Moving House in Brisbane? Here's Why You Should Rekey Your Locks

Between packing boxes, updating your address, and setting up utilities, rekeying the locks is easy to forget when you move into a new home in Brisbane. But it's one of the cheapest, fastest security steps you can take — and one of the most overlooked. Here's what it actually involves, why it matters, and what it costs.

Why rekey at all?

When you move into a new place, you have no real way of knowing exactly how many keys are floating around for it. A previous owner or tenant may have handed back their keys, but there's no guarantee that's every copy. Over the years a property can accumulate spare keys held by family members, ex-partners, tradespeople, cleaners, real estate agents, previous house-sitters, or neighbours who used to water the plants. None of that means anything sinister is going on — but you have no way of verifying it, and that's exactly the point. Rekeying removes the uncertainty entirely.

Rekeying vs replacing — what's the difference?

These two get mixed up a lot, and understanding the difference can save you money.

• Rekeying means a locksmith changes the internal pins of your existing lock so that old keys no longer work, and new keys are cut to match. The lock hardware itself — the cylinder, the handle, the deadbolt — stays exactly the same. It's quicker and cheaper than replacement.
• Replacing means swapping out the entire lock unit for a new one. This is necessary if your existing locks are old, damaged, low-security, or you want to upgrade to a different style (like a higher security deadbolt or a smart lock).

For most people moving into a new home, rekeying is the more sensible option — it achieves the main goal (invalidating old keys) without the cost of new hardware, provided your existing locks are in good working condition.

When should you rekey instead of just changing keys?

Some homeowners assume that because they've got a fresh set of keys from the agent or previous owner, they're covered. But receiving keys doesn't tell you how many other copies exist — only rekeying (or full replacement) physically invalidates every key that isn't the new one. If security is the goal, rekeying is the step that actually delivers it.

What about renters?

That said, it's a completely reasonable request to make when you move in, especially if you have any concerns about who else might hold a key. Most landlords and agents in Brisbane are used to this request and will either arrange it themselves or approve you organising it.

What locks should you prioritise?

If budget is a factor, focus on the locks that actually secure entry points first:

• Front and back door deadlocks or deadbolts
• Side gate locks, if the gate is a key entry point to the property
• Garage door access, including any keypad or remote systems that may need reprogramming
• Internal doors are generally lower priority unless they lead to a garage, granny flat, or separately accessed space

Is it worth upgrading at the same time?

If you're already having a locksmith out, it's worth asking whether your current locks meet a reasonable security standard. Older Brisbane homes — particularly Queenslanders and older brick houses — sometimes still have original lock hardware that's decades old and easier to pick or bump than modern equivalents. A locksmith can tell you on the spot whether your existing locks are worth keeping and rekeying, or whether an upgrade makes more sense long-term. There's no obligation either way — it's just worth asking the question while someone's already there.

How much does rekeying cost in Brisbane?

Cost depends on the number of locks, their type, and whether any need replacing rather than rekeying. As a general rule, rekeying is significantly cheaper than full lock replacement since no new hardware is involved — it's primarily a labour cost. Ask for a quote upfront; a trustworthy locksmith will always give you one before starting. For a broader breakdown of locksmith pricing in Brisbane, see our guide: How much does a locksmith cost in Brisbane?

How long does it take?

Rekeying a standard residential lock typically takes a locksmith a matter of minutes per lock once they're on site. Most homes can be fully rekeyed within an hour, which makes it one of the easiest jobs to fit in during moving week alongside everything else on your list.