Selling Real Estate Frequently Asked Questions
Shawn Lin
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Why We Need to Verify Your Identity
Ellena Wong
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Important Information for C&R Realty International Clients
If you're buying, selling, leasing, or engaging C&R Realty International for certain property services, you may be asked to provide identification and some additional information.
For many clients, this may be something new.
From 1 July 2026, Australian anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) laws require real estate agencies to complete customer identification and verification before providing certain designated services.
This is a legal requirement that applies across the real estate industry.
Why Are We Asking for Identification?
Property transactions involve significant financial value and, unfortunately, can sometimes be targeted for fraud, money laundering, or other financial crimes.
These legislative changes are designed to:
- Help prevent fraud and financial crime
- Protect buyers, sellers, landlords, tenants, and property owners
- Improve transparency throughout the property industry
- Ensure real estate agencies comply with Australian law
The purpose is not to make property transactions more difficult—it is to make them safer and more secure for everyone involved.
Does This Apply to Everyone?
Yes.
These verification requirements apply to all clients, including:
- First-home buyers
- Property investors
- Sellers
- Landlords
- Purchasers using companies, trusts or self-managed super funds
- Long-term and existing C&R Realty International clients
These checks are a standard legal requirement and are not an indication that there are any concerns regarding your transaction.
What Information May We Request?
Depending on the service being provided, we may ask you for:
- A current Australian Driver Licence or Passport
- Proof of identity
- Residential address details
- Date of birth
- Contact information
Where required under legislation, we may also ask for:
- Information about the source of funds used in the transaction
- Information regarding the purpose of the transaction
- Details of the beneficial owners of a company or trust
- Supporting documentation relating to ownership structures
The exact information required will depend on the type of transaction.
When Will We Ask?
One of the key changes is when these checks occur.
Rather than waiting until contracts are exchanged or settlement approaches, we may ask you to complete the verification process at the beginning of your transaction.
Completing the process early helps:
- Prevent delays later
- Ensure contracts can proceed smoothly
- Meet legal timeframes
- Reduce last-minute documentation requests
Why Are Multiple Professionals Asking for Similar Information?
You may be asked to provide similar identification to your:
- Bank
- Mortgage broker
- Solicitor or conveyancer
- Real estate agent
Although this may seem repetitive, each organisation has its own independent legal obligations under Australian legislation and must complete its own verification process.
Will This Delay My Transaction?
In most cases, no.
Identity verification is generally completed quickly once the required documentation has been provided.
Delays are most commonly caused when:
- Required documents are not supplied
- Information is incomplete
- Additional ownership verification is required (such as companies or trusts)
Providing your documents promptly helps keep your transaction moving efficiently.
What Happens if I Choose Not to Provide the Information?
Under Australian law, C&R Realty International must complete the required identification and verification before providing certain services.
If the required information cannot be obtained, we may be unable to proceed with your transaction until the legal requirements have been satisfied.
This obligation applies to all real estate agencies providing designated services.
Protecting Your Privacy
C&R Realty International is committed to protecting your personal information.
We will:
- Only collect information required by law or authorised by you
- Store your information securely
- Handle your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and applicable AML/CTF legislation
- Use your information solely for identity verification, compliance, and legal obligations
We do not collect more information than is reasonably necessary.
Our Commitment to You
These new requirements represent an important change for the Australian property industry.
Much like identity verification when opening a bank account, these checks will become a normal part of buying, selling, and managing property.
Our team is committed to making the process as simple, efficient, and straightforward as possible while ensuring full compliance with Australian legislation.
If you have any questions about the information we request or why it is required, please contact the C&R Realty International team. We are happy to assist you throughout the process.
C&R Realty International
Helping you navigate property transactions safely, securely, and confidently.
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