New Real Estate Laws in Australia (2026): What Sellers and Buyers Need to Know About ID Checks and Compliance

What’s Actually Changing?

Real estate agents will now be legally required to:

1. Verify the identity of buyers and sellers
2. Assess the risk of each transaction
3. Monitor and report suspicious activity
4. Keep detailed records for at least 7 years

This is designed to prevent illegal activity being carried out through property transactions.

Will You Need “100 Points of ID”?

Not officially — but in practice, it will be very similar.

Most clients will be asked to provide:

1. Driver’s Licence (primary ID)
2. Plus a secondary form such as:
3. Passport
4. Medicare card
5. Utility bill or bank statement

In many cases, this will be done digitally — a quick ID check via your phone rather than paperwork.

When Will ID Be Required?

If You’re Selling

You will need to complete ID verification when you sign the agency agreement.

If You’re Buying

You will need to verify your identity once your offer is accepted and a contract is about to be signed.

This will become a normal part of the process.

When Extra Checks May Apply

Some transactions will require additional scrutiny, including:

1. Foreign buyers
2. Trust or company ownership structures
3. Politically exposed individuals (PEPs)
4. Complex financial arrangements

In these cases, further documentation may be required — including proof of ownership structures or source of funds.

Will This Slow Down Sales?

In most cases, no.

With the right systems in place, ID checks can be completed in minutes.

The key is having a process that is structured and efficient — which is exactly what I am implementing.

Why These Changes Are Actually a Good Thing

While it introduces more compliance, it also:

1. Increases transparency in property transactions
2. Reduces the risk of fraud
3. Protects buyers and sellers
4. Brings real estate in line with financial industry standards

What This Means for You as a Client

You can expect:

1. A more structured onboarding process
2. A quick and secure ID verification step
3. Clear guidance throughout the process

My role is to handle the compliance side so the transaction remains smooth and straightforward for you.

How I’m Handling This Moving Forward

Rather than treating this as a burden, I see it as part of providing a higher standard of service.

That includes:

1. Implementing secure digital ID verification systems
2. Integrating compliance into the sales process (without delays)
3. Ensuring all transactions meet legal requirements from day one

Final Thoughts

This is one of the biggest regulatory changes the real estate industry has faced in years.

For most clients, the only real difference will be a quick ID check as part of the process — but behind the scenes, there is a much higher level of accountability.

If you’re thinking of selling or buying and want to understand exactly how this applies to your situation, feel free to contact me.