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AML/CTF Reforms for Real Estate
Overview
New anti-money-laundering and counterterrorism financing (AML/CTF) rules are being introduced for real estate professionals. These changes are designed to reduce the risk of illegal funds being hidden through property transactions, which are now classified as a ‘designated service’ under the law.
The reforms apply to real estate professionals involved in buying and selling residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural property and land. Property management and commercial leasing are not included.
The REIV is working closely with the federal government and industry partners to provide training and guidance so the industry is ready for the changes. Preparation should begin now to ensure a smooth transition and avoid disruption to business operations.
The REIV appoints First AML as its preferred AML compliance provider
In collaboration with First AML, the REIV is rolling out a staged education program, with tailored information sheets and webinars to help members prepare for their AML/CTF obligations.
Get equipped with the tools below to ensure you have the knowledge and confidence to meet your AML/CTF obligations by 1 July 2026.
Preparation Materials
- What's on this page
- Key Dates
January 2026: Release of program start kits for the real estate sector.
31 March 2026: Enrolment opens for real estate professionals
1 July 2026: AML/CTF obligations commence for real estate professionals
AML/CTF Summit: From Reform to Reality
On the 24th of April, industry leaders, subject-matter experts and AUSTRAC representatives will come together at REIV HQ to give an in-depth lowdown on all the new AML/CTF obligations.
This practical, hands-on summit is designed to help agencies move from understanding the reforms to implementing them.
It will cover:
The new legislative framework
Compliance expectations
AML/CTF Program design and implementation
Key Documents
Real Estate AML/CTF Starter Kit
The real estate program starter kit (‘starter kit’) helps small real estate and buyer’s agencies customise, use and maintain an AML/CTF program.
AML/CTF Rules
Provides detailed operational requirements and guidance on how to comply with the AML/CTF Act.
Core Guidance
Practical guidance on implementing AML/CTF obligations, including risk assessments, customer due diligence, reporting suspicious matters, and compliance program requirements.
What You Need to Know
Property transactions are considered high risk for money laundering because they involve large sums of money and complex ownership structures. This does not mean real estate professionals are suspected of wrongdoing. From 1 July 2026, real estate professionals will be required to comply with Australia’s AML/CTF laws. These obligations are a legal requirement to continue providing property transaction services.
In practical terms, agencies will need systems and processes in place to prevent their services from being misused for money laundering or terrorism financing.
Under the AML/CTF regime, real estate professionals will be required to:
Verify the identity of clients
Assess the money laundering and terrorism financing risk of transactions
Monitor transactions and relationships on an ongoing basis
Keep records for prescribed periods
Report suspicious matters to AUSTRAC
Establish and maintain an AML/CTF compliance program
Train staff and appoint a compliance officer
The AML/CTF Rules are legally binding and must be followed. The rules prescribe the processes real estate professionals must follow to be AML/CTF compliant.
Core guidance and starter kits are not mandatory, but they provide practical support and can help demonstrate a genuine, risk-based approach to compliance.
REIV Advocacy
In its submission to AUSTRAC, the REIV provided the following feedback to the government:
1. Know Your Customer (KYC) obligations would be most effective at the point of settlement.
2. Reliance rules should be expanded to allow real estate agents to unconditionally rely on legal representatives and financial institutions.
3. Expand the role of key authorities already embedded in the real estate transfer process.
4. Established government technologies, including MyGov, can play an integral role.
5. AUSTRAC must provide definitive and realistic guidelines for its monitoring and compliance framework.
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Resources
The AML/CTF Act is Australia’s primary legislation designed to deter, detect, and disrupt international and local money laundering and terrorism financing.
The new AML/CTF rules were tabled in August 2025, following the two-stage public consultation process. The rules come into effect for real estate professionals with other AML/CTF obligations on 1 July 2026.
AUSTRAC’s AML/CTF page contains all relevant information and updates on reforms, including which industries are regulated, public consultation on rules, risks and indicators of suspicious activity, and legislative progress.
AUSTRAC – Money Laundering Australia National Risk Assessment report
AUSTRAC’s National Risk Assessment brings together insights from Australia’s law enforcement, intelligence, and regulatory agencies, as well as private-sector stakeholders and international financial intelligence units (FIUs), to assess risks associated with money laundering.
AUSTRAC – What's coming soon to you
AUSTRAC regularly updates businesses on the support, resources, tailored guidance, risk-assessment templates, and compliance tools that will be made available to help them meet the new obligations under the reformed AML/CTF regime.
AUSTRAC – Real estate program starter kit: Document library
The document library stores all documents that make up the real estate program starter kit in one place, including the risk assessment, policy, and process documents, as well as the personnel and customer forms.
AUSTRAC’s official YouTube channel
AUSTRAC – e-Learning Materials
AUSTRAC’s e-learning materials provide accessible education resources for reporting entities to increase their knowledge of AML/CTF compliance. Real estate professionals do not require a login to access e-Learning materials.
AUSTRAC – Upcoming educational webinars
AUSTRAC is hosting a series of webinars to help new reporting entities, including real estate professionals, understand and meet their AML/CTF obligations.
AUSTRAC – Obligations Factsheet
Access the full AUSTRAC Obligations Factsheet to learn how the upcoming changes will affect enrolment, customer due diligence, reporting, and record-keeping requirements for your business.
AUSTRAC – Essentials Checklist
Use AUSTRAC’s Essentials Checklist to see how your business will be regulated from 2026 and prepare ahead of enrolment. The checklist provides key steps, resources, and webinars to help you understand your obligations, assess risks, and get ready for compliance.
OAIC – Privacy guidance for reporting entities
The guidance is intended to help reporting entities under the AML/CTF Act and their authorised agents understand their key privacy obligations.