In April 2018, the European Parliament passed the Fifth Money Laundering Directive on the prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing. For this reason, estate agents must do these checks on everyone buying a property to make sure the money is coming from a legitimate source—they can be fined or imprisoned if they don't.
Proof of funds
An estate agent may ask for proof of funds at two different stages and for two different reasons. If an estate agent asks for proof of funds before you put an offer in, it may be because they want to make sure you have a genuine interest in the property to avoid any disappointment for the seller. However, you don’t have to provide proof of funds before putting an offer in.
If the estate agent asks for proof of funds once you've put an offer in, they are not only checking you have the money to purchase the property but also that you haven’t acquired it through criminal means. It is at this stage that you must provide proof of funds if asked.
How can I provide proof of funds?
When it comes to providing proof of funds, you can do so via the following means:
- an agreement in principle/mortgage in principle
- bank statements of your deposit amount (for mortgage buyers)
- bank statements of your cash amount (for cash buyers)
- further bank statements from past months/years to show how your money has built up over time
- evidence of you selling a property (if using the funds to buy the new property)
- if you've been gifted the money, a letter from whoever gifted the money
- evidence of money being left to you in a will
- receipts of shares being sold
In more unique circumstances, if you've been lucky enough to win the lottery, you may be asked to prove so. Likewise for gambling winnings where you could be asked for receipts/evidence of winnings. It's best practice to retain evidence of where all the funds going towards your purchase have come from, this way you can be prepared should your estate agent ask for it.
Proof of ID
As it is their legal duty to make sure that you are who you say you are, estate agents will ask you for proof of your current address and your identity. This process is called ‘Due Diligence’ which forms part of their checks. You will be asked for some of the following forms of proof of identification.
Who else requires proof of funds?
Your mortgage lender, solicitor/conveyancer will also ask for proof of where your money has come from. Do not be put off if you get asked for proof more than once—it is a legal requirement for everyone to check where your money has come from.
Like estate agents, lenders and solicitors can be fined or imprisoned if they don’t undertake these checks. Your agent, lender and solicitor are all separate; just because you’ve shown proof to one, doesn’t mean the others will have seen it.
Choosing a conveyancer or solicitor
A solicitor or conveyancer will handle the legal transfer of your property. They are a vital part of the process so it’s important to pick one that’s right for you.
Are you Propertymark Protected?
Our experts are kept informed on best practice for Anti-Money Laundering. By using one of our members you are guaranteed to be consulting with a professional agent who will give you up-to-date advice and guidance.