Buying or Selling Property in Perth? New ID Checks Are Now Law

As of 1 July 2026, every real estate agency in Australia, including Noble Avenue Real Estate, has to run identity checks on buyers and sellers before a sale can go through. It's a small addition to the process, but an important one. These changes help keep property transactions safe and transparent, putting real estate on the same system banks and financial institutions already use to protect your biggest asset. If you're planning to buy or sell in Hillarys, Carine, or anywhere in our neighbourhood this year, here's what actually changes for you.

Quick answer: New federal Anti-Money Laundering laws now mean buyers and sellers need to complete a short ID verification check before settlement. It's not a credit check, it takes a few minutes, and it doesn't cost you anything.

What changed on 1 July 2026?

Since 1 July 2026, real estate agencies across Australia have been required to comply with new Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) laws. In plain terms, that means every buyer and seller we act for now needs to complete an identity verification check before a sale can proceed. This isn't a Noble Avenue policy choice, it's a federal legal requirement that applies to every real estate agency in the country, so you'll hit the same process wherever you buy or sell.

Why is real estate being regulated now?

Property deals move large amounts of money in one hit, which makes real estate an easy target for criminals trying to hide illegal funds. Regulators call this "money laundering," and Australia has been under pressure to close this gap for years. The Australian Government, through AUSTRAC, is now bringing real estate agents into the same regulated category as lawyers, conveyancers, accountants, and trust and company service providers.

This brings Australia in line with standards set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the global body that sets anti-money laundering rules.

Short version: it's not about you personally, it's about closing a loophole that criminals have used for years.

What will Noble Avenue actually ask me for?

Under the new laws, we now carry out identity checks on both the seller and the buyer in every transaction. In practice, that's three things:

• Identity verification – confirming your full name, date of birth, and residential address against a current passport or driver's licence
• Beneficial ownership checks – if you're buying or selling through a company or trust, we need to identify the actual people behind that structure
• Ongoing monitoring – we're legally required to report suspicious activity or large cash transactions to AUSTRAC

For the vast majority of buyers and sellers, this is a five-minute step, not an interrogation.

How does the ID check actually work?

We use a platform called First AML to handle identity verification, so you're not emailing scans of your passport around or handing documents over in person. If you're transacting with us now, you'll get an email directly from First AML with a secure link and simple instructions. It takes a few minutes.

Because it comes from First AML's own branded email rather than a generic attachment from us, you can check it's legitimate before you click anything. If an email looks off, or you're ever unsure, call your Noble Avenue agent first and we'll confirm it for you.

Does this affect my credit score?

No. It's an identity check, not a credit check, so it has zero impact on your credit score. Anything we collect is used only to meet our legal obligations under the AML/CTF Act, handled securely, and never used for marketing.

When should I complete my ID check?

As soon as the First AML email lands. Doing it early means nothing holds up your settlement later. And it doesn't matter when your contract was signed, if your sale or purchase settles on or after 1 July 2026, the check applies to you.

Where can I read the official information?

Straight from the regulator: AUSTRAC – About the AML/CTF Reforms

Got questions?

If you're not sure how this affects your upcoming sale or purchase, just ask. We'd much rather explain it over a coffee now than have you surprised by a document request in the middle of your settlement.