Anti-Money Laundering & Counter – Terrorism Financing
From 1 July 2026, new AML/CTF laws will apply to real estate agencies and other professional services across Australia, including lawyers, accountants, conveyancers and property developers.
These changes mean we are required to confirm client identity, understand where funds are coming from, keep records, and in some cases report information to AUSTRAC.
For most buyers and sellers, this simply means you may be asked for additional ID or a few extra details during the transaction.
We understand this can feel repetitive at times, especially when you are already working with multiple professionals. These checks are a standard legal requirement for all transactions and are designed to protect the integrity of the property system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Buying or selling property already involves contracts, finance, conveyancing, building and pest inspections. These new compliance steps simply add another layer to the process.
We’ve answered some common questions below to help explain what’s changing and what you can expect.
1. Why is my real estate agent asking for identification?
We are required under AML/CTF laws to verify client identity and collect certain information as part of the transaction process.
2. Why do I need to provide ID if my bank or conveyancer already has it?
Each party has its own legal obligations and must complete its own verification process. Information can’t always be shared between organisations.
3. Will this delay my sale or purchase?
In most cases, no. Transactions will proceed as normal, although extra checks may occasionally add time in more complex situations.
4. Is my information secure?
Yes. All information is handled through secure systems and only used for compliance and verification purposes.
5. What documents might I need to provide?
This may include:
- Driver’s license or passport
- Proof of address
- Trust or company documents (if applicable)
- Authority to act documents (if applicable)
6. Where can I learn more?
For additional information about anti-money laundering requirements and client verification, you can visit the AML Hub FAQ resource or speak with our team directly.
Selling
With new AML/CTF compliance requirements now part of the process, you will be asked for identification or supporting documentation. The good news? Most of this is information you’re likely already gathering for your Settlement Agent – we’re simply tightening the process to meet new legal obligations.
1) Why do I need AML verification to sell my property?
From July 2026, real estate agencies have legal AML/CTF obligations around client verification and compliance reporting. While identity checks have long been part of property transactions, the process is now becoming more formalised and consistent across the industry.
2) I’m already giving documents to my settlement agent – why do you need them too?
A fair question! Many clients are already providing identification and authority documents as part of the sale process. Unfortunately, different parties often have separate legal obligations, meaning we can’t always rely on checks completed elsewhere. The upside? If you’re already gathering documents for your settlement agent, it’s a great time to keep them handy for us too.
3) I’m selling through a trust or company – what extra information is needed?
Where property ownership involves a company, trust, SMSF, or other entity, additional verification may be required to confirm ownership, control, and authority to act. Such as trust deeds, company extracts or even company consititutions.
4) I live interstate or overseas – can I still complete verification?
Yes. Remote verification processes are available, including secure electronic verification through AML Hub and additional document verification where required.
5) Will AML checks delay the sale of my property?
In most cases, no. Verification is designed to be completed early in the process, however delays may occur if required information is incomplete or additional checks are needed.
6) What if I’m selling as executor of an estate?
If you’re acting as executor, administrator, attorney, or under another legal authority, we’ll need supporting documentation confirming your authority to act in the transaction, along with standard identity verification.
Buying
Buying property is exciting, fast-moving, and sometimes a little overwhelming. Finance, contracts, building and pest inspections timelines all happening at once.
AML/CTF compliance is now another part of the modern property journey, which just adds identity verification and potentially additional questions depending on how you’re purchasing. We’ll guide you through what’s needed so there are no surprises.
1) Do buyers need to complete AML verification too?
Yes – anti-money laundering compliance apply to both purchasers and sellers.
2) Can someone else pay my deposit?
Yes, however third-party payments can trigger additional compliance questions. If funds are coming from someone other than the purchaser, extra clarification may be required.
3) What if I’m buying with family, parents or someone helping me financially?
Family support, guarantors, gifted deposits, and joint purchasing arrangements are common. Depending on the transaction structure, additional verification or documentation may be required.
4) I’m a cash buyer – does that make things easier?
While some transactions may be straightforward, anti-money laundering obligations still apply, and certain payment methods or funding arrangements may require additional verification, regardless of cash or finance (through a bank).
5) What if I’m an overseas buyer or not currently in Australia?
Remote verification options are available, however depending on the circumstances, additional identity or compliance checks may be required.
6) I’m buying at auction – do AML checks still apply?
Yes. Property transactions involving auctions may still require compliance verification, and buyers should be prepared to complete any required identification processes promptly.
Other Resources:
AML Hub – Learn more about the secure verification platform used as part of our compliance process.
AUSTRAC – Official government guidance on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing obligations.
Privacy guidance for reporting entities (AUSTRAC) – Official government guidance on privacy and the Act.
REIWA AML FAQ – The Real Estate Institute of Western Australia Frequently Asked Questions on the new AML Laws.