Anti-money laundering (AML) checks

Why does FHP Living carry out these checks?

As a UK estate agency, we are legally required to carry out Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) checks on all clients. These responsibilities are set out under legislation including the Money Laundering Regulations 2017, the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, the Criminal Finances Act 2017, and the Terrorism Act 2006.

The property sector is considered higher risk for financial crime, which means we must take steps to verify our clients and ensure all transactions are legitimate. We are also regulated by HM Revenue & Customs and are required to report any suspicious activity where appropriate.

What information we require

To meet our obligations, we will need to verify your identity and gather supporting information depending on your role in the transaction. This may include proof of identity and residential address, confirmation of the source of funds, and, for sellers, verification of property ownership. Where a company or other structure is involved, we may also need to identify the individuals who ultimately own or control the entity.

Why these checks matter

Property transactions are considered higher risk for financial crime, so these checks help us identify and prevent fraud, money laundering, and other criminal activity, while also protecting our clients, our business, and the wider public, and supporting national efforts to combat organised crime.

Do all estate agents ask these questions?

Yes. All estate agents operating within the UK are required to carry out appropriate AML and KYC checks. Any firm not doing so would be failing to meet its legal obligations and could be exposing clients and transactions to unnecessary risk.

We will never ask for unnecessary details, and all information you provide is handled securely and treated with complete confidentiality.

Why you may be asked again

If you are an existing client, you may be asked to provide updated information from time to time. This is because we are required to periodically review and refresh our records, particularly where there is an ongoing relationship.

How you can help

For most individual clients, the process is quick and straightforward if the correct documentation is provided promptly.

If you are acting through a company, trust, or other structure, additional information may be required. Our team will guide you through exactly what is needed to ensure the process runs as smoothly as possible.

Do we charge for AML checks?

Yes, we charge £45 per buyer, capped at a maximum of two buyers. This fee covers the cost of the required checks, and payment must be made before we can issue the Memorandum of Sale.

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