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AML/CTF - What This Means for Our Clients

AML: 

anti-money laundering

CTF:

counter-terrorism finacing

Why you are being asked for ID

Buying or selling property in Australia will soon come with extra legislated identity checks. This applies across the industry. From 1 July 2026, all real estate agencies will be required to comply with updated anti-money laundering/counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) rules. This flyer explains what that means for you, what we need to collect, and how the process works. This is a standard step, and everyone will go through it.

​What is changing

Australian law now requires real estate agencies to verify who they are dealing with before certain property services can move ahead. These rules already apply to banks and other financial services. Property transactions are next. The aim is to prevent property from being used to hide illegal funds. This applies to buyers, sellers, and companies or trusts involved in a transaction.

Why we ask for this information

We are required to confirm identity and, where relevant, business ownership. This helps stop fraud and misuse of the property market. We ask once, store the result, and link it to the property transaction. The same checks are not repeated without reason. Even if you have already provided ID to your bank or lender, real estate agencies are now required to complete their own checks under the law.

What we need from you

You will receive a secure, encrypted link from us. Your details are submitted online through this link and are accessed only for the identity verification process.

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For individuals, we will ask for:

  • A government issued photo ID

  • Basic personal details (name, date of birth,
    address)

  • Any extra details required to meet legal
    checks

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For Companies/Trusts, we will ask for:

  • Entity details

  • Information about directors, trustees, and beneficial owners

  • Supporting documents (where required)

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How the process works:

  1. McDonald Upton Real Estate sends you a secure link.

  2. You enter the required details using the online portal.

  3. You complete a short biometric check to confirm your identity.

  4. Identity checks are run through secure/approved verification services.

  5. If anything is missing, we will let you know.

  6. The outcome is recorded with the property file.

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How long does it take:

  • Most individual clients finish this in one sitting, taking only a few minutes.

  • Company and Trust checks can take longer due to added ownership steps.

  • If more informtaion is needed, we will contact you. We want to keep the process moving without unnecessary follow-ups.

How we manage your data

Your information is handled securely and used only to meet legal obligations. Details are stored within an audit record linked to the transaction. Access is limited to authorised staff and approved systems. We do not use your information for marketing. We do not share it outside compliance requirements. If you have questions about data handling, please feel free to contact us.

In summary

These checks are now part of buying and selling property in Australia. They protect the market and meet legal requirements placed on all agencies. We appreciate your cooperation and will keep this process as simple as possible.

Your information is only ever used for compliance. It stays secure, and it stays private. McDonald Upton is committed to making this mandatory process as simple as possible for our clients. If you have any questions or concerns or if anything feels confusing or inconvenient, please reach out to our team who will help guide you through the new process.

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