Anti‑Money Laundering (AML) Guidance

Why Real Estate Agents Now Ask More Financial Questions

From 1 July 2026, new national anti‑money laundering (AML) and counter‑terrorism financing (CTF) laws apply to Australia’s real estate industry.
These changes require real estate agents to collect additional information from buyers and sellers as part of the transaction process.
The aim is simple: to help protect Australia’s property market from being used to hide, move, or benefit from criminal activity. As a result, you may notice your agent asking questions earlier, and in more detail, than in the past.

Why These Questions Matter

Property transactions often involve large sums of money, which can make them attractive to criminals seeking to disguise the origin of illegal funds.
To address this risk, the Australian Government has expanded AML/CTF regulations so that real estate agents play a role in identifying who they’re dealing with and understanding the source of funds used in a transaction.
These requirements are not about suspicion or inconvenience, they are part of a nationally consistent framework designed to improve transparency, trust, and integrity across the entire property sector.
As part of these requirements, PRD Real Estate complies with obligations that may include reporting certain information to AUSTRAC, Australia’s financial intelligence agency, in accordance with AML/CTF laws.

What Your PRD Agent May Ask You

To meet their legal obligations, your PRD agent may need to request certain information, including:

• Proof of identity, such as government‑issued photo ID, earlier in the buying or selling process
• General information about how a purchase is being funded, for example through savings, a home loan, inheritance, or other legitimate sources

• Details about ownership structures if a property is being bought or sold through a company, Trust, SMSF or other legal entity
• Confirmation of who ultimately owns or controls a transaction, where required by law

Your agent will guide you through what information is needed and explain why it is being requested.

How This Benefits You

These additional checks are designed to deliver important benefits for everyone involved in property transactions, including:

• Protecting Australia’s property market from criminal misuse

• Increasing transparency and confidence across all real estate dealings
• Reducing the risk of fraud and financial crime

• Supporting safer, more secure transactions for buyers, sellers, and agents alike

Our Commitment to You

PRD agents are committed to handling all personal and financial information sensitively, securely, and in line with privacy laws.
While agents are required to collect certain details, they are not the regulators, their role is to ensure the correct processes are followed and to direct you to official sources for further information where needed.
If you have questions about why information is requested or how it is handled, your PRD agent will be happy to assist.