Change Locks in a New Home: A Practical Guide

Before anything else, here is what you can realistically expect to pay. Pricing varies by city, time of day, and the number of locks you need changed or rekeyed.

Based on data from Hipages and Reddit discussions across Australia, a standard lock change sits between $70 and $200 per lock, excluding the callout fee. Most locksmiths charge a callout fee of around $80 to $120 during business hours, with after-hours rates climbing higher.

Real examples from Australian homeowners confirm this range. One Reddit user reported paying $680 to have a new deadlock installed and two other locks rekeyed to a single key. Another noted a rough guide of $100 callout plus $30 to $40 per rekey. For a full lock replacement on multiple doors, budget $300 to $700 for a typical three-bedroom home.

Some of the most trusted locksmiths in Australia with strong track records for new-home lock changes include Terry's Locksmiths (4.9 stars, over 3,000 reviews), Tas Mobile Locksmith (5.0 stars, 1,591 reviews), Wynns Locksmiths Preston in Melbourne (4.8 stars, 1,390 reviews), Express Locksmith Gold Coast and Tweed (5.0 stars, 1,375 reviews), and Sheehan Locksmiths (4.9 stars, 934 reviews). Always ask for a quote upfront before any work begins.

Moving into a new property, purchased or rented, means you have no way of knowing how many copies of the existing keys are in circulation. Previous owners, real estate agents, tradespeople, neighbours, and family members of the former occupants may all hold copies.

This is not a hypothetical risk. Australian police services, including NSW Police and Victoria Police, routinely advise new homeowners to change or rekey locks before moving in. The cost of a lock change is small compared to the consequences of a break-in.

For property buyers, there is no legal restriction on changing the locks of a home you own. You are free to do this the day settlement occurs.

Rekeying

Rekeying means a locksmith adjusts the internal pins of your existing lock so that old keys no longer work. This is the most cost-effective option when the locks themselves are in good condition and meet Australian Security Rating standards. It is ideal for newer homes where the hardware is sound.

Full Lock Replacement

A full replacement involves removing the existing lock and fitting a new one. This is worth doing when locks are worn, outdated, or do not meet the Australian Standard AS 4145 for lock security. Older homes in particular often have locks that provide minimal resistance to forced entry.

Keyed Alike Systems

Many homeowners choose to have all external locks keyed alike during a new-home lock change. This means one key opens every door. One Reddit user had eight locks replaced and keyed alike in a single job. This adds convenience and is generally a modest additional cost per lock when done as part of a larger job.

Not all locks provide the same level of protection. When upgrading or replacing locks in a new home, look for products that comply with Australian Standard AS 4145.2. Deadlocks and deadbolts rated to this standard offer significantly better resistance to picking, drilling, and forced entry than basic knob or lever locks.

Key features to prioritise:

• A bolt throw of at least 20mm for deadlocks
• Anti-pick and anti-drill pins
• A reinforced strike plate with long screws into the door frame stud
• Key control (restricted key blanks that cannot be copied without authorisation)

Brands commonly stocked by Australian locksmiths include Lockwood, Abloy, and Mul-T-Lock. Lockwood's 001 series deadlock is widely used in Australian residential properties and is a reliable baseline option. For higher security needs, Abloy Protec2 and Mul-T-Lock MT5+ offer superior key control and resistance to manipulation.

The following checklist covers the key steps for managing locks when you take possession of a new home.