The UK property sector has long been a target for illicit financial activity, making anti-money laundering (AML) compliance a legal and ethical priority for estate agents. Regulatory authorities now expect all estate agencies — whether selling, letting, or managing property — to play an active role in detecting and preventing financial crime.
At Fraser Bond, we take AML obligations seriously. As a trusted estate agency and property consultancy, we are fully compliant with UK AML regulations, ensuring that every transaction is transparent, secure, and aligned with best practices in financial integrity.
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) in the real estate sector refers to a set of laws, regulations, and procedures designed to prevent criminals from disguising the origins of illegally obtained funds through property transactions.
In the UK, AML compliance is regulated by:
HMRC (Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs) – for estate agencies
The Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds Regulations 2017
The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA)
Estate agents must conduct due diligence on both buyers and sellers to ensure that proceeds are legitimate and transactions are not used to facilitate money laundering.
Estate agents must identify and verify the identity of their clients before establishing a business relationship. This includes:
Verifying individuals' identity using official documents (passport, utility bill, etc.)
For corporate clients, identifying the Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO)
Establishing the source of funds for property purchases
CDD must be refreshed if the relationship continues or if suspicious behaviour arises.
Required in higher-risk situations, such as when dealing with:
Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs)
Overseas clients from high-risk jurisdictions
Unusual payment structures or large cash transactions
EDD includes further verification and ongoing monitoring.
If an agent suspects a client is attempting to use property to launder money, they must file a Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) with the National Crime Agency (NCA). It is a criminal offence to fail to report suspicious activity.
Estate agents are required to maintain:
Client identification records
Evidence of property transactions
Internal risk assessments and AML policies
Records of any SARs submitted
These must be retained for five years from the end of the business relationship.
All staff involved in property transactions must receive AML training. Agencies must also:
Appoint a nominated officer (MLRO)
Conduct regular risk assessments
Implement clear AML policies and procedures
As a regulated and responsible estate agency, Fraser Bond ensures that every transaction is conducted with the utmost transparency and regulatory integrity. Our AML procedures include:
Thorough client onboarding checks with ID and source of funds verification
Use of secure electronic AML verification tools
Tailored risk assessments for domestic and international clients
Staff training programmes and policy updates aligned with HMRC guidance
Immediate SAR reporting protocols for any red flags encountered
We work closely with legal, tax, and financial advisors to ensure cross-border and high-value transactions meet all compliance requirements.
Whether buying, selling, or investing, clients benefit from working with AML-compliant estate agents by:
Reducing exposure to financial and legal risk
Ensuring secure, lawful transactions
Avoiding reputational damage or transaction delays
Demonstrating good governance to financial institutions and stakeholders
Fraser Bond’s robust AML framework reassures clients that their property transaction is being handled with full regulatory oversight.
Anti-money laundering compliance is no longer optional for estate agents — it is a legal necessity and a mark of professional integrity. In today’s globalised real estate environment, ensuring that transactions are clean, lawful, and transparent protects both clients and the broader property market.
At Fraser Bond, we prioritise compliance, discretion, and trust — offering our clients peace of mind in every transaction. When you work with us, you’re choosing a partner who puts financial integrity at the heart of real estate advisory.
