Moving home is a great opportunity – especially if your broadband contract has ended. Not only can you switch providers without facing early exit fees, but you might also enjoy faster broadband speeds or cheaper deals depending on your new location.
But what if you're still in contract? In that case, you'll need to check whether you can move your current deal to your new home. Some providers allow this without any hassle, but if they don’t serve your new address, you might have to cancel. The good news is that some (but not all) providers may waive cancellation fees in these cases.
This guide will help you figure out your options, avoid delays, and make the most of your move.
Can you take broadband with you when you move?
Yes, most providers let you transfer your broadband - but it’s not always your best option. If you’re out of contract, moving house is the perfect time to shop around and see if you can get a better deal. Or at the very least, get in touch with your provider. You may be able to haggle a bargain if you’re willing to renew your contract.
Here are a few things to consider:
- Is your current provider available at the new address? Use our postcode checker to confirm this.
- Would switching save money or offer faster speeds? Your new area might have more providers or better deals.
- Are you free to leave? If you’re out of contract, switching is penalty-free. It’s also the easiest way to dodge price hikes and take advantage of sign-up rewards like gift cards. Thanks to One-Touch Switch, you may not even need to contact your current provider – your new one handles the switch.
Still within your minimum contract term?
Moving before your minimum agreement ends can be costly. Cancelling early usually means paying for the remaining months of your contract.
To avoid early exit fees, consider these options:
Check if your provider is available at your new address – especially if you're on a full fibre plan.
Sign in to your online account – many providers offer a step-by-step moving service. You'll need your move date and property details (like a landline number).
Don’t leave it too late – you can often get connected around your move-in date, but only if arranged in advance.
Review your contract terms and contact your current broadband provider – some waive exit fees if they can’t supply your new address. Others may negotiate.
Look for providers that pay off termination fees – Vodafone, Sky Broadband, Fibrus, BeFibre and KCOM sometimes offer switching credit. Check our guide to switching credits for more.
- Learn more: 'How to cancel a broadband contract early'.
How to set up internet in a new house
Here’s how to make sure you’re online quickly in your new home:
Check availability using our postcode tool.
Compare deals - new customers who switch broadband and start a new contract often get the lowest prices.
Sort as soon as you can - new builds might need an engineer visit.
Have a back-up plan - broadband delays do happen. A tethered phone or dongle can provide temporary access. Some providers supply a 4G device for fallback internet access if delays are their fault.
Need help with phone line setup? See our guide to phone line installation and our guide to the broadband installation process.
We also have the following dedicated moving home guides:
How much notice do you need to give your provider?
Here’s a quick comparison of notice periods and fees from major UK broadband providers:
|
Provider |
Minimum notice |
Cost |
|---|---|---|
| BT | 2 weeks' notice | Charges apply for new line or upgrades |
| NOW Broadband | 2 weeks' notice | Free |
| Plusnet | 4 weeks' notice | Free if new contract, or charges apply. |
| Sky Broadband | 2 weeks' notice | Free unless "non-standard installation" |
| TalkTalk | 2 weeks' notice | £60, or free with a re-contract |
| Virgin Media | 30 days' notice | £20-£35 transfer charge |
| Vodafone | 30 days' notice | Free |
Can I keep the same home phone number when I move?
Yes – often even if you switch providers. It depends on whether your new address is in the same telephone area.
Can I take my Wi-Fi router and equipment?
Yes, if you're staying with the same provider and using the same connection type. But new broadband deals and upgrades often come with a new router, so check before packing it.
How long does it take to get broadband in a new house?
Usually around two weeks – sometimes sooner. Arrange this early, especially if you need an engineer visit.
How much will it cost?
If you’re out of contract and switching, you’ll likely get free setup and a cheaper monthly price. If you're still in contract:
- Early exit fees may apply.
- Engineer installation may cost extra (especially in new builds).
Always double-check your provider’s terms. Unfortunately, even if your in contract there may be a charge. For example, Virgin Media charges £20 for a house move self-install kit.
Common issues to watch out for
- Previous occupant hasn’t cancelled their service
- No broadband infrastructure in new builds
- Delayed engineer visits
- Your provider isn’t available at the new address
Give your provider plenty of notice and use our broadband checker to avoid surprises. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with a broadband provider if you’re receiving old post addressed to the previous occupant after your home move.
Moving into or out of a Virgin Media or full fibre broadband (FTTP) network area
Virgin Media and full fibre providers like Hyperoptic use different infrastructure from Openreach (used by most other providers). So:
- Switching between them isn’t always seamless
- Coverage is more limited
- You may face cancellation fees
Also, some new homes might not have an active BT line. In that case, setup may cost extra – even if the deal includes ‘free’ installation.
How do I install internet in a new-build house or flat?
New builds often lack a broadband connection. This means you’ll need an engineer to connect the home to the nearest cabinet – which can cost money.
If you can, book your installation date before moving day. Waiting until after means you’ll be offline longer.
Some new homes come with pre-installed broadband, but this may limit your choice of provider. Check with the builder or estate agent.
FAQs
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Should I switch broadband when I move to a new property?
Yes – especially if you're out of contract. It's the best time to look for a new provider, find faster speeds or save money.
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How do I know what broadband is available in my new home?
Use our Broadband Genie postcode checker to see your options.
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Will I have to pay to move my broadband?
Possibly. Many waive fees if you’re re-contracting. Switching fees depend on whether you’re still within the minimum term.
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When should I arrange broadband for my new house?
At least two weeks before your move.
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What do I do if there's no broadband access at my rental property?
If it's not possible to get a fixed line broadband connection on your property, you do have options.
The most common is to look for a mobile broadband service, such as Three Home Broadband. This works using the same 4G or 5G network as mobile phones. Not only are these services 'plug and play', the price is very reasonable, and they come with unlimited data.
For more information, visit our Three Broadband deals page.
Summary
If you're moving house and your broadband contract has ended, it’s a great time to switch to a different provider. You could unlock better broadband packages or faster speeds at your new address.
Use our broadband comparison tool to compare offers, give your provider plenty of notice, and plan ahead to avoid downtime.