New Anti-Money Laundering Laws from July 1, 2026 – What Buyers & Sellers Need to Know
By Leigh Martinuzzi of Martinuzzi Group – eXp Realty | Sunshine Coast Real Estate
If you’re buying or selling on the Sunshine Coast this year, there’s a change worth knowing about. From 1 July 2026, new anti-money laundering laws (AML for short) apply to real estate for the first time. In plain terms, they make sure property sales aren’t being used to hide illegal money. To do that, your agent now carries out a few identity checks as part of the sale process.
It sounds heavier than it is. The changes apply to both buyers and sellers, and for honest, everyday transactions they’re quick and simple. Better still, they’re there to protect you. Here’s what you need to know, and how we make it easy.
Three things to know
1. Your agent has to verify your identity. Before we can provide certain services, the law now requires us to confirm you are who you say you are. You may be asked for:
- – A passport, driver’s licence or other government-issued photo ID
- – Proof of your residential address
- – A few extra documents if you’re acting for a company, trust or another person
2. You may be asked about the source of your funds. Under the new rules, we may need to understand where the money in a transaction has come from. This isn’t an investigation, and for most people it’s just a few reasonable questions about the funds used to buy, or received from a sale. Acceptable sources include things like:
- – Personal savings
- – Salary or employment income
- – Proceeds from selling another property
- – Inheritance
- – Investment withdrawals
- – Gifts from family
- – Mortgage or loan funds
3. These rules apply to everyone. A common myth is that AML checks are only for big-money deals, overseas buyers, or people under suspicion. That’s not the case. The checks apply right across the board. First-home buyers, families selling the home they’ve lived in for years, investors, downsizers, upsizers and cash buyers are all part of the process, and Australian citizens and permanent residents aren’t exempt either. Think of it like the ID check that’s now a normal part of banking. It’s simply becoming a standard step in buying and selling property.
Why this is actually good news
It’s easy to see new rules as just more red tape. But AML compliance does more than tick a legal box. It genuinely protects you, especially when you’re selling.
- 1. Smoother sales. Because the checks happen early, there are no nasty surprises or hold-ups later. Your sale moves ahead with confidence from day one.
- 2. Faster settlements. With buyers already verified and the right paperwork ready to go, settlement tends to be quicker and more predictable.
- 3. Protection from fraud. Every buyer is identity-checked and screened, so you can trust that the person buying your home is genuine.
- 4. Less chance of a deal falling over. Sales often collapse when compliance is left to the last minute. Handling it upfront means far less risk of a sale falling through because of an unverified party or a flagged payment.
In short, AML isn’t a checkbox. It’s your protection.
How we make it simple
This is where it pays to have the right team behind you. As an eXp Realty agency, Martinuzzi Group takes care of your AML obligations for you, using AgencyAML, an AML platform built specifically for Australian real estate and backed by a law firm. That means every check is legally sound, and you get the certainty that your sale won’t be tripped up by a compliance problem down the track.
Best of all, the whole thing is digital. There’s no paperwork to chase, no in-person ID appointments and no delays. We manage it quietly in the background, so you can get on with your move while we look after the details.
Ready to buy or sell with confidence?
The new AML laws are nothing to worry about. With the right agent, they’re simply part of a smoother, safer sale. We make sure every buyer is verified and every step is compliant, so your sale settles faster and with complete peace of mind.
If you’re thinking about a move on the Sunshine Coast and want to know how these changes affect you, we’d love to help. Get in touch with our team for a clear, relaxed chat about what’s next.
Get in touch with us today and and let’s give you fantastic results that you deserve.
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