New Anti-Money Laundering Laws Are Here: What Queensland Property Buyers and Sellers Need to Know

If you're buying or selling property after 1st of July 2026, you may notice your real estate agent asks for a little more information than they have in the past.

Don't worry - this is completely normal.

New Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) laws now apply to the Australian real estate industry. While there are a few additional steps involved before a property transaction can move forward, the goal is simple: to help protect buyers, sellers and the integrity of Australia's property market.

Here's what these changes mean for you.

Why are these changes happening?

Buying or selling property is one of the biggest financial transactions most people will ever make.

Like banks, accountants and many other financial service providers, real estate agencies are now required to meet stricter identity verification and compliance obligations. These laws have been introduced to help prevent money laundering, terrorism financing and other financial crimes, while creating a safer and more transparent property market for everyone.

For the vast majority of clients, the process will be straightforward and simply become another standard step when buying or selling a property.

What does this mean for buyers and sellers?

Before we can act on your behalf, we'll need to complete what's known as customer due diligence. In simple terms, this means verifying your identity and understanding who we're acting for.

Depending on your circumstances, we may ask you to provide:

• A current photo ID, such as a driver's licence or passport

• Confirmation of your residential address

• Your date of birth

• Some basic information about the property transaction

• Additional documentation if you're buying or selling through a company, trust or other entity

  
  

If additional information is required, we'll explain exactly what's needed and guide you through the process.

What are real estate agents now required to do?

Under the new legislation, real estate agencies must complete a number of checks before they can proceed with certain property transactions.

These include:

• Verifying the identity of clients

• Confirming who owns or controls a company or trust, where applicable

• Understanding the nature and purpose of the transaction

• Assessing whether any additional checks are required under the legislation

• Keeping records as required by law

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These requirements now form part of the standard property transaction process across the industry.

Why do we need this information?

It's a question we're expecting to hear more often - and it's a fair one.

The information we collect isn't for marketing purposes or to make the process more complicated. It's collected solely to meet our legal obligations under the AML/CTF legislation.

Just as your bank verifies your identity when you open an account or apply for a loan, real estate agencies are now required to carry out similar checks before certain property transactions can proceed.

Your personal information is handled securely, kept confidential and managed in accordance with Australian privacy laws.

What happens if I don't provide the information?

While we understand that providing additional identification may feel like an extra step, these requirements are now part of Australian law.

If we're unable to complete the required identity and compliance checks, we're legally unable to continue acting in the transaction.

This isn't a decision made by our agency - it's a legal obligation that applies to all real estate professionals across Australia.

Providing the requested information as early as possible helps avoid unnecessary delays and keeps your property transaction moving smoothly.

We're Here to Make It Easy

We know buying or selling a home already comes with plenty to think about.

Our role is to make this process as simple and stress-free as possible. We'll explain what's required, answer any questions you have and help you complete everything efficiently so you can focus on the exciting parts of your property journey.

While these changes introduce a few new steps, they're ultimately designed to strengthen confidence in Australia's property market and help protect everyone involved.

If you're planning to buy or sell property after 1st of July 2026 and have any questions about the new requirements, please don't hesitate to get in touch. We're here to help every step of the way.