If you’re buying or selling property, you may notice that we’re asking a few more questions than we have in the past.
That’s because new Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) laws now require real estate agencies like Lewin Real Estate to complete identity and compliance checks before carrying out certain services.
These laws came into effect on 1 July 2026 and are designed to help prevent criminals from using Australia’s property market to launder money or finance illegal activities.
You can learn more about the reforms on the AUSTRAC website:
https://www.austrac.gov.au/newly-regulated-businesses-get-ready-reforms
What Does Lewin Real Estate Have to Do?
Under the new legislation, we are legally required to complete a number of checks before and during a property transaction.
Depending on your circumstances, we may need to:
- Verify your identity using government-issued identification.
- Confirm that you are authorised to buy or sell the property.
- Verify directors, trustees or other individuals if a company or trust is involved.
- Ask questions about how the property is owned or who is involved in the transaction.
- Assess whether there are any risks associated with the transaction.
- Keep records of the checks we complete, as required by law.
These checks are now a standard part of the sales process and apply to all real estate agencies providing designated services. AUSTRAC has introduced these obligations to strengthen Australia’s financial system and protect legitimate buyers and sellers.
What Will We Ask You For?
For most clients, the process is simple.
We may ask you to provide:
- A driver’s licence or passport.
- Proof of your current address if required.
- Details of any company or trust purchasing or selling the property.
- Additional documents if someone is acting on behalf of another person.
If we require anything further, we’ll explain exactly why and guide you through the process.
Why Are We Asking for This Information?
We understand it can feel unusual to provide personal information to your real estate agent.
The reason is simple—it’s now a legal requirement.
Just like your bank verifies your identity when opening an account, real estate agencies must now complete similar checks before providing certain services. These measures help reduce fraud, identity theft and financial crime while creating a safer property market for everyone.
Will This Delay My Sale?
In most cases, no.
The earlier we receive the required information, the sooner we can complete the necessary checks and keep your campaign moving forward.
Whether you’re preparing to sell your home or simply curious about its value, you can request a complimentary property appraisal from our team:
https://www.lewinrealestate.com.au/property-appraisal
How Lewin Real Estate Is Preparing
At Lewin Real Estate, we’ve invested in secure compliance systems, digital identity verification technology and comprehensive staff training to ensure we meet every AML/CTF obligation.
Our team follows a clear process that includes:
- Completing identity verification for our clients.
- Conducting risk assessments where required.
- Maintaining secure records in accordance with Australian legislation.
- Protecting your personal information through secure systems.
- Keeping you informed throughout your transaction.
These additional steps happen behind the scenes, allowing us to continue delivering the personalised service our clients expect.
To learn more about what makes Lewin Real Estate different, visit:
Our Commitment to You
Buying or selling property is one of life’s biggest decisions, and we know trust is everything.
While these new laws introduce additional compliance requirements, they also create a safer, more transparent property market for everyone involved.
Our role is to make the process as straightforward as possible. We’ll explain every step, answer your questions and ensure your transaction progresses smoothly while meeting all legal obligations.
If you’d like to speak with one of our experienced team members, we’d love to help.
Meet Our Team
https://www.lewinrealestate.com.au/our-team/
Contact Lewin Real Estate
https://www.lewinrealestate.com.au/contact/
For more information about Australia’s AML/CTF reforms for real estate professionals, visit AUSTRAC’s dedicated Real Estate resource centre:
https://www.austrac.gov.au/industry-and-business/your-industry/real-estate