Important Information for Clients From 1 July 2026
From 1 July 2026, new Australian Government Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) laws will apply to the real estate industry and related professionals, including buyer’s agents, selling agents, conveyancers and solicitors.
These reforms are administered by AUSTRAC and are designed to help prevent money laundering, fraud and other serious financial crime through the Australian property market.
Under the new legislation, regulated businesses are legally required to collect and verify certain information about their clients before providing designated services. This is not a policy specific to our business — these requirements apply across the industry and many parties involved in a property transaction may be required to undertake similar identification and verification procedures.
We understand that some of the information requested may initially feel unfamiliar and intrusive. Please be assured that these requirements are now mandated by Australian law and apply broadly across the property industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What information & documents will you require?
You are required to complete the AUSTRAC Onboarding Form. This form collects information that we are legally required to obtain and verify under Australia’s Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) legislation, includin (but may not be limited to):
- Your full legal name
- Your current residential address
- Your date of birth
- Your contact details
- Details of how the property purchase will be funded
To assist us to verify this information, you will also need to provide some identification documents. Depending on your circumstances, these may include:
- Passport
- Drivers licence
- Proof of residential address documentation (such as a utility bill, bank statement or council rates notice)
- Documents supporting the source of funds used for the property purchase
- Other identification or supporting documents where required
We are required by law to collect and verify this information
If you are purchasing through a company, trust or SMSF, additional documentation may also be required, such as:
- ASIC company extract
- Trust deed or SMSF documentation
- Identification for directors, trustees or controlling individuals
The exact requirements will depend on the ownership structure and the nature of the transaction.
Will I need to provide similar information to other parties involved in the transaction?
Most likely, yes.
Under the new legislation, other professionals involved in the transaction — such as selling agents, conveyancers and solicitors — may also have their own independent legal obligations to verify identity and undertake compliance checks.
As a result, you may be asked to provide similar information more than once during the purchasing process.
Is my information secure?
Yes. Protecting your privacy and personal information is extremely important to us.
Any information collected will be handled in accordance with applicable privacy laws and used only for compliance with our legal obligations.
Who will have access to my information?
Access to your information will be limited to authorised personnel and professional advisers involved in compliance and transaction management where necessary.
We will not disclose your information to unrelated third parties unless required by law.
I am an existing client — do I still need to provide this information?
Possibly. Even existing clients may need to provide updated information or documentation to satisfy the new legislative requirements, particularly where previous records are incomplete or outdated.
What happens if I do not provide the required information?
Unfortunately, under the legislation, we may be unable to continue acting on your behalf or providing certain services until the required information has been received and verified.
Does this mean you suspect wrongdoing?
Absolutely not.
These requirements apply broadly across the industry and form part of the new compliance obligations introduced by the Australian Government. They apply to all clients and are designed to help protect the integrity of the Australian property market and reduce financial crime.
Where can I find more information?
Further information can be found on the official AUSTRAC website.
