Australia's Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) laws are designed to help prevent money laundering, terrorism financing and other serious financial crimes. As real estate transactions often involve significant assets and complex ownership structures, the industry is subject to these obligations.
From 1 July 2026, Australian AML/CTF legislation requires real estate professionals to undertake Customer Due Diligence (CDD) for property transactions.
CDD involves verifying the identity of buyers and sellers and, where applicable, identifying individuals who own or control companies, trusts or other entities involved in a transaction. Additional information may be required where a transaction is considered higher risk.
Real estate agencies are required to comply with AML/CTF obligations under Australian law. Collecting this information enables us to meet our legal requirements and assist in progressing property transactions in a compliant manner.
Depending on the nature of the transaction and ownership structure, information requested may include:
- Full name, date of birth and residential address.
- Identification documents (such as a driver's licence or passport).
- Occupation details.
- Information regarding companies, trusts or other entities involved in the transaction.
- Details of beneficial ownership or control.
- Information about the purpose and nature of the transaction.
- Information relating to the source of funds or source of wealth, where required.
Your information will be collected, used and retained in accordance with AML/CTF legislation for purposes including identity verification, risk assessment, record keeping and, where required by law, reporting to the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC).
Records will be retained for the period prescribed by legislation.
Personal information will only be collected where reasonably necessary to meet AML/CTF obligations and will be handled in accordance with applicable privacy laws and our Privacy Policy.
If the required information or documentation is not provided, we may be unable to proceed with, or continue to act in relation to, the transaction until our AML/CTF obligations have been satisfied.