02/06/2026
Why real estate agencies may request identification and compliance documents.
From 1 July 2026, new Australian AML/CTF laws are expected to require real estate agencies to complete identity verification and compliance checks for applicable property sale transactions.
These reforms are being introduced across the Australian property industry to help deter and detect money laundering, organised crime and terrorism financing.
Based on current legislation, these obligations are expected to apply primarily to property sale transactions.
Depending on the transaction, clients may be asked to provide:
• Driver licence or passport
• Proof of address
• Company or trust documentation
• Ownership information for entities
• Source of funds information in some circumstances
Where a property is purchased or sold through a company, trust, SMSF or other entity structure, additional verification may also be required under the legislation.
Importantly, these checks are mandatory legal requirements applying across the Australian real estate industry and are not an indication that anything is wrong.
At M5 Industrial Property Services, we are committed to making the process simple, secure and easy to understand for our clients.
To learn more about the upcoming AML changes and our verification process, visit our website https://www.m5industrial.com.au/understanding-the-aml-ctf-act-and-why-we-need-your-information or contact our team.
