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If you’re about to move into a new property, getting your internet sorted as quickly as possible will help to minimise the amount of time that you’re offline. In fact, if you get everything in place and have your new contract ready to go, there’s no reason you can’t have a live broadband connection on the day you move in. However, before moving house broadband customers need to get organised if they’re going to enjoy an uninterrupted connection. The three main steps to arranging a new broadband contract are checking the landline at your new premises, choosing a supplier and having a router installed. Looking at different providers, understanding your existing contract and taking care of the paperwork in advance will all help to get your new property online as soon as possible.
Last update: November 2022


To help make the process easy and straightforward, we’re looking at how to set up broadband in your new home, how to switch your contract and how to secure the best deal for your household so you can make the best decision around switching providers.

Setting up broadband in your new home


Setting up broadband in your new home will allow you to stream TV and movies, play games, make video calls and stay connected online. Broadband is available to the vast majority of homes in the UK, especially in towns and cities. So, if you’re moving to an urban area, getting connected shouldn’t be a problem.
At the moment, most broadband is supplied via a fixed phone line. This means that you’ll need a landline in place before your broadband can be installed. If there is already a landline in your new home, you could have your new broadband connection up and running in just a few days.
However, if there’s not currently a landline in place, you’ll need to get this installed, or reactivated, before you can have your broadband connected. This could take up to three weeks. The standard cost of reactivating a phone line in the UK is around £60. If a new line needs to be installed, you could be charged up to £140.

How do I set up broadband in a new house?

Setting up broadband in a new house is relatively easy. You just need to follow these simple steps.

  1. Check to see if your new property has a landline installed
  2. Check which broadband providers have coverage in your new area
  3. Compare available deals
  4. Select the deal that’s right for you
  5. Sign up to a new broadband package
  6. Wait for your new router to be delivered
  7. Plug your router into the master phone socket on the day your connection is due to go live
  8. Power up your router
  9. Connect devices to your new broadband


If you’re very technically minded, or if your connection is a little more complex, your broadband provider might send an engineer out to your address. This is most common in cases where a landline is being installed alongside the broadband equipment.
The easiest way to find the best broadband deal when moving house is to use Broadband Plans. Our comparison service will help you narrow down the available options to find the package that’s perfect for your new home on 0330 054 0022

Couple moving house and setting up broadband

Can I take my broadband with me when I move house?


If you’re happy with your supplier and the broadband deal you’re on, you may be able to take your broadband with you when you move house. In general, this is only possible when your existing broadband supplier has coverage in your new area and offers the deal you’re currently on in your new postcode.
If you’re with one of the UK’s larger broadband suppliers, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to take your deal with you when you move house. This can help to reduce the amount of time it takes to get your new address online and help you avoid any exit fees you might otherwise be liable for.
Smaller broadband suppliers may have reduced coverage in some parts of the country. If you’re with a relatively small supplier, you may have no choice but to switch to a new provider when you move house.

Can I upgrade my package when I move?

Switching to a new broadband supplier when you move house offers the perfect opportunity to upgrade your package. Add TV channels and a phone line to your deal to get more for your money and enjoy great connectivity at your new address.
If you’re keeping your existing supplier, you may still be able to upgrade your deal. In fact, some suppliers insist on customers signing up to new contracts when they move house, even if they’re sticking with their existing deal.

Can I take my equipment with me?

If you’re keeping your existing supplier, you may be able to take your equipment with you. However, in some cases, your supplier may still want to swap your old router for a new one in order to bring your connection fully up to date.
If you’re switching to a different supplier, you’ll be sent new equipment just before your connection goes live. Suppliers like to use their own equipment, so in most cases, you’ll need to swap your old router for a new one.

How to transfer broadband to your new home

Customers taking their existing broadband with them to a new property will need to contact their supplier before they go in order to arrange a change of address.
If your broadband supplier has coverage in your new area, transferring your connection should be fairly straightforward. Make sure you get in touch with your provider at least a month before you move house in order to ensure there’s plenty of time to make the switch.

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Will I get charged for switching broadband?


If you have a broadband contract at the property you currently live in, and this contract is yet to expire, you may be charged when cancelling your deal and switching to another supplier.
The amount you’ll be charged will vary from supplier to supplier. While some companies charge a set exit fee, others ask customers to pay off any months remaining on their contract before they’re able to switch.
In some cases, you’ll be able to avoid paying any sort of exit fee by taking your connection with you. This is only possible if your existing supplier also has coverage in your new location. Check their website, or speak to an advisor, to find out if you can take your deal to your new address.

How much notice do you need to give your supplier?

The amount of notice you need to give your supplier will depend on your existing broadband contract. If the set term of your contract has expired, you’ll probably need to give your supplier around a month’s notice. If your set period hasn’t expired, you may find you have to pay an exit fee no matter how much notice you provide.
In general, it’s a good idea to get in touch with your broadband supplier as soon as you know you’re moving house. This will give you plenty of time to get your paperwork in order and arrange your final bill.

How long does it take to switch broadband?

If there’s already a landline in place in your new home, it should only take a few days for your new connection to get up and running. However, if you need to get a landline installed, you could easily wait up to three weeks for a new internet connection. During especially busy periods, the wait could be even longer.

Do I need to tell my broadband provider I am switching?

If you need to break an ongoing contract with your broadband provider, you’ll need to notify them that you’re leaving before you move house. This will give them a chance to let you know how much you owe and generate a final bill for the property.
Even if your contract has come to an end, or you have a rolling contract, you’ll need to contact your current supplier to arrange a cancellation date. This will generally be the date that your house move is scheduled to take place.
If you’re hoping to take your current deal with you to your new property, you’ll need to get in touch with your broadband provider to ensure your deal is available in your new area. If your broadband supplier does have coverage in the region you’re moving to, you may well be able to arrange for your current deal to be transferred to your new property.

How to get internet in a new build house?


In most cases, new build houses won’t have a landline installed. This means that you’ll need to arrange for a landline to be in place before your broadband can be connected.

How to get a landline in a new build: Step by step

Step one: Check to see if you already have a phone line installed in your property. Some developers install landlines as standard while others leave it to the buyers to arrange their own.
Step two: Contact BT Openreach. If you don’t have a landline in place, BT Openreach will be able to install one in your property. This will normally cost around £140 and can take up to 15 working days. Contact BT Openreach.
Step three: Choose a broadband supplier. Once your landline is installed, you’ll be free to select the supplier that’s right for you.
If you want a super or ultrafast broadband connection, you’ll need to search for suppliers offering these types of deals in your area. As not all of the UK is currently on the full fibre network, it may not be possible to get ultrafast speeds. However, you should still be able to get a good connection, no matter where you are in the country.
Wireless internet connection
If you don’t want to go to the hassle of organising landline installation, another option is to choose a wireless internet connection. Choosing a wireless 4G or 5G connection allows you to receive home broadband without the need for a landline. If you don’t already have a phone line installed, this can be a cheaper and more convenient option for your home internet connection.

Broadband providers moving house service


Some broadband providers have specialist customer service agents to help customers moving house. If your supplier offers assistance with house moves, this can help to take care of much of the admin and make the process a lot easier. Contact your supplier before you move to find out what they offer.

BT broadband moving house More details
Sky broadband moving home More details
Virgin Media Broadband moving home More details
EE Broadband moving home More details
Moving Home with TalkTalk More details
Vodafone Broadband moving home More details
Moving home with Plusnet More details


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FAQ

How long does it take to set up internet in a new house?

The length of time it takes to set up an internet connection in your new house will depend on the supplier you choose and whether or not there’s a landline already installed in the property. If your new home has an active phone line in place, you could be online in just a few days. However, if the phone line needs to be reactivated, or a new one installed, it could take up to 21 days to get set up.

Is switching broadband easy?

Switching to a new broadband supplier is easy. You’ll hardly notice an interruption to your connection and you could save a significant amount of money by switching to a new deal. As you’ll need to arrange a new connection in your new home anyway, moving house is the perfect time to switch your deal and start saving. Call Broadband Plans to compare deals and find the best available offer in your area.
Give us a call on 0330 054 0020

Can I move my broadband when I move house?

If your existing supplier offers broadband coverage in the area you’re moving to, you’ll be able to move your broadband connection when you move house. However, if your current supplier doesn’t offer coverage in your new area, you’ll need to find a new broadband provider that serves the region you’re moving to.

What happens if you move house during a broadband contract?

If you need to move house before your broadband contract expires, you may have to pay an exit fee. The amount you’ll need to pay will depend on your supplier. While some charge a set fee, others require customers to pay for all months remaining in their contract period.
You can avoid paying an exit fee by taking your connection with you to your new address or by waiting until the end of your contract before you move.

Updated on 14 Oct, 2022

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Chérie

Content Specialist