Along with a south-facing garden (dream big!), lots of natural light and access to transport links, the type and speed of broadband connection is now a prime consideration when moving home.

Alongside the hundreds of other little details you need to consider during a move, getting connected has become high on the list of priorities.

With that in mind, Broadband Genie has put together this guide to help you manage the move, so you can worry about one less thing.
 

Check connectivity at the new property

In a recent survey we found that 78% of people would be put off buying or renting due to slow broadband. Yet only 30% had researched the type of broadband available before choosing a home.

Alongside checking commuting times, routes into town and other details, broadband availability is one more thing to check when you’re planning to move home. While it may not sway your decision, you will need to plan accordingly if you’re moving to a slow broadband area. Of course, there may be faster connections available too!

Our own broadband checking tool can help here. Enter your postcode into the box and hit Check availability. We can tell you in seconds exactly what is in your area and how fast a broadband speed you can expect.

Alerting your ISP of a move

Regardless of whether you are continuing with your current ISP at your new address or not, you will need to notify them of your plans. As a rule, the more notice you give, the easier things should go. Different ISPs have different requirements regarding notice so check your contract. As a general rule you’ll have to give at least 28 days’ notice of your plans.

If you are staying with your current provider, this gives them enough time to schedule the work both at your old property and your new one. The more time they have, the smoother things should run.
 

Contracts and costs when switching broadband providers

All broadband providers work under contract. These can be for a fixed period and then on a rolling basis, or a continually renewed fixed term contract.

When planning your house move, it’s a good idea to check your contract terms to see where you stand. If you are within a fixed term and want to move home and keep your contract, there may be no fees. Some ISPs charge for house moves, some don’t. If you want to switch providers within a fixed term contract, you may be charged an early termination fee. This varies between providers but can equate to the full cost of the remainder of the contract.

If your provider does not offer services at your new address, or there are extenuating circumstances, they may waive or reduce any fees, though they are not legally obligated to do so. It is best to check your contract and discuss it with your provider before taking any action.
 

Broadband in rented homes

We may be generation rent, but ISPs don’t always appreciate that. Many contracts are now for 24 months and include early termination fees. If something happens to your rental property or you have to move within that time you may be liable for those fees. 

Depending on your situation, it may be wise to go for a 12-month broadband contract, even if it costs slightly more. Any contractual period longer than your rental agreement may leave you potentially exposed to extra cost. There are even shorter contract periods available with certain ISPs. They can be for three or six months or even a rolling monthly deal. These are often more expensive than a longer contract, but offers you the freedom to move as you need to without incurring any early termination fees.

It may be wise to find out what providers serve the area you are moving to and whether they offer a contract of a similar length to your rental agreement. It may also benefit you to research provider’s reputation when dealing with renters, who have to move through no fault of their own.

Remember to check for availability with our broadband checker and the presence of a phone line in your rented property. If there isn’t an existing phone line, verify that you have permission to have one installed before signing the rental agreement.
 

Step by step guide to moving broadband

It might seem like switching broadband providers is a lot of work, but it’s usually straightforward. To help with your move, here is a step by step guide to moving your broadband.

1. Use our availability checker to see what providers are in your area and what connection types and speeds you can expect.

2. Review your current contract and provider. If they are still competitive, consider moving the contract to the new address. Otherwise, consider notice periods and early termination fees.

3. Compare deals, contract lengths, speeds and the small print before making a decision.

4. Notify both your current and future provider of the planned move as early as possible and definitely within their contracted notice period. The earlier you notify them the smoother the process should be.

5. Arrange installation at your new property with your provider. Notify them of any issues with access, way leave or anything else that you can see that may impact installation.
6. Confirm with your provider two weeks before your move to ensure everything is in place for the installation.

 
Moving home is stressful enough without having to manage broadband providers along with the myriad of other demands on your time. Hopefully this guide makes the moving process just a little easier!

For more information use Broadband Genie’s guide to broadband and moving home.
 

 

Jamie Kavanagh

Jamie is an IT and network engineer turned writer.

Based in beautiful Cornwall, he spends his days making technical subjects understandable to all.

With 15 years IT experience and 10 years as a technical writer, he loves proving that technology isn’t as complicated as you might think!

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