Buying or Selling a Property? Here’s What the New AML Laws Mean for You

From 1 July 2026, Australia’s new Anti Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing laws have officially expanded to include the real estate industry. While the reforms introduce additional compliance requirements for agencies, the biggest question many buyers and sellers are asking is simple: What does this mean for me?

The short answer is that buying and selling property will remain the same, but you can expect to provide more information throughout the transaction process.

As part of the new legislation, real estate agencies are now required to complete additional customer identification and due diligence checks when providing certain services. This may include verifying your identity, confirming who you are acting on behalf of and, in some circumstances, requesting further information as part of the transaction. These requirements are designed to help prevent criminals from using Australia’s property market to launder money and strengthen the integrity of the industry.

For buyers and sellers, this means there may be additional documentation requested at different stages of your property journey. While it may feel unfamiliar at first, these checks are becoming a standard part of real estate transactions across Australia and do not indicate that anything is wrong with your purchase or sale.

At Saliba, our priority is to make the process as straightforward as possible. Our team is committed to guiding clients through every step, explaining any new requirements and ensuring your transaction continues to progress smoothly while meeting all regulatory obligations.

Although the paperwork may have changed, our commitment hasn’t. Whether you’re buying your first home, selling your family property or expanding your investment portfolio, we’re here to provide clear advice, transparent communication and expert guidance from start to finish.

If you’re planning to buy or sell and have questions about the new AML requirements, our team is always happy to help.