AML checks by estate agents

mills112

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81911040#Comment_81911040

my friend bought a flat in December last year and his solicitors charge £180 for the AML checks. most solicitors don't spell this out so one way or another, they will be charging it somehow.

Robbo66

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81910922#Comment_81910922

Then you suspect wrong and wont be selling or buying via an estate agent. EAs are required by law to do AML checks and most use an external company to do those and its that company you pay the fee to.

MeteredOut

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81919061#Comment_81919061

I've recently (Feb) sold a plot of land via an estate agent and neither me nor the buyer paid any AML fee. AML checks were done.

I still suspect EAs would absorb the fee if they were going to lose commission. I'd refuse to pay it unless it was agreed up front/included in already agreed fees.

It sounds like you are just willing to pay it, which I guess makes it more likely EAs will continue with what I think is a pretty underhand way to increase their income (again, assuming they do not make it clear up front).

Guna

Currently buying a property and the only paperwork I was asked by EA was copy of ID and proof of deposit. AML checks done by solicitors.

mills112

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81919115#Comment_81919115

apparently they are supposed to do AML checks now as well but it seems some are not yet doing it. maybe the larger ones are doing so or if you are buying as a cash buyer.