Moving to Fuengirola? Why You Should Change Your Locks

Just picked up the keys to a new home in Fuengirola or Mijas? Congratulations. Before you unpack, there's one job worth doing first: changing the locks. Here's why it matters and what I'd recommend fitting.

You have no idea how many keys exist

When you move in — whether you've bought or you're renting long-term — you inherit whatever key situation the previous occupant left behind. That can include:

• Copies held by former owners, tenants or family members.
• Keys given to cleaners, gardeners, agents or neighbours.
• Spares cut over the years and never accounted for.

The seller or landlord may be completely honest, but they simply can't guarantee that every copy has been returned. The only way to know exactly who can open your door is to start fresh.

Change the cylinder — you don't always need a whole new lock

Good news: in most cases you don't need to replace the entire lock. Swapping the cylinder (the part the key turns) is quicker and cheaper, and it instantly makes every old key useless. I'll tell you honestly whether a cylinder change is enough or whether the lock itself needs upgrading.

Upgrade while you're at it

Moving in is the perfect moment to improve security rather than just copy the old setup:

• Anti-bumping, anti-snap cylinder — protects against the quickest break-in techniques.
• Security shield — guards the cylinder against drilling and snapping, especially on ground-floor or exposed doors.
• Electronic lock — handy if you'll rent the place out or want keyless entry for family and guests.

Don't overlook the other doors

Front door done, but what about the terrace door, garage, storeroom or communal entrance? These are often the weak point. It's worth checking them all when you move in, and getting matching keys where it makes sense.

New home in Fuengirola or Mijas?

I'm Santiago, an APFC-certified locksmith covering Fuengirola, Mijas and the Costa del Sol. I change cylinders and upgrade locks on the day, with a fixed price agreed before I start, so from day one you're the only person who can open your door. Message me on WhatsApp and welcome to the neighbourhood.