Setting up utilities and broadband when moving house

Start with broadband

If you're working out how to set up utilities in a new house, start with broadband. Of all the moving house utilities, it's the one most likely to catch you out. Gas, electricity and water are already connected when you arrive. Broadband often isn't, and if it needs an engineer, you could be waiting a while.

So order it as soon as you have a completion date. Don't wait until you've moved in.

How long broadband installation takes

It depends on what's already at the new address. If there's a working line and you're staying with the same type of service, providers can often get you connected within a couple of weeks. If the house needs a new line, a full fibre installation or an engineer visit to get anything working, it can take longer, sometimes several weeks in busy areas.

Openreach, which runs most of the UK's broadband network, says timescales vary depending on the type of broadband available and whether any work is needed, and recommends talking to your provider as soon as you know your completion date. A month's notice is a sensible target if you can manage it.

How to transfer broadband when moving

You have two options. You can take your current provider with you, or you can use the move as a chance to switch.

If you're happy with your provider and they cover the new address, most will let you move your existing contract. Some charge a moving fee, and some will put you on a new minimum term, so ask before you agree. If you want to switch, check whether you're still in contract first. Leaving early usually means an early termination charge, although some providers will waive it if they can't offer a service at your new home.

Either way, give your old provider notice so you're not paying for broadband at a house you've left.

Bridging the gap

If there's a delay, you've got a few ways to stay online. Many mobile contracts now include enough data to use your phone as a hotspot for a while, and some broadband providers will lend you a 4G or 5G router until your line is live. It's worth asking when you order.

Moving house gas and electric

Energy is simpler than broadband, and moving house electricity and gas accounts work in exactly the same way. It's also where most people end up paying more than they need to, usually through overlapping bills or estimated readings.

Before you leave

Tell your current energy supplier you're moving at least 48 hours beforehand, with your moving date and a forwarding address for the final bill. You can usually do this online.

On moving day, take meter readings for gas and electricity just before you leave. Take a photo of each meter showing the date and the reading, even if you have a smart meter. If there's ever a dispute about your final bill, a dated photo settles it in your favour.

When you arrive

Do the same thing at the new house as soon as you get the keys. Take photos of the gas and electricity meters, and the water meter if there is one. This is the single most useful thing you can do to avoid paying for energy the previous owners used.

The new home will already have a supplier. If you don't know who it is, ask the sellers or the estate agent. For gas, the free Find My Supplier service will tell you by postcode. For electricity, your local network operator can tell you, and the Energy Networks Association has a postcode lookup to find yours (or call 105). Get in touch with them, give them your opening readings and set up an account in your name.

Avoiding overlap on energy bills

Overlap happens when the readings at either end don't line up with your actual move date. You end up paying for the old house after you've left, or for the previous owner's usage at the new one.

The fix is mostly the readings. Give your old supplier your closing readings and your new supplier your opening readings, both dated to moving day, and keep the photos. Check your final bill from the old supplier when it arrives. If you're owed money because you were in credit, ask for a refund rather than leaving it on the account.

Should you switch energy supplier when moving house?

When you move in, you'll usually be placed on the existing supplier's standard tariff, often called a deemed contract. It's rarely the cheapest deal. The good news is that you can usually switch away from a deemed contract without an exit fee, so once your account is set up, it's worth comparing tariffs.

If the new home has a prepayment meter and you'd rather pay by direct debit, ask the supplier about changing it. Many suppliers will do this, although they may run a credit check first.

Council tax when moving home

Tell both your old and new councils your moving date. Council tax is charged by the day, so as long as both councils have the right date, you'll only pay for the days you're actually at each address. Discounts don't move with you, so if you live alone, you'll need to apply for the 25% single person discount again at your new address.

Our guide to council tax when moving house covers timing, refunds and what happens if you forget.

Water, TV licence and the rest

You can't choose your water supplier in England and Wales. It depends on where you live, so tell your current company you're leaving and register with the one that covers your new home. If the property has a water meter, include a reading in your moving-day photos. In Scotland, water and sewerage charges are collected with council tax.

Update your TV licence address online, and don't forget home insurance. If you're buying with a mortgage, your lender will usually want buildings insurance in place from the day you exchange contracts. Our guide on who to notify when moving house has the full list, and if you're worried about post going astray in the first few weeks, our guide to redirecting post when moving house explains how it works.

A moving house utilities timeline

Here's roughly when to tackle each job

Get the admin done early

Utilities aren't exciting, but sorting them early saves money and a lot of frustration on your first night. Book the broadband the moment you have a date, get your meter photos on the day and switch tariffs once you're settled. For everything else, our moving house checklist breaks the whole move down week by week.