Guides · Updated 23 Sept 2026

Designated services for real estate agents under the AML/CTF Act

The regime turns on one question: does your agency provide a designated service? For real estate the list is short, and it is about transactions, not management.

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The designated services

The exact wording is in the AML/CTF Act's tables of designated services. AUSTRAC's real estate guidance walks through each one with examples.

  • Brokering the sale, purchase or transfer of real estate on behalf of a vendor or buyer.
  • Selling real estate as a developer or on a developer's behalf.
  • Receiving deposits, or other money in connection with a sale, into a trust account.

What is not designated

  • Residential property management and leasing.
  • Appraisals and marketing advice without an engagement to sell.
  • Commercial leasing (check AUSTRAC guidance for your case).

Why it matters

Your enrolment, your program and your client due diligence all reference the services you provide. Keep them consistent, and update all three if you add a service.

Questions people ask

We only do off-the-plan sales for a developer. Designated?
Yes. Selling real estate on behalf of a developer is brokering a sale.

This guide is general information for real estate agents, buyers agents, property managers, not legal advice. Check AUSTRAC's current guidance for your situation.

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Designated services for real estate agents under the AML/CTF Act · RealtyAML