From 1 July 2026, Australia’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws will expand to include the real estate sector.

For most buyers and sellers, the change will be simple. You may be asked to provide identification and supporting documents as part of the sales process. Behind the scenes, real estate agencies will have new legal obligations to verify customers, understand who is involved in a transaction and help reduce the risk of property being misused for financial crime.

What are AML/CTF laws?

AML/CTF stands for Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing. These laws are designed to prevent criminals from using legitimate industries to move or conceal illegally obtained money. While they have traditionally applied to sectors such as banks and casinos, from 1 July 2026 they will also extend to real estate agents, conveyancers, lawyers, accountants and other professionals involved in property transactions.

Property is one of Australia’s largest and most valuable asset classes. Because of that, it can be attractive to those trying to move or conceal illicit funds. For genuine buyers and sellers, this simply means identity verification will become a normal part of the property process.

The new obligations apply to real estate professionals who facilitate the sale, purchase or transfer of real estate in Australia. This includes seller’s agents and buyer’s agents. It can also include property developers or businesses selling house and land packages, off-the-plan apartments or land in new subdivisions where they do not use an independent real estate agent.

What does this mean as a seller?

If you are selling a property, your agent will need to verify your identity and confirm your authority to sell. This process generally begins when you sign a selling agency agreement. Until this process is completed, your property cannot be marketed and buyers cannot be shown through your home.

Your agent may need to confirm:

• who you are
• that you are the property owner
• that you have authority to sell the property
• whether anyone else owns, controls or has authority over the property

In most cases, this will be a simple identity check. For more complex ownership structures, such as a company, trust, self-managed super fund or deceased estate, additional information may be required.

For current sellers:

• If your property was listed before 1 July 2026 under an existing agency agreement, the new AML/CTF requirements aren't intended to apply retrospectively to that existing agreement.
• If you sign a new listing agreement on or after 1 July 2026 (including re-listing with another agency or renewing where a new agreement is required), you should expect to complete identity verification.

What does this mean as a buyer?

If you are buying a property, the identity verification process will usually begin once your offer has been accepted and the contract has been signed. At this point, the agency may need to verify who you are and confirm key details before the transaction progresses to settlement.

If someone else is paying the deposit on your behalf, they may also need to complete AML/CTF checks. This is common where a family member or another party is contributing funds to the purchase.

This does not change the way you make an offer, negotiate or secure a property. It simply means you should be prepared to provide identification promptly once your purchase is underway.

If your contract to purchase a home is signed on or after 1 July 2026 for any property transaction in Australia, you should expect to complete identity verification as part of the transaction.

What documents might you need to provide?

The exact documents required will depend on the transaction and how the property is owned or purchased.

You may be asked to provide:

• driver license or passport
• proof of residential address
• company or trust documentation
• self-managed superfund documentation
• proof of authority to act
• information about beneficial owners or controlling parties
• other compliance-related information where required

For most individuals, the process should be straightforward. For companies, trusts, self managed super funds or overseas clients, the agency may need to collect more detailed information to confirm ownership, control and authority.

What if you live overseas?

If you are buying or selling Australian property while living overseas, you can still complete the required checks remotely.

How will identity verification be completed?

Identity verification can be completed in a number of ways. Most agencies will use a secure digital platform, allowing buyers and sellers to verify their identity through a secure link, while others may complete the process in person with their agent. Regardless of the method used, your information will be collected through secure compliance systems designed to support identity verification and meet regulatory requirements.

While these new requirements add an extra step to the buying and selling process, they're designed to make Australia's property market more secure and transparent. If you have any questions about what they mean for your next move, get in touch via the form below.

Disclaimer: This article is general in nature and is not legal or financial advice. Requirements may vary depending on your circumstances, ownership structure and transaction type. Buyers and sellers should seek advice where required.