Buying or selling this year? From 1 July, we’ll need to check your ID first.

If you’re buying or selling property this year, there’s one new thing you need to know. From 1 July 2026, every real estate agency in Australia is legally required to verify the identity of buyers and sellers before a property can be listed or sold.

It sounds more involved than it is. Here’s what’s happening and what it means for you.

Why is this happening?

Australia’s Anti-Money Laundering [AML] and Counter-Terrorism Financing [CTF] laws have applied to banks, casinos and financial institutions since 2006. Real estate is now being brought into the same framework.

Property is considered one of the highest-risk sectors for money laundering. Large sums, complex ownership structures, and the ability to move significant wealth in a single transaction can attract money laundering behaviours. These new laws are designed to close that gap.

This isn’t a decision we’ve made; it’s a federal law that applies to every agency across Australia. Banks have been doing the same thing for years.

What do we need from you?

For most buyers and sellers, it’s straightforward. We’ll need:

• Your full name
• Your date of birth or residential address

If you’re transacting through a company or trust, you’ll be asked to supply:

• Confirmation of Nominee Director/Nominee Shareholder
• Constitution/Shareholder Agreement: outlining the powers that bind and regulate

In some cases, we may also ask about the source of funds for a purchase. Again, this is a legal requirement, not a reflection on you.

Either way, we’ll talk you through exactly what’s needed when the time comes, no surprises.

How does it work?

We are partnered with AMLHUB,  to make it easy to provide this information. Here’s how it will work:

1. We will provide your email address and mobile number to AMLHUB.
2. They will get in touch with you to ask some questions about the property.
3. They will then send you a link via email or text where you can complete a biometric check with your photo ID.
4. If you can’t complete the biometric check, you will be sent a link to the self-service portal where you can upload the required documents.
5. Once all information is collected from owners, the AMLHUB team will complete the verification and we can list the property.

 What happens to your information?

Your details are used only for identity verification, nothing else. They’re stored securely with AMLHUB and retained for seven years, as required by law.
The AMLHUB platform is ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certified and built specifically for managing real estate Anti Money Laundering /Counter Terrorism Financing checks.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to do this?

Yes. If you want to buy or sell property through any agency in Australia from 1 July 2026, identity verification is a legal requirement. Without it, we can’t proceed with the transaction. This applies to every real estate agency.

Why are you asking for my personal information?

It’s required under Australia’s Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act. All real estate agencies must verify who they’re doing business with before a transaction can proceed. It’s the same process your bank uses.

I’ve bought or sold with you before. Do I still need to do this?

Yes. The law applies to all clients, including people we’ve worked with many times. If we have existing information on file, we may just need to update it, but we still need to complete the check.

What if I’m buying or selling through a company or trust?

There are a few extra steps. We’ll need information about who owns or controls the company or trust — directors, shareholders, trustees, and in some cases beneficiaries. We’ll explain exactly what’s required when we get to that point.

What do you do with my information?

It’s used only for identity verification under the AML/CTF Act. It won’t be used for marketing or shared with third parties. Your information is held securely in the AMLHUB platform and kept for seven years as required by law.

What if I don’t want to provide my information?

Unfortunately, we won’t be able to proceed with the sale or purchase. This is a legal obligation for all real estate agencies; there’s no way around it. If you have privacy concerns, please talk to your Armstrong agent, and we’ll walk you through how your data is protected.

For the official detail on these reforms, visit: austrac.gov.au

Victorian-specific guidance: reiv.com.au/advocacy/amlctf

Questions? Talk to your Armstrong agent, we’re happy to help