New AML Laws for Property Buyers & Sellers: What You Need to Know
New AML Laws for Property Buyers & Sellers: What You Need to Know
From 1 July 2026, significant changes came into effect for Australia’s real estate industry. Real estate agencies are now required to comply with the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) legislation, helping protect Australia’s property market from money laundering, organised crime and other financial offences. At Fulton and Co Property, we understand that buying or selling property can already feel overwhelming. Our goal is to make these new requirements as simple and seamless as possible while continuing to provide the personalised service our clients know and trust.
Why have these laws changed?
Real estate has long been recognised internationally as a sector that can be targeted by criminals seeking to disguise illegally obtained funds through property transactions. The new legislation brings Australian real estate professionals into line with industries such as banks and financial institutions, which have been undertaking identity verification and customer due diligence for many years.
What does this mean for you?
If you’re buying or selling property, you may now be asked to verify your identity before we can provide certain real estate services. This is a legal requirement—not a Fulton and Co Property policy—and applies to real estate agencies across Australia that provide designated services.
What information might we ask for?
Depending on your circumstances, we may request:
- Government-issued photo identification
- Confirmation of your current residential address
- Verification of company or trust details (where applicable)
- Information about who ultimately owns or controls a company or trust
- Additional information where legally required for higher-risk matters
For most residential transactions, the process is straightforward and takes only a few minutes.
We use secure digital verification
To make the process quick and convenient, Fulton and Co Property uses APLYiD, a secure digital identity verification platform. Rather than photocopying identification or asking you to visit our office, we’ll send a secure verification link directly to your mobile phone via SMS. Simply follow the prompts to verify your identity using your smartphone. The process is straightforward and, for most clients, takes less than five minutes to complete.
Will every client need to complete AML checks?
Most new clients engaging us for the sale or purchase of property will be required to complete identity verification before we provide designated real estate services. Existing clients with an ongoing property transaction or agency relationship may also be asked to complete identity verification as part of our compliance obligations under Australian law.
Is my personal information secure?
Absolutely. Protecting your privacy is extremely important to us. Your personal information is collected and handled in accordance with Australian privacy laws and is used only for the purposes of meeting our legal obligations under the AML/CTF legislation. We take the security of your information seriously and use trusted technology providers to help protect your data throughout the verification process.
Will this delay my sale?
In most cases, no. Identity verification is one of the first steps in your property journey with us. By completing your secure APLYiD verification promptly after receiving the SMS link, we can continue with your appointment, prepare your documentation and progress your property transaction without unnecessary delays. If you have any questions during the verification process, our team is only a phone call away and will be happy to assist.
Our commitment to you
At Fulton and Co Property, we believe compliance should never come at the expense of exceptional service. We’ll guide you through every step, explain why information is required, and ensure the process is as simple, secure and stress-free as possible. Our commitment remains unchanged: Tailored. Ethical. Exceptional.
Frequently Asked Questions Is this a Fulton and Co Property requirement? No. These are Australian Government requirements administered by AUSTRAC and apply to real estate businesses providing designated services.
How long does identity verification take? Most clients complete their APLYiD verification in less than five minutes using their smartphone.
Do I need to visit your office?
No. Your identity can usually be verified securely from wherever you are using the SMS link we send to your mobile phone.
Why do you need my ID?
Australian law now requires real estate businesses to verify the identity of certain clients before providing designated services. These requirements help protect Australia’s property market from money laundering, terrorism financing and other financial crimes.
What if I don’t receive the SMS?
If you don’t receive your secure verification link, or you need assistance completing the process, simply contact Fulton and Co Property. We’ll help you through the process and, if required, resend the verification link.
What if I’m not comfortable providing my identification?
We understand that sharing personal information can feel sensitive. Identity verification is a legal requirement under Australia’s AML/CTF legislation, and we are unable to provide certain real estate services without completing the required checks. We use secure systems and handle your information in accordance with Australian privacy laws.
Have more questions?
If you have any questions about the new AML requirements or the verification process, please contact the Fulton and Co Property team. We’re here to make the process as simple, transparent and stress-free as possible while continuing to provide the personalised service you expect.