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Guides · Updated 23 Sept 2026

Suspicious matter reports for real estate agents

A suspicious matter report is due within 3 business days of forming a suspicion that a matter may involve money laundering, terrorism financing or proceeds of crime. The clock starts at the suspicion, not at proof.

A desk calendar with one day marked with a small teal flag, next to an analogue desk clock.

Red flags in property

  • A buyer who does not care about the price, the inspection or the contract terms.
  • Funds from a third party, an overseas entity or a company with no obvious business.
  • Requests to structure the deposit under AU$10,000, or to pay in cash.
  • A buyer or vendor who refuses identification or offers documents that look wrong.
  • Rapid resale of the same property at a very different price.

How to lodge

  1. Record the suspicion internally the day it forms.
  2. Lodge through AUSTRAC Online within 3 business days (24 hours for terrorism financing).
  3. Rate the client high and apply enhanced due diligence, or stop acting.
  4. Keep the record for 7 years.

Tipping off

Do not tell the client or anyone outside the agency that a report was made or is being considered, where that could prejudice an investigation. Discuss it only with your compliance officer and AUSTRAC.

Questions people ask

Do we have to stop the sale?
Not by itself. You must report, reassess the risk and keep watching. Whether to continue acting is a separate decision.

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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Suspicious matter reports for real estate agents · RealtyAML