Is rekeying really necessary after buying a house?

Yes. You have no way of knowing how many key copies exist. Previous owners, tenants, agents, and tradespeople may all have copies. Rekeying costs $330-$640 for a typical Canberra 3-bedroom home and eliminates this unknown risk entirely.

How long does rekeying take?

A qualified locksmith can rekey a 3-bedroom home (5-7 locks) in 1-2 hours. Each lock takes about 10-15 minutes. You can continue using your home during the service.

What is the difference between rekeying and replacing locks?

Rekeying changes internal pins so a new key is required - hardware stays the same. Replacement removes the entire lock. Rekeying is faster (10-15 vs 20-45 min/lock) and more affordable ($50-$70 vs $110-$300+/lock). Choose rekeying when locks are in good condition.

Can all my locks be keyed to one key?

Yes - this is called 'keyed alike' and is standard during rekeying. One key opens everything. You can keep certain locks separate (e.g., home office) if desired.

How much does rekeying cost in Canberra?

Individual locks cost $50-$70 each, plus a service call fee of $85-$150. A typical 3-bedroom home costs $330-$640 total including service call, labour, and 2 key copies per combination. Keyed alike included at no extra charge.

Should I rekey a new build?

Yes. Builders, subcontractors, inspectors, and agents all had access during construction. Rekey at settlement for complete key control from day one.

Rekeying Your House After Buying: The Complete Canberra Guide

Rekey your Canberra home after purchase. One key for all locks, $330-$640 typical. Eliminate unknown key copies. 20+ years experience. Master Locksmith.