New AML Laws Coming to Real Estate

From 1 July 2026, new Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) laws will apply to real estate agencies across Australia.

Initially, these requirements will apply to property sales transactions only.

As part of these reforms, real estate agencies will become regulated “reporting entities”, meaning businesses like M5 Industrial Property Services will have legal obligations to complete certain identity verification and compliance procedures before providing designated services.

Why are these changes being introduced?

The new AML/CTF reforms are designed to help prevent money laundering, fraud and other financial crimes within the Australian property market.

These reforms are being introduced across the entire Australian real estate industry and align Australia with international standards already operating in many other countries.

Money laundering and financial crime can impact communities, businesses and the broader economy.

The purpose of these reforms is to strengthen transparency and reduce the misuse of legitimate industries and transactions.

What does this mean for clients?

For most clients, the impact will be minimal.

However, during certain property sale transactions, you may be asked to provide additional information or documentation as part of our legal obligations.

This may include:

  • Identification documents
  • Proof of address
  • Company or trust documentation
  • Ownership information for entities
  • Source of funds information where required

These checks are required by law and will apply across the real estate industry.

Our commitment to clients

At M5 Industrial Property Services, we are committed to making the process as straightforward, secure and efficient as possible.

Our team is already preparing for these changes to ensure the transition is smooth and minimally disruptive for our clients.

We will continue to provide updates and guidance as the implementation date approaches.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our team.

If you would like to read about the upcoming legislation changes, you can read all about it on the AUSTRAC website at AUSTRAC Reforms