What you need to know
From 1 July 2026, new real estate ID laws changed the way property transactions are completed across Australia.
The changes form part of Australia’s new Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) reforms, which introduce new compliance requirements for real estate businesses, buyers, and sellers.
These reforms are designed to protect consumers, businesses, and the integrity of Australia’s property market while providing real estate professionals with clear and consistent processes to follow.
For buyers and sellers, the property transaction itself remains much the same. However, you may be asked to provide additional identity and financial information before your transaction can proceed.
How do the new real estate ID laws affect property sellers?
If you’re selling a property, you’ll need to verify your identity before your property can be marketed.
If your property is owned by a company, family trust, or Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF), you may also need to provide documents showing who ultimately owns or controls the property.
Having these documents ready before you list your property can help prevent delays later in the sales process.
How do the new real estate ID laws affect property buyers?
Buyers will also need to complete identity checks.
You may also be asked to show where your purchase funds have come from. This is known as your source of funds.
Depending on your situation, you may need to provide:
- Bank statements showing your savings.
- Documents relating to an inheritance.
- Evidence of equity released from another property.
- Other financial records that explain the source of your funds.
Having these documents ready can help avoid unnecessary delays if they’re requested during the buying process.
How can you prepare for the new real estate ID laws?
The new requirements add a few extra steps, but being organised will make the process much easier.
Before buying or selling, make sure you have your identification, ownership documents, and financial records ready. If your property is owned through a trust, company, or SMSF, check that all supporting documents are current and available.
While the new real estate ID laws introduce additional compliance requirements, their purpose is to strengthen the integrity of Australia’s property market and provide greater protection for everyone involved in a property transaction.
Being prepared will help reduce delays and make your property transaction as straightforward as possible.
What should you do next?
If you’re planning to buy or sell property and have questions about the new real estate ID laws, the team at AMKAR Real Estate is here to help guide you through the process and explain what documentation you may need before your transaction begins.
This article is general information only and does not constitute legal or financial advice.