may be changed or rekeyed on the same day in one visit.

Local Ascot locksmiths provide emergency services and flexible booking hours so that the process won’t interfere with your daily or relocation schedule. Whether you decide on a rekeying service or a complete lock replacement, the little cost pays off in terms of ongoing peace of mind.

4. Chance to Improve Your Home Safety

Changing the locks is also ideal for checking your general house security. Moving into a new house allows you to ensure that every element of your home is current and safe. You could investigate smart lock choices, strengthen current access points, or upgrade to a high-security lock system.

Customised to your home’s layout and location, a locksmith can also recommend enhancing other areas, including door viewers, window locks, or exterior illumination. See seasoned Ascot locksmiths to create a security plan for your family and property.

Practical upgrades worth considering:

• Smart locks that let you monitor and control access remotely
• Reinforced door frames or strike plates to resist forced entry
• High-security deadbolts that meet current insurance standards
• Security cameras or video doorbells for added surveillance
• Timed or motion-activated exterior lights to deter intruders
• Window locks and restrictors for all accessible openings

Each of these steps not only strengthens your home physically but also gives you full visibility and control over access.

5. It Might Impact Your Insurance

Many home insurance companies have particular requirements regarding outside door locks. Should your new house fall short of those criteria or if you cannot verify who owns copies of the keys, you run the danger of invalidating your cover. Insurers might refuse to pay out if a break-in proves that the property lacked sufficient security.

Changing the locks guarantees your house conforms to your insurance coverage and prevents any surprises or conflicts during the claims procedure. This is a proactive action safeguarding your insurance as well as your property.

6. Guarantee Your New Beginning

Moving to a new house requires a basic but vital action: changing the locks. Knowing your home is guarded from day one allows you complete control over who has access and comfort. Trusted Ascot locksmiths can provide professional advice and quick service to help you settle in safely if you are moving into the region.

Never let chance decide your safety. Knowing your house is safe, your locks are current, your keys are unique, and your family is adequately protected from day one will help you start your new chapter confidently. Though it’s a little step, it can significantly affect your safety, comfort, and control level in your new house.

7. Look Beyond the Front Door

Most people only replace the front entrance lock. But full security includes every possible access point. Garages, side doors, patio entrances, and even garden sheds deserve just as much attention.

A full property lock audit can uncover hidden vulnerabilities:

• Back doors often have older, simpler locks.
• French doors may have weak multipoint locking systems.
• Detached garages or storage units sometimes still use outdated padlocks.

By checking each access point, you reduce risk and make your entire property harder to breach. Locksmiths in Ascot can inspect, assess, and replace locks based on where intrusion is most likely. Focusing on only one entry gives a false sense of safety. Burglars won’t care which door you ignored—they’ll find it.

8. Rekeying vs. Replacing: What’s Better for You?

If budget is tight or you’re working under time pressure, rekeying offers a practical alternative to replacing the entire lock.

Here’s the difference:

• Rekeying adjusts the internal mechanism so old keys no longer work.
• Replacing installs an entirely new lockset with fresh keys.

Rekeying is faster and cheaper, especially if the current locks are in good shape. But if the hardware is worn or non-compliant with security standards, replacement is the smarter long-term move. Your locksmith can examine the cylinders and tell you what works best for your situation. Both approaches give you exclusive control—just make sure you choose based on the lock’s condition, not only cost.

9. Don’t Delay the Change

The first 24–48 hours after moving are the most exposed. Movers, agents, previous owners, and tradespeople may have been coming and going recently. You don’t know who still has a copy or who passed one to someone else.

Changing the locks before—or immediately after—you move in should be non-negotiable. If you can’t coordinate that, consider staying elsewhere until the job is done. Even one night in a house with unknown keyholders leaves you open to risk.

The longer you wait, the more exposure you create. Treat this task with the same urgency as setting up utilities or transferring mail.

10. Avoid Online DIY Lock Kits

It’s tempting to buy cheap locks or DIY kits online. They promise fast installation, but rarely meet insurance or safety standards.

Why you should avoid them:

• Many lack anti-pick or anti-bump protection.
• Cheap materials wear out quickly.
• Poor fitting leaves gaps for forced entry.
• You might unknowingly install non-compliant locks.

A locksmith won’t just install— they’ll test, align, and verify your new locks are secure and correctly fitted. Spending a bit more upfront prevents costly mistakes or future break-ins. In security, shortcuts don’t save you money—they only increase risk.

Conclusion

Your home should be a place of safety and control, not uncertainty. Changing your locks after a move is not just a suggestion—it’s a critical step.

Locksmiths in Ascot can make the process simple, fast, and affordable. You’ll sleep easier knowing every key in circulation is one you handed out personally. Protect your peace of mind before you unpack the last box. Start smart, secure, and safe. Because in your new chapter, only the people you trust should hold the keys.