REIQ readies real estate sector for looming anti-money laundering laws

The Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) is preparing real estate professionals to comply with obligations under Australian anti-money laundering laws that will apply to the real estate sector for the first time from 1 July 2026.

Visiting 12 locations across the state during February and March, the REIQ’s roadshow will deliver targeted training on the new and extensive Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) compliance obligations for real estate professionals.

While the majority of obligations will commence from July, real estate businesses will need to start preparing and enrolling with the relevant regulator, the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC), from 31 March 2026.

REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella said time was of the essence for real estate professionals to ensure they had the knowledge and tools to comply with the new AML/CTF legislation.

“Once only the purview of big banks, the expanded AML/CTF laws will soon capture real estate professionals who facilitate buying or selling property or businesses,” she said.

“Real estate businesses will be required to develop and maintain formal AML/CTF programs and policies, train staff, appoint an AML/CTF Compliance Officer, conduct documented risk assessments, implement customer due diligence (including initial and more complex due diligence), monitor transactions, and report suspicious activity.

“For example, ‘red flag raising behaviour’ that real estate professionals will need to monitor (and potentially report) includes when someone is seemingly evasive with identity verification, providing false documents, paying significant amounts in cash, or ‘hiding’ behind complex trust or company structures.”

Ms Mercorella said these are significant new legal obligations and tasks for Queensland real estate businesses – often small, independent operations – and as such, they are likely to require new expertise, systems, tools and resources to meet them.

“The new AML/CTF laws represent a substantial change in how real estate businesses must operate,” she said.

“Our roadshow to ready real estate professionals for the AML/CTF laws is oversubscribed in most locations, demonstrating just how needed this training and support is.

“The REIQ’s training is highly practical and being delivered in partnership with PEXA Clear, a purpose-built technology solution to simplify AML/CTF checks and activities.

“While we appreciate that the anti-money laundering law reforms are about making it harder for criminals to clean the profits of their crimes through Australian real estate, it must be recognised that the new and serious responsibilities for real estate businesses come with additional financial and administrative burdens.

“In the face of change, the REIQ is here to help real estate professionals understand and comply with their AML obligations and embed them into everyday practice.”

PEXA Clear’s Head of Customer Growth and Solutions, Amelia Howell said PEXA Clear is committed to supporting the industry with its AML/CTF compliance obligations, and partnering with the REIQ was a significant step in this direction.

“While PEXA Clear will embed compliance processes into existing property workflows to reduce administrative burden, we recognise that the next few months will be crucial for upskilling and to build compliance confidence,” she said.

“The upcoming roadshows are a timely opportunity for us to empower real estate professionals with compliance resources and tools, and the PEXA Clear team is excited to engage with the community further.”

REIQ Roadshow Series 2026

• Toowoomba - 18 February
• Mackay – 24 February
• Sunshine Coast – 26 February
• Bundaberg – 2 March
• Gladstone – 4 March
• Rockhampton – 5 March
• Brisbane – 9 March
• Gold Coast – 12 March
• Townsville – 17 March
• Cairns – 19 March
• Ipswich – 23 March
• Hervey Bay – 27 March

ENDS

Media enquiries:
Claire Ryan, Media and Stakeholder Relations Manager, The Real Estate Institute of Queensland
M: 0417 623 723 E: media@reiq.com.au