Question 1

Do real estate agents have AML/CTF obligations in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Under Australia’s AML/CTF framework, from 1 July 2026 real estate professionals who provide designated services under the AML/CTF Act 2006 will be required to register with AUSTRAC and meet their related legal and compliance obligations.

You can check if you may be regulated by AUSTRAC here:

https://www.austrac.gov.au/amlctf-reform/check-if-you-may-be-regulated-reform

Question 2

When do AML/CTF obligations apply to real estate transactions?

Accepted Answer

AML/CTF obligations will apply from 1 July 2026 when you provide a designated service (defined under the AML/CTF Act) i.e. you fall within the scope of the AML/CTF Act and Rules.

From 1 July, if your real estate business provides one or more designated services that have a geographical link to Australia, then you will have AML/CTF compliance obligations.

You’re likely to provide these designated services if you do any of the following:

work as a buyer's or seller's agent
are a property developer or other business selling house and land packages, apartments off the plan, and blocks of land in new subdivisions.

If you’re a lawyer or conveyancer who helps plan or execute the sale, purchase or transfer of real estate, you may be regulated under different designated services.

Question 3

What AML/CTF obligations do real estate agents need to comply with?

Accepted Answer

Real estate agents must comply with all of their regulatory obligations under the law - these may include:

Appropriately identifying and managing financial crime risks
Registering with AUSTRAC
Implementing an AML/CTF compliance program
Conducting customer due diligence (CDD) (and, where appropriate, enhanced due diligence (EDD))
Keeping appropriate records
Providing AML/CTF training to staff
Making required reports to AUSTRAC

The exact requirements depend on the size, structure, and risk profile of the agency.

If this sounds like a lot, contact us for a chat.

Question 4

Do small or independent real estate agencies need AML/CTF programs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. AML/CTF obligations apply regardless of business size.

However, Australia’s AML/CTF regime is risk-based, meaning, where appropriate, smaller agencies may be able to implement simpler, tailored compliance arrangements that reflect their risk and operational scale.

Question 5

How does AUSTRAC regulate real estate AML/CTF compliance?

Accepted Answer

AUSTRAC is Australia’s AML/CTF regulator. It supervises compliance, provides guidance, and can take enforcement action where obligations are not met.

AUSTRAC expects real estate agencies to apply a practical, risk-based approach and to demonstrate how their AML/CTF controls address identified risks.

Question 6

How can Verelle Compliance help with real estate AML/CTF compliance?

Accepted Answer

Lucia provides specialist AML/CTF compliance advice for the Australian real estate industry, helping agencies understand their obligations, implement workable compliance frameworks, and prepare for AUSTRAC supervision.

Her approach focuses on practical, commercially realistic solutions that reflect how real estate businesses operate in practice.

Verelle Compliance

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