AML means anti-money laundering
AML checks are identity and risk checks designed to reduce the chance that property is used to move criminal money. Estate agency businesses and online property advertising routes must take these checks seriously because property transactions can involve large sums.
For sellers, the practical meaning is simple: expect to prove who you are and that you are entitled to advertise or sell the property. HMRC publishes guidance and risk information for estate agency businesses on money laundering risks in estate agency.
Why online sellers still need checks
Some sellers are surprised that a fixed-fee online route still asks for ID. The reason is that the requirement is not a high-street-agent extra. It sits behind the route to market.
If your advert is going through an eligible advertising route, the platform needs enough information to check the customer and property relationship before publication.
What you may need to prepare
The exact request can vary by case, but most sellers should be ready to provide clear identity and property evidence. If anything is unclear, it is better to resolve it early than wait until the advert is ready to publish.
- Photo ID such as passport or driving licence.
- Proof of address where requested.
- Evidence that you own or are authorised to advertise the property.
- Company or executor details where the seller is not a simple individual owner.
- Any extra information requested by the compliance review team.
How long does it take?
Straightforward checks can be quick when documents are clear and names match. Delays usually happen when documents are blurred, expired, missing, or when ownership is more complex than a single individual seller.
PropertyAdverts keeps this step inside the dashboard so sales customers can see what is needed and upload documents in the right place.
Why first advert pricing is different from renewal pricing
A first sales advert includes the required verification work, so the first payment is not the same as a simple package renewal. This is why seller messaging should avoid making the first sales advert sound like it only costs the renewal price.
Once the same advert is renewing and no new check is needed, the renewal cost can start from the package price. You can compare current sales packages on PropertyAdverts pricing.
How to use this before you list
Treat this guide as a decision checkpoint before you spend money on advertising. The strongest sellers do the thinking before the advert goes live: price, documents, photos, viewings, buyer questions and the level of portal reach they want.
If the article has raised a gap, fix that first. A fixed-fee advert works best when the seller is ready to act quickly, answer questions clearly and keep the sale moving after an enquiry or offer.
- Check whether the issue affects price, presentation, compliance or follow-up.
- Decide what you can handle yourself and where paid help is worth it.
- Compare package features before checkout rather than after the advert is live.
- Use the seller route when you are ready to create the advert.
Common seller questions
Should I sort this out before choosing a sales package?
Yes. If aml check selling house affects price, documents, photos or buyer confidence, handle it before you pay for portal exposure. A stronger advert normally performs better than a rushed advert with the same package.
Can I still use PropertyAdverts if I want to stay hands-on?
Yes. PropertyAdverts is designed for sellers who want fixed-fee advertising and organised enquiries while keeping control of viewings, buyer questions and the sale conversation.
Does a lower-cost route mean weaker portal exposure?
Not automatically. The important detail is which portals are included in the package you choose. Check the package table and portal logos before checkout.
What if I change my mind after the advert is live?
You can review the advert, enquiries and renewal options. Some changes may be restricted after payment or publication, so check the important details carefully before launch.
Where should I go next?
If What is an AML check when selling a house? answers your planning question, the next step is to create the draft advert and compare the sales packages that fit your property.
Creating a sales advert? The seller page explains the fixed-fee route, including the first-advert verification step.