By Ivy Molina — General Manager & Licensee
If you’re buying property in Perth or regional WA, chances are you’ve already got enough on your plate — inspections on the weekend, trying to get finance sorted, and wondering whether you’re about to overpay by fifty grand.
So when people start talking about new laws coming in 2026, it’s fair to think:
“Great… what now?”
The short version?
Buying property in WA isn’t about to become impossible. But there are some changes coming that buyers should be aware of — especially around ID checks and paperwork — so nothing catches you off guard at the last minute.
So, what’s actually changing?
From 2026, Australia’s AML/CTF laws (that’s anti–money laundering and counter-terrorism financing) are being expanded.
Up until now, these rules mostly applied to banks. From 1 July 2026, they’ll also apply to people involved in property transactions — including conveyancers, real estate agents, lawyers and accountants.
The idea is pretty simple: make it harder for dodgy money and fraud to move through the property market.
For everyday buyers in WA, this mostly shows up as more checks earlier in the process.
Why this matters more in WA
WA already runs a bit differently to the eastern states.
- There’s no cooling-off period once an offer is accepted
- Timelines can be tight
- Settlements are increasingly digital
So if something slows things down late in the process, it can quickly turn into stress.
These new rules don’t change how you make an offer — but they do affect what information you’ll be asked for, and when.
What buyers can expect to see
Identity checks will happen earlier
Instead of everything happening right at settlement, buyers will likely need to confirm their identity much earlier on.
That can include:
- Photo ID
- Electronic ID checks
- Certified documents
- Extra info if you’re buying through a trust, company or SMSF
Nothing unusual — just more structured than before.
Questions about where your money comes from
You might also be asked to show where your funds are coming from. For example:
- Savings
- A gift from mum and dad
- Proceeds from selling another property
This isn’t about judging anyone. It’s just part of keeping transactions clean and compliant.
Your conveyancer has more boxes to tick
From July 2026, conveyancers will have extra obligations around:
- Customer checks
- Record keeping
- Reporting anything that doesn’t look right
For buyers, this means one thing:
working with a conveyancer who’s organised and on the front foot really matters.
What happens if you’re not prepared?
In WA, delays usually show up as:
- Last-minute document requests
- Settlement extensions
- A lot of unnecessary back-and-forth
Most of that can be avoided if things are sorted early.
The upside (because there is one)
These changes are designed to:
- Reduce identity fraud
- Protect property ownership
- Give buyers more confidence that transactions are legitimate
Especially for first-home buyers, that extra layer of protection is a good thing.
How to make it easier on yourself
If you’re planning to buy in WA — now or in the next couple of years — a few practical steps help:
- Get advice before your offer is accepted
- Have your ID and financial documents ready
- Ask your conveyancer how the 2026 rules might affect timing
- Don’t leave compliance to the last week of settlement
If you’re unsure, seek professional advice early. It’s far less stressful that way.
Final word
The 2026 AML/CTF reforms aren’t there to trip buyers up. They’re there to protect the market — and the people buying into it.
With the right preparation and a local team who understands how WA property actually works, there’s no reason these changes should derail your plans.
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