Checking broadband at your new address before you move

Broadband availability is one of those things people often check informally during a property search (a quick look at a coverage map, a question to the current occupants) and then assume it will sort itself out. It frequently does. But when it does not, discovering on moving day that the connection you were expecting is not available, or will take six weeks to install, is a frustrating problem to solve from inside a house full of boxes.

Home checks broadband availability at your new address before you move. Here is how it works.

What the check covers

Home's broadband check queries availability across approximately 16 ISPs using a browser-automation service that checks each provider's coverage tool directly. This means you get a picture of what is available at your specific address from multiple providers, rather than relying on a single aggregator that may not carry all options.

The check covers major national providers and a selection of regional and alternative network providers. Results include what connection types are available (fibre to the premises, fibre to the cabinet, cable, or standard ADSL), indicative speeds, and which providers offer service at that address.

Why this matters more than a casual coverage check

Coverage maps are approximations. They show what infrastructure exists in an area, not necessarily what is connected to a specific property. A street may be largely covered by full-fibre, but a particular house may not yet be connected. Checking address-level availability rather than area-level coverage is the only way to know for certain.

For rental properties, check anyway: leases do not guarantee broadband, and what the previous tenant had may not be available to you under a new contract. If you are working through Home's lettings search, running the check as soon as you shortlist a property avoids a surprise after you have signed.

When to run the check

The best time is before you commit, not after. If you are buying, checking availability during the viewing or due-diligence stage means you can factor it into your decision. If you are renting, you can ask the landlord or agent to confirm what is installed and check whether other options exist.

If you are already committed to the property, running the check early gives you the most time to arrange installation. Some providers, particularly those building out new full-fibre infrastructure, have waiting lists or installation lead times of several weeks. Knowing this in advance means you can arrange an interim solution if needed: a mobile broadband device, or a temporary contract with an available provider. It is one more item for the moving checklist between offer accepted and completion, alongside things like removals bookings.

How to use it through Home

When you have a property confirmed, either through a move in progress or a property you are tracking on the platform, you can run the broadband check directly from your account. You enter the new address, and the check runs against available ISPs. Results come back as a summary of what is available and from which providers.

This is available for both buyers and renters. You can access it once you have a property in view at homes for sale or homes to rent. Home currently tracks 1,249,531 live UK listings, including flats like this 1-bed on Henry Street, Manchester, so most searches will have a specific address to run the check against before you view.

A note on accuracy

ISP coverage data changes as networks are upgraded. The check reflects availability at the point you run it, but infrastructure builds are ongoing. If you are checking more than a few months before your move, run it again closer to your move date.

Speeds advertised by providers are estimates. Actual speeds depend on the specific connection to your property and can vary. If connection quality matters for your work or household, ask the provider for a guarantee or check recent reviews for that provider in your area.

Further reading: Ofcom on broadband and phone services.