Moved Into a New Home in Perth? Here's Why Rekeying Your Locks Should Be Your First Priority
- •Previous owners, contractors, and real estate agents may still hold copies of your keys — rekeying eliminates that risk immediately.
- •Rekeying is typically less expensive than full lock replacement and works on most locks in good condition.
- •Bank-owned and estate-sale properties are especially high-risk — key history is impossible to trace.
- •A master key system can be set up during the rekeying process for multi-entry homes.
- •Delaying rekeying leaves your family exposed to a risk that costs very little to fix.
You’ve signed the contracts, collected the keys, and moved in — but one critical security step is almost always skipped in the excitement: rekeying your locks. Until you rekey, anyone who ever held a copy of those keys still has access to your home. That’s a risk no Perth homeowner should carry.
Who Else Might Have a Key to Your New Home Right Now?
The list is longer than most buyers realise — and that's exactly the problem.
Think about everyone who touched your property before settlement: the previous owners, their family members, real estate agents, property managers, and any tradespeople — painters, plumbers, electricians — who worked on the home during the sale preparation. Each of them may have had a key, and copies are easy to make.
Even if the seller handed over every key they had, there’s no way to confirm no copies exist. For bank-owned or estate-sale properties, it’s even harder — key history may span years and multiple occupants. Rekeying removes all of that uncertainty in a single visit.
Rekeying changes the internal pin configuration of your existing lock so that all previous keys stop working — without replacing the hardware. If your locks are in good condition, it’s the fastest and most cost-effective way to secure a new home. For a full explanation of the process, see our complete guide to lock rekeying in Perth.
Is Rekeying Always the Right Move, or Should You Replace the Locks Entirely?
The answer depends on your lock's condition — here's how to tell the difference quickly.
Rekeying is the right call when your locks are mechanically sound — no stiffness, visible rust, or damage to the lock body or strike plate. It’s faster and less expensive than full replacement, and the security outcome is identical: old keys no longer work.
If the locks feel stiff, look corroded, or are an outdated type like a basic knob lock on an exterior door, full replacement is the smarter investment. Our related guide on rekeying vs replacing locks for Perth homeowners walks through the decision criteria in detail so you can make the right call before spending anything.
Moving into a home with lost or unaccounted-for keys is treated the same way as a lost key event — our related article on lost or stolen keys in Perth explains why an immediate rekey is the only appropriate response when key control is uncertain.
What Happens During a Rekeying Appointment?
It's quicker than most people expect — and you'll have new working keys before the locksmith leaves.
A licensed locksmith removes the lock cylinder, replaces the internal pins with a new configuration, and reassembles the lock — all without touching the hardware itself. The whole process on a standard residential door typically takes a matter of minutes per lock. Our step-by-step guide on how lock rekeying works covers exactly what’s involved if you’d like to know what to expect on the day.
If your new home has multiple entry points, this is also the ideal time to ask about a master key system — one key that operates every lock, with individual keys still available for each door. It’s a practical upgrade that’s easiest to set up during the initial rekeying visit.
Book your rekeying appointment before or on moving day — not weeks later. The risk window is open from the moment you take possession of the property.
Common Questions About Rekeying After Moving Into a Perth Home
Straight answers to what new Perth homeowners ask most before booking a rekey.
How Soon After Moving In Should I Rekey My Locks?
As soon as possible — ideally on settlement day or moving day itself. Every day you wait is a day someone with an old key theoretically has access. It’s a low-cost, high-impact task that should sit at the top of your moving-in checklist.
Can I Rekey the Locks Myself Instead of Hiring a Locksmith?
DIY rekeying kits exist, but they require the correct tools and knowledge of your specific lock cylinder. An incorrectly rekeyed lock can jam, fail to engage properly, or leave gaps in security. A licensed locksmith completes the job correctly the first time and can identify any underlying issues with your existing hardware.
Does Rekeying Affect My Home Insurance?
Some insurers look favourably on documented security upgrades, and a professionally rekeyed home removes a clear vulnerability. It’s worth checking your specific policy — some insurers require that external door locks meet certain standards, and a licensed locksmith can confirm your locks comply.
What If I Want to Upgrade the Locks at the Same Time as Rekeying?
That’s a practical approach — your locksmith can assess each lock during the visit and recommend replacements where hardware is outdated or worn. Combining a rekey and partial replacement in one appointment is more efficient than two separate callouts, and you’ll leave with a fully secured home.
Ready to Secure Your New Perth Home Today?
Ultimate Lock is available 24/7 across Perth for fast, professional rekeying — call 0481 365 802 now, or request a quote online and we’ll get back to you promptly.
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Part of our guide: The Complete Guide to Lock Rekeying in Perth: What It Is, When You Need It & What It Costs