UNDERSTANDING AUSTRALIA’S NEW AML LAWS

What Property Sellers & Buyers Need To Know

WHAT HAPPENS IF DEATILS ARE NOT PROVIDED?
Australia's Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) Act was designed to stop criminals from using financial systems to hide or move illegally obtained money. For years, it applied to banks and financial institutions. As of 1 July 2026, as part of what the government calls Tranche 2, it now applies to real estate agents across the country.

WHY WAS REAL ESTATE INCLUDED?
Property has historically been one of the most common vehicles for money laundering in Australia. AUSTRAC, the government body that oversees AML compliance, estimates that billions of dollars in illicit funds move through the Australian property market each year. These laws bring Australia in line with international standards already in place in the UK, EU, and New Zealand.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOUR TRANSACTION?
Property Services is now legally required to verify the identity of every buyer and seller before a property transaction can proceed. This applies to every client, every time, regardless of how long we've worked together. It is a legal obligation, not a choice. Non-compliance carries serious penalties.

WHAT WILL WE ASK FOR?
The process is entirely digital and takes less than 5 minutes:
Individuals: Photo ID (driver's licence or passport) + proof of current address
Companies / Trusts: Basic entity details and information on beneficial owners
You won't need to visit our office or post any documents. Everything is handled through a secure digital link we send directly to you.

HOW IS YOUR DATA PROTECTED?
Property Services uses AML Assured, a compliance platform built specifically for Australian real estate, to manage identity verification. Your data is encrypted, stored securely in Australia, handled in compliance with the Privacy Act 1988, and never sold or used for marketing. It is retained for the legally required 7-year period, then securely deleted.

These laws exist to protect honest buyers, sellers, and the broader property market from the damage caused by organised crime. Every verified transaction makes Australian real estate more transparent and trustworthy. We're proud to be part of that change.

Questions? Please contact Elisa Wellington via phone; 0403842715 or email; ew@propertyservicesqld.com.au, or visit our office at, Shop 2, 128 Merivale Street, South Brisbane, QLD 4101.