What Anti-Money Laundering Laws Mean for Property Buyers and Sellers

From 1 July 2026, new Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) requirements will apply to Australia's real estate industry.

While the changes may introduce a few additional steps during a property transaction, they are designed to strengthen the integrity of Australia's property market and help prevent financial crime.

So, what does this mean for buyers and sellers?

In many cases, real estate agents will be required to verify the identity of their clients and may request additional documentation as part of the sales process. This could include proof of identity by way of passport and drivers' licence, ownership details, or information relating to the source of funds used to purchase property.

For most buyers and sellers, the process will be straightforward and like the identification checks already common in banking and financial services.

These new requirements aim to create greater transparency across property transactions while helping to protect the Australian property market from money laundering and other illicit activity.

At RT Edgar, we are committed to ensuring the process is managed professionally, securely, and efficiently. Our team is here to guide clients through any additional requirements and answer questions along the way.

If you are considering buying or selling property and would like to understand how these changes may affect you, please contact our team on 03 9826 1000 with any questions.