Adam Empringham,
Director of Sales at Image Property.
Selling or buying after 1 July? Here’s what the new AML laws mean for you.
If you’re planning to buy or sell a property in the coming months, there’s a small but important change to be aware of.
From 1 July 2026, real estate agents across Australia are legally required to verify the identity of every buyer and seller before they can act on their behalf. It’s a new law, it applies nationally, and it affects every property transaction going forward. The good news is that for most people, it adds very little to the process.
So what’s actually changing?
Australia’s government has extended its anti-money laundering laws to include real estate agencies. These laws already applied to banks, lawyers, and conveyancers. Real estate is now part of that same framework.
The reason is straightforward. Property is one of the most common ways large sums of money get moved or hidden illegally. Requiring identity checks at the point of sale makes the whole market more transparent and harder to misuse.
For the overwhelming majority of people buying or selling a home, none of this is relevant to their situation. But the checks apply to everyone, because that’s how the law works.
What does it mean for you?
Before we can list your home or represent you as a buyer, we’ll need to verify who you are. This is called a KYC check — Know Your Customer — and it’s the same kind of process you go through when you open a bank account or instruct a solicitor.
In most cases it takes a few minutes and can be done digitally. You’ll be asked to provide identification, and that’s largely it.
If you’re buying or selling on behalf of a company or trust, there may be a couple of extra steps to confirm who sits behind that entity. Your agent will walk you through anything additional if it applies to you.
A few simple things to know:
- Identity checks are now a legal requirement before an agent can work with you
- It applies to both buyers and sellers
- The process is quick and straightforward — usually completed online
- Your information is handled securely and stored in line with legal requirements
Why we think this is a good thing
It might feel like an extra step, but it’s one worth taking.
Real estate has always been a significant financial decision. Knowing that everyone involved in a transaction has been properly identified adds a layer of integrity to the process that simply didn’t exist before.
For sellers, it means greater confidence in who you’re dealing with. For buyers, it means the market you’re participating in is cleaner and more accountable. For everyone, it signals that the industry is holding itself to a higher standard. It’s a small, simple step that makes every property transaction a little safer for everyone involved.
What to expect when you work with us
We’ve been preparing for these changes well ahead of the July deadline. Our team is trained, our process is in place, and our focus is on making this as smooth as possible for the people we work with.
When the time comes, we’ll guide you through what’s needed. It won’t slow things down, and it won’t complicate your experience.
If you have questions before your next transaction, we’re always happy to talk it through.
Ready to take the next step? Get in touch with the Image Property team for a conversation about buying or selling.
Disclaimer: This article is intended as general information only and does not constitute legal or compliance advice. Legislative requirements may change, and individual circumstances vary.
