Anti-money laundering and ID checks

Why we ask

Estate agency businesses are “relevant persons” under the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017. We are supervised by HMRC and must identify and verify our clients, identify buyers in a sale, understand the source of funds where appropriate, keep records of those checks, and report knowledge or suspicion of money laundering to the National Crime Agency.

These are legal obligations, not agency policy. We cannot proceed without completing them and we cannot make exceptions.

What we need from you

Individuals

One photographic identity document — a current signed passport, current UK photocard driving licence, or national identity card.

One proof of address dated within the last three months — a utility bill (not mobile phone), bank or building society statement, current council tax bill, or mortgage statement.

The two documents must be different: a driving licence cannot serve as both.

Companies, trusts and other entities

We will also need evidence of the entity — certificate of incorporation or trust deed — with identification for beneficial owners, directors and anyone authorised to act. A beneficial owner is generally anyone holding more than 25% of the shares or voting rights, or who otherwise exercises control.

Source of funds

In a purchase we may ask how the funds were accumulated — savings, sale of another property, inheritance, a gift, or a mortgage — and for supporting evidence. This applies to everyone and is a normal part of the process.

When we do the checks

• Sellers and landlords instructing us — before we market the property.
• Buyers making an offer — before the offer is formally accepted and memoranda are issued.
• Prospective tenants — as part of referencing, alongside the separate Right to Rent check.

Right to Rent is a different requirement, under the Immigration Act 2014. Every adult who will occupy a rented property in England must have their right to rent checked before moving in, using original documents, a Home Office share code, or an Identity Service Provider. It applies to everyone regardless of nationality.

Electronic verification

We may verify your identity electronically through a third-party provider rather than by taking copy documents. This leaves a “soft” footprint on your credit file that is visible to you but does not affect your credit score, and is recorded as an identity check rather than a credit application.

How we handle your information

Documents and check results are held securely and used only for anti-money laundering, Right to Rent and related compliance purposes. We retain records for five years after the end of the business relationship or the completion of the transaction, as the Regulations require, and we do not sell or share this information for marketing. Full detail is in our privacy policy.

Reporting obligations

If we know or suspect that a transaction involves the proceeds of crime we must report it to the National Crime Agency. We are prohibited by law from telling you that such a report has been made, and we may have to suspend work without being able to explain why.