NSW Real Estate Anti-Money Laundering (AML/CTF) Requirements
What Every Real Estate Professional Needs to Know (2026)
Why does AML matter?
Money laundering allows criminals to hide illegally obtained money through legitimate transactions, including property sales.
From 1 July 2026, many real estate businesses became regulated under Australia's Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) laws. Real estate professionals now have legal obligations to help prevent financial crime.
Your key obligations
✔ Verify your customer's identity (Know Your Customer)
✔ Understand who you are dealing with
✔ Assess money laundering risks
✔ Develop and maintain an AML/CTF Program
✔ Keep required records
✔ Report suspicious matters to AUSTRAC
✔ Train staff in AML compliance
✔ Enrol your business with AUSTRAC (if providing designated services)
Be alert for red flags
Watch for customers who:
- refuse to provide identification
- cannot explain where funds came from
- use complicated ownership structures without a clear reason
- want unusually fast transactions
- make unusual payment arrangements
- appear to act on behalf of someone else
- behave suspiciously or avoid answering questions
If something doesn't seem right...
Stop. Ask questions. Escalate internally.
Where required, submit a Suspicious Matter Report (SMR) to AUSTRAC. Do not tell the customer that a report has been made ("tipping off" is prohibited).
Remember
AML compliance protects:
- your agency
- your clients
- Australia's property market
- the community from organised crime
Failure to comply may result in significant regulatory action and penalties.
Learn more