AML obligations for real estate agents are now live. Get your agency compliant today.
Our AML/CTF platform is purpose-built AML software for real estate agencies and professionals navigating Tranche 2, supported by our local Aussie team.
- Step by step guidance
- Fully AUSTRAC-aligned solution
- No compliance experience required
Real estate agencies and professionals are now required to comply with Tranche 2.
If your agency assists clients with buying or selling property, Tranche 2 already applies to you. It's been in effect since 1 July 2026 — not a date on the horizon, but the rules you're operating under right now.
Haven't enrolled with AUSTRAC or built a program yet? You're already carrying that risk. Compliance doesn't have to be a headache — it's easyAML, after all. We're here to make it easy.
Where does your agency actually sit under Tranche 2?
Not every part of real estate is in scope — but most core agency work is. Your agency is likely captured if it:
- Acts as an agent for the sale, purchase or transfer of real property
- Facilitates settlement or handles client funds connected to a transaction
- Operates as a buyer's agent representing a purchaser
- Sells property directly to buyers as a developer
- Manages rental income, bond payments or other trust money as part of property management
Not sure this covers your agency? Get in touch and we'll walk through your specific services.
Seven things AUSTRAC will actually check for
Your program needs:
- A documented risk assessment covering your clients, transaction types and the areas your agency operates in
- Customer due diligence, including enhanced checks for higher-risk clients, such as overseas buyers or clients using company or trust structures
- Ongoing monitoring of transactions and client behaviour
- Clear procedures for escalating and reporting suspicious matters
- Staff training records
- A nominated AML/CTF compliance officer
- Record-keeping that meets the seven-year retention rule
easyAML's real estate-specific program builder covers all of this with guided, AUSTRAC-aligned risk assessments, and keeps your program current as the rules change.
Tranche 2 obligations
for real estate
Enrol with AUSTRAC
Enrolment for newly regulated businesses closed on 29 July 2026. If your agency hasn't enrolled yet, this needs to happen immediately.
- Step by step guidance
- Local support whenever you need it
Implement an AML/CTF Program
Develop and maintain a written, risk-based compliance program tailored to your business.
- Real estate-specific AML/CTF program builder
- Guided, AUSTRAC-aligned risk assessment setup
- Complete program - policies, procedures, and controls
- Your program is kept up to date and compliant
Verify your customers
Conduct checks to verify the identity of buyers and sellers that you deal with on property transactions.
- Easy biometric identity verification (Powered by Scantek)
- PEPs, sanctions & criminal watchlists screening
- ABN/ACN lookup and beneficial owner checks
- Complete KYC, KYB and KYE checks
Ongoing due diligence
Regularly monitor client activity and reassess their risk. Records need to be maintained for at least seven years.
- Continuous transaction monitoring
- Customer behaviour analysis
- Automated risk assessments
Reporting suspicious matters
Report activity that seems unusual or suspicious to AUSTRAC.
- Suspicious activity alerts
- One click AUSTRAC-ready reports
- Secure 7 year record storage compliance
Staff Training
Make sure your team understands red flags and reporting steps.
- On-demand compliance training modules
- Quizzes, walkthroughs and downloadable resources
- Local Australian-based support whenever you need it
Non-compliance with AML/CTF obligations can lead to serious consequences, including fines, legal action and public enforcement by AUSTRAC. Even unintentional breaches can result in reputational damage or the loss of key referral relationships. Real estate businesses that ignore Tranche 2 are already exposed to that risk, now that Tranche 2 is in effect.
Integrations
No, you don't have to switch CRMs
easyAML plugs into the CRMs and platforms your agency already runs — box + dice, Eagle CRM, VaultRE, Real Time Agent and MantisProperty — plus forms tools like Forms Live and GreatForms, so listing and client data never gets entered twice.
The platform
Everything your agency needs, built in
easyAML's platform covers an agency's obligations end to end: digital ID verification for buyers and sellers, smart risk assessments built around property transactions, and audit-ready reporting that keeps seven years of records ready for AUSTRAC.
The risk
Skipping this costs more than the fine
Beyond fines and enforcement action, non-compliance can cost an agency its referral relationships with banks, conveyancers and legal partners — for many agencies, the higher and longer-term cost.
Agencies that haven't enrolled or built a program are already exposed, now that Tranche 2 is in effect.
The shortcut
Or hand us the file, start to finish
AML on Demand puts our team on your listings and sales: we collect and verify buyer and seller documents, run sanctions and PEP screening, and prepare your compliance file — typically within four business hours.
Your agency still approves every outcome and signs off on AUSTRAC reporting, at $50 per outsourced transaction, which most agencies pass through as a disbursement.
FAQs: Real Estate AML
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Do real estate agents need to comply with AML/CTF laws?
Yes. Since 1 July 2026, real estate agents involved in property transactions have needed to comply with AML/CTF obligations. This includes identity checks on buyers and sellers, risk assessments and record-keeping. Tranche 2 captures real estate as a high-risk sector under AUSTRAC's regulatory expansion.
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What kinds of transactions are covered under the real estate AML rules?
AML obligations apply when you assist with buying, selling or transferring real estate on behalf of a client. This includes acting as an agent, facilitating settlement, or managing funds — even direct sales by developers may trigger compliance requirements under Tranche 2.
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Do property managers need to comply with AML/CTF laws?
Possibly. If your property management services include handling rental funds, bond payments, or other transactions, you may fall under AUSTRAC’s designated services. Review your service offerings carefully to see if your business is captured. Not sure if you’re affected? Talk with us to see if you'll be impacted.
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Is digital verification required for real estate AML compliance?
Digital verification isn’t mandatory, but it’s strongly recommended. Under Tranche 2, you must verify each client’s identity before providing services. Digital verification streamlines this process, reduces manual errors and ensures your checks meet AUSTRAC standards, especially for remote clients or busy agencies without in-house compliance staff.
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How do real estate agents perform KYC checks?
KYC (Know Your Customer) checks involve verifying a client’s identity before a transaction begins. This includes ID verification, checking beneficial ownership for companies and ongoing risk assessments. AML software can automate this process and help your agency stay compliant without adding operational burden.
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What happens if we don’t comply with AML regulations?
Non-compliance can result in fines, enforcement notices and AUSTRAC publicly listing your agency as non-compliant. It may damage your reputation and result in lost trust from banks, clients, and partners. Compliance protects your agency and shows that you're operating to professional standards.
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Is AML software necessary for small real estate offices?
Yes. AML software simplifies the entire compliance process, from verifying clients to managing risk and reporting to AUSTRAC. For small and medium agencies without in-house staff who specialise in compliance, a solution like easyAML helps you meet every requirement without added complexity or legal costs.
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How can I prepare my real estate agency for Tranche 2?
Confirm whether your services fall under the new rules, enrol with AUSTRAC if you haven't already, create an AML/CTF program and implement client due diligence processes. Tools like easyAML make it easier to get started and stay compliant, with support tailored for the property industry.
The numbers
What compliance actually costs, versus what we charge
Managing AML/CTF without dedicated software costs businesses an average of $23,250 a year, according to the Attorney-General's Department — admin time, consultants, training and manual record-keeping.
easyAML starts from $179 a month plus GST, with every plan including your full program, risk assessments, screening, training and local Australian support.