Moving house is always exciting. But when it’s a brand new home that no one has ever lived in before, it’s somehow even better! Everything is fresh, modern and completely unused, from kitchen appliances to carpets. It’s all just for you. And you might think that means the property is super secure, too. New things always do feel safer somehow, don’t they? But from a locksmith’s perspective, there’s one question we always ask. Are your new build locks actually good enough? Because a new build doesn’t automatically mean high quality. In reality, most of the locks installed on new build homes are bog standard and designed to meet the bare minimum of security requirements. They’re not unsafe, but they’re certainly not the gold standard of protection either! And there are a couple of reasons we think you should change your lock as soon as you move into a new build, or at least have them assessed.
You’ll Have Standard Grade Locks
Property developers are all about building homes at scale, and they have it down to an artform. That includes choosing hardware that’s cost-effective in bulk and compliant with the bare minimum building regulations. After all, it’s just lost profits to them if they spend extra on higher security locks. You’ll find that most new build properties in the UK come with:
- uPVC or composite doors.
- Euro cylinder locks.
- Multi-point locking systems.
While these options are all secure and they will work, the cylinder locks themselves will be basic models, which don’t offer you a whole lot of protection. Standard euro cylinders can be quite vulnerable to common burglary techniques like lock snapping, which is something we see an awful lot in the UK.
You Don’t Know Who Has Keys to the Property
Key control is always a factor when you move into somewhere new, but a lot of people think it doesn’t matter with new build properties. After all, no one’s lived there before, right? While that’s true, it doesn’t mean no one has had access to the keys. In fact, a lot of people have! People like:
- Site managers.
- Contractors and tradespeople.
- Sales agents.
- Cleaning teams.
- Surveyors.
While most developers will collect all of the keys they’ve given out during the handover process, there’s absolutely no guarantee that copies aren’t still floating around out there. Changing or upgrading your locks after you move in means you know you’re the only one with access.
Your Insurance Company Care
Yes, they really do! A lot of people don’t realise that buried in their home insurance policy are stipulations about the types of locks you have installed. Many UK home insurance policies will require specific lock standards on at least the external doors. The requirements do vary, but common requirements include:
- BS3621 for mortice locks on wooden doors.
- TS007 3-star cylinders or equivalent protection on euro cylinder doors.
Some new build properties might meet these standards, but often they only meet the minimum security level required for building regulations, and they are very different things. If your locks don’t meet your insurer’s requirements, it could affect or even invalidate your insurance if you make a claim. A quick check with a locksmith can confirm whether your locks are compliant.
New Homes Are Still Targets
You might think that burglars don’t bother with new build homes as much, especially when they’re very new, as they’re more likely to be unoccupied. But new build estates can sometimes attract burglars instead, because new homeowners often have:
- New electronics and appliances.
- Expensive furniture deliveries.
- Predictable routines during the moving process.
Plus, they know that all of the new builds on the development will likely use the same types of basic cylinders and have the same vulnerabilities. Upgrading your locks early can make your property a far less appealing target.
Small Upgrades Make a Big Difference
The good news is that improving the security of your new build home is a straightforward process. You don’t even need to replace that shiny new font door! A quick visit from a locksmith can upgrade your cylinders to a higher security model. Popular upgrades include anti-snap euro cylinders, TS007 3-star rated locks, and high-security cylinders with anti-pick and anti-drill protection. These locks are specifically designed to resist the most common burglary methods.
Your home should feel like the safest place in the world, especially when it’s brand new. While most developers generally install functional locks, they’re not always the most secure option. A simple lock upgrade can give you better protection against break-ins, compliance with insurance requirements, full control over who has access to your property, and greater peace of mind from day one.
If you’ve recently moved into a new build home, it’s worth having a professional locksmith visit to assess your locks, and give you recommendations on more secure options. If you’re not sure who to call, we’d be happy to help! Just get in touch with the team today.