AML and your identity
Property transactions can involve significant amounts of money, which is why the property market can be attractive to those looking to disguise where money has come from or who really owns it.
Australia’s AML/CTF laws are designed to make that more difficult. Real estate agencies now have a role to play by knowing who is involved in a property transaction and carrying out certain checks along the way.
For you, this means we may need to confirm your identity and, in some circumstances, ask for a little more information. If you’re buying or selling through a company or trust, we may also need to understand the people behind that entity.
For most clients, it’s simply another part of buying or selling property, and we’ll guide you through what’s needed.
Does this apply
to everyone?
Yes. If you’re buying or selling property, we’ll need to confirm who you are as part of the transaction.
For most people, this is a simple identity check. If a company or trust is involved, we may also need some additional information about the people behind it.
The requirements can vary depending on how you’re buying or selling, but we’ll let you know what’s needed and guide you through it.
Does this apply
to everyone?
Yes. If you’re buying or selling property, we’ll need to confirm who you are as part of the transaction.
For most people, this is a simple identity check. If a company or trust is involved, we may also need some additional information about the people behind it.
The requirements can vary depending on how you’re buying or selling, but we’ll let you know what’s needed and guide you through it.
What happens next
We’ve partnered with AgencyAML and Equifax to make completing your identity verification straightforward and secure.
You’ll receive both a text message and an email inviting you to complete your identity check. We recommend using the link in the text message and completing the check on your phone, as it’s generally the quickest and easiest option.
The short video below walks you through the process, so you’ll know what to expect before you begin.
Once your identity check is complete, the required AML checks are carried out and we’ll take care of things from there.
What if there's
a problem?
Buying or selling property comes with plenty of moving parts, and identity verification is just one of them.
If you have questions, need a little help, or something doesn’t go quite as expected, we’re here to assist. Just as we support you throughout your property journey, we’ll help you navigate this part of the process too.
Simply reach out to your agent – we’re happy to help.
What if there's
a problem?
Buying or selling property comes with plenty of moving parts, and identity verification is just one of them.
If you have questions, need a little help, or something doesn’t go quite as expected, we’re here to assist. Just as we support you throughout your property journey, we’ll help you navigate this part of the process too.
Simply reach out to your agent – we’re happy to help.
Frequently asked questions
1. Why do real estate agents need to verify my identity?
Australian real estate agents now have obligations under Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) laws. Part of this involves knowing who we are dealing with and completing identity and other required checks. These requirements came into effect for newly regulated real estate services from 1 July 2026.
2. Do I need an identity check when selling my property?
Yes, you should expect to be asked to provide information that allows us to establish and verify your identity. We’ll let you know what is required and send you the information you need to complete the process.
3. Do buyers need to complete AML and identity verification too?
Yes. AML/CTF requirements also apply to relevant real estate services provided to property buyers. If you’re the successful purchaser, you may be asked for identification and information about how you’re purchasing the property.
4. What identification will I need when buying or selling property?
For individuals, identity verification may include information such as your full name, date of birth and residential address, supported by identification such as a driver’s licence or passport. We’ll let you know exactly what is required for your circumstances.
5. What happens if I’m buying or selling property through a company?
Companies can require some additional information. This may include information about the company itself, the people authorised to act for it and the individuals who ultimately own or control it. These individuals are often referred to as beneficial owners.
6. What if the property is owned or purchased by a trust?
Trusts have their own AML/CTF requirements, so we may need information about the trust and the people connected with it. Depending on the trust structure, this can include trustees, beneficial owners and other people who exercise control over the trust. We’ll guide you through what is relevant to your situation.
7. Why have I received an identity verification text or email from Equifax?
K&D Properties uses AgencyAML in conjunction with Equifax to assist with our identity verification process. You may therefore receive both a text message and an email asking you to complete your identity check. We recommend completing it on your phone using the link provided by text, as this is generally the easiest option.
8. What happens if I can’t complete my identity verification?
Please contact your K&D Properties agent. Whether you have a question, need some assistance or aren’t sure what information is being requested, we’re here to help you through the process.
9. Is my personal information and identification kept private?
Protecting personal information is an important part of the process, and AML/CTF records must be stored securely. You can read more about how K&D Properties handles personal information in our Privacy Policy.
10. Why are AML checks now required when buying and selling Australian property?
Property can be attractive to criminals seeking to disguise the ownership or origin of funds. Australia’s AML/CTF reforms brought real estate professionals into the regulated framework to help protect the property market and broader financial system from criminal misuse.