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AML Checks for Estate Agents: What Happens Next?

Landlords
Posted in   Jul 28 , 2026
AML Checks for Estate Agents: What Happens Next?

Buying or selling a property is exciting until your estate agent asks for your passport, proof of address, or bank statements. Many buyers and sellers worry that these checks will delay the transaction or wonder why they're needed at all. 

AML checks for estate agents are legally required identity and financial verification checks carried out before a property transaction progresses. They help confirm who buyers and sellers are, verify where funds come from, and reduce the risk of fraud and money laundering. Completing the required documents promptly can help avoid unnecessary delays.

Why Estate Agents Carry Out AML Checks

Estate agents don't carry out AML checks because they want more paperwork. They're required to do so under UK anti-money laundering regulations to help prevent criminals from using property transactions to hide illegally obtained money. These checks protect everyone involved, including buyers, sellers, lenders, and estate agents.

For sellers, this is when the property is instructed for sale. For buyers, it's usually once an offer has been accepted. Solicitors will also carry out their own checks, so it's normal to be asked for similar information more than once.

What Happens During an AML Check?

Although every transaction is different, the process usually follows the same steps:

Stage

What Happens

Offer Accepted

The estate agent begins the AML process.

Identity Verification

Photo ID and proof of address are checked.

Proof of Funds

Buyers may need to show where their money or deposit comes from.

Risk Assessment

Additional information may be requested for higher-risk transactions.

Transaction Continues

Once checks are complete, the sale or purchase progresses.

Most buyers and sellers complete these checks without any issues. The quickest way to avoid delays is to provide accurate documents as soon as they're requested.

What Documents Will You Need?

The exact documents vary depending on your circumstances, but you may be asked to provide:

  • A valid passport or driving licence.

  • Proof of address, such as a recent utility bill or bank statement.

  • Recent bank statements.

  • Evidence of your source of funds, such as savings, a property sale, inheritance, or gifted deposit.

  • Mortgage agreement or Agreement in Principle, where applicable.

Having these documents ready before your offer is accepted can make the process much smoother.

How Long Do AML Checks Take?

One of the most common questions people ask is how long do AML checks take.

Many estate agents now use electronic identity verification, meaning straightforward checks can often be completed within a short time. However, the overall process may take longer if additional documents are needed to verify the source of funds or if manual reviews are required.

Rather than the checks themselves causing delays, missing paperwork or incomplete information is usually the biggest reason transactions slow down.

Common Reasons AML Checks Take Longer

In most cases, delays can be avoided. Common reasons include:

  • Missing or expired identification documents.

  • Large deposits that need additional explanation.

  • Gifted deposits require supporting evidence.

  • International transfers or overseas accounts.

  • Documents that don't match the information provided.

Responding quickly to your estate agent's requests can help keep your property transaction on track.

How Cribs Estates Makes the Process Easier

Cribs Estates understands that buying or selling a property involves enough paperwork without unnecessary confusion. That's why we explain every stage of the AML process clearly and let you know exactly which documents are required from the beginning.

Alongside property sales, Cribs Estates offers a range of professional services, including property valuations, property sales, lettings, HMO management, and fully managed property management for landlords across London. 

If you're a landlord looking for ongoing support after purchasing a property, our Property Management London service can help you manage tenants, maintenance, and compliance throughout your investment journey.

You may also find our guide on How to Maximise Your Buy-to-Let Investment Portfolio useful if you're planning to grow your property investments.

FAQs

What are AML checks for estate agents near London?

Whether you're buying or selling in London or elsewhere in the UK, the AML process is broadly the same. Estate agents verify your identity, carry out customer due diligence, and may ask for proof of funds before progressing the transaction. The exact documents requested can vary depending on the circumstances and the level of risk involved.

Can estate agents ask for bank statements?

Yes. Estate agents may ask for bank statements or other financial documents to help verify the source of your funds, particularly when purchasing a property.

What happens if an AML check cannot be completed?

If the required documents can't be verified or important information is missing, the estate agent may not be able to continue with the transaction until the necessary checks have been completed.

Do AML checks affect my credit score?

No. Standard AML identity verification checks do not affect your credit score because they are carried out to confirm your identity and comply with legal requirements, not to assess your ability to borrow money.


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