BE PREPARED.
ARE YOU MEETING YOUR LEGAL OBLIGATIONS?
HMRC is cracking down on businesses that breach the government’s Money Laundering Regulations (MLR), with inspections and the severity of penalties issued rising dramatically.
To adhere to the law and satisfy the Regulator, every business under the MLR is at a minimum legally required to:
- Register with HMRC
- Establish an Independent Audit Function – to examine its compliance with the legislation (Regulation 21)
- Conduct effective Customer Due Diligence
- Have a firm-wide AML Policies and Procedures in place (Regulation 19-21)
- Have a firm-wide AML Policies and Procedures in place (Regulation 19-21)
- Have a firm-wide AML Risk Assessment in place (Regulation 18)
- All relevant employees must attend and keep up to date with AML training (Regulation 24)
- Keep accurate AML records of such matters as training content and attendees, CDD, suspicious activity, etc
- Appoint a qualified, independent, adequately supported Nominated Office / Money Laundering Reporting Officer
- Agents must adhere to the latest HMRC guidance regarding trusts involved in the acquisition of UK land or property since 6 October 2020.
Find out more and get advice with FCS Compliance
Compliance news
Westminster’s rental licensing scheme launches this month
New rules for some central London landlords kick in on 25th November 2025.
FCA takes over AML supervision
The move will 'ensure more consistent oversight' - including more collaboration with law enforcement.
AML platform buys digital ID firm
'Our clients will see immediate benefits as we continue to set the standard for digital compliance,' says Smartsearch boss.
Propertymark flags ‘major concerns’ in UK sanctions rules
There's a mismatch between rules around financial sanctions and anti‑money laundering regulation, warns trade body.
TPO confirms new Ombudsman & CEO
Lesley Horton & Andy Clachers have been formally appointed to succeed Rebecca Marsh.
EXTERNAL LINKS: USEFUL COMPLIANCE RESOURCES
HMRC guidance for estate agents & property brokers
Trading Standards Estate Agency Team
Propertymark Knowledge Hub
The Property Ombudsman, compliance code
RICS Standards & Guidance
FCS Compliance
ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING (AML)
AML Briefings
AML Essentials: Property agents’ five most-asked questions on anti-money laundering compliance
AML expert Caroline Walters answers the five most frequently asked questions put to FCS Compliance in 2022 for the property market…
The Register of Overseas Entities is now in play; here’s what property pros need to know
Designed to "root out corrupt elites using UK property to launder their illicit wealth," the Register of Overseas Entities has officially launched, requiring more transparency for UK property transactions…
Overseas Entities: The real estate effect
The effects of the Economic Crime Act will be felt far and wide across the UK real estate industry, writes Nathan Rees.
Unexplained wealth orders: How is the British law changing and will it stop dirty money circulating in London?
The Economic Crime Act allows the government to convey the impression that it is ‘doing something’ about the proceeds of kleptocracy being laundered in the UK - but far more fundamental and far-reaching…
New money laundering regulations are now in play
New anti-money laundering rules have come into force, affecting estate agents, high-end letting agents, solicitor, banks and lenders.
Who will watch the watchmen: On dirty money & estate agency
The government is finally stepping up the fight against the tide of 'dirty money' flowing through the UK property market, but estate agents shouldn't be the first line of defence, argues Saul Empson...
PEPs, SARs & MLROs: An A to Z of Anti-Money Laundering
As "gatekeepers", estate agents play a crucial role in the UK Government's ongoing efforts to stamp out money laundering and terrorism financing.
Required Reading: Lifting the secrecy behind offshore companies
Julie Howard explains how the new rules around overseas entities will work in practice, and why the idea of hiding behind asset holding vehicles is becoming a thing of the past
DATA PROTECTION (GDPR)
GDPR Briefings
Watch: GDPR explained in three short videos
On 25 May 2018, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will come into force, overhauling data protection law across the EU, including the UK.
Is your agency open to large fines under GDPR?
Many firms are still not adhering to the rules around data protection, which could result in costly penalties in the event of a complaint, writes cyber security specialist Colin Tankard
LonRes launches new GDPR compliance services
LonRes has partnered with iCompli to help property agents manage clients' personal data.
TRADING STANDARDS & ADVERTISING
Trading Standards & Marketing Briefings
‘POA’ listings banned as Trading Standards deems price-less properties ‘unlawful’
“The use of ‘POA’ or ‘price on application’ in relation to a listing on a property portal or an agent website is likely to be misleading as it withholds – or in some cases masks – the asking…
Trading Standards mandates new ‘Material Information’ for all property listings
Estate agents must include prices, council tax bands and tenures on property portal listings.
Leaving properties in portals – sharp practice or an offence?
Advertising a property as being available but then telling callers that they cannot view it because it is SSTC is a classic example of bait and switch, says David Smith
REGULATION OF ESTATE AGENTS (ROPA)
Coming Soon
MORE REFERENCE BRIEFINGS
Required Reading: The Budget 2025 for HNWIs & business owners
Mishcon de Reya's team of tax & legal experts delivers a thorough briefing on the Autumn Budget's key announcements & policy changes - including the new High Value Council Tax Surcharge affecting £2mn+…
Reeves’ Council Tax Surcharge ‘throws a spanner into the works of the housing market for not much in return’
Following a Budget 'where politics trumped economics', Tom Bill of Knight Frank questions how much the new tax on £2mn+ homes will yield.
Four core things residential landlords should look out for pre-Budget
Becky Sawbridge of Chelsea landlord & developer Martin's Properties talks us through some seismic tax & policy changes facing the private rented sector.
Budget 2025: Estate agency assesses ‘most likely’ tax changes for the property market
Hamptons' research chief runs through the tax runners & riders that could hit the residential market on 26th November.
‘We’re now on a countdown’: Government confirms timeline for Renters’ Rights Act rollout
Major changes affecting landlords, letting agents & tenants are being implemented on 1st May 2026.
Industry Reactions: Renters’ Rights Bill gains Royal Assent
New laws represent 'seismic' changes for landlords, tenants & letting agents.