Real estate agents required to carry out new checks under Anti-Money Laundering legislation

Real estate agents are now required to carry out customer due diligence (CDD) on buyers and sellers under Anti-Money Laundering/Counter-Terrorism Financing legislation that came into effect on 1 July 2026.

This involves verifying your identity and determining whether you are a politically exposed person or on sanctions lists. The agent may have to ask about your reasons for buying or selling the property, and, in some cases, will be required to ask about your source of funds or wealth.

If you are buying or selling a property via a trust or company, the agent will need to confirm the beneficial owners of the property.

These checks are legal requirements, imposed by the Australian government. For sellers, they will be carried out when you list a property to sell with an agent. You will be unable to advertise the property until CDD is complete.

For buyers, the agent will have to do CDD once your offer to purchase a property is accepted. In some cases, the agent may be able to rely on customer due diligence done by your settlement agent.

If you have any questions about the reforms and CDD, please speak to your real estate agent or read our Frequently Asked Questions.