HMRC’s revised anti-money laundering rules now place greater focus on compliance checks for self-employed estate agents and their affiliated networks. The new directives outline how existing AML obligations extend to independent agents, home-based operators, and franchise systems, specifying registration and oversight responsibilities.
Estate agency networks are responsible for AML compliance where their self-employed agents operate under the network’s supervision and procedures. Networks must include relevant business premises used by their self-employed agents in their HMRC AML registration.
Agents operating independently may need to register separately with HMRC, according to the guidance. This comes as research shows self-employed agents have increased their share of the UK property market from 2.2% in 2025 to 2.8% in 2026.
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Marc von Grundherr, director of Benham and Reeves, said the updated guidance is a significant development for the sector. “Estate agents are entrusted with facilitating some of the largest financial transactions people will ever make, and the same standards must apply regardless of whether an agent operates from a high street branch or their kitchen table,” he stated.
The trend towards self-employed agency models has drawn parallels with recent changes in commission structures for high-producing teams. The guidance aims to establish consistent standards across the industry, regardless of business model or operating location.
Networks supporting self-employed agents will need to ensure their compliance frameworks extend to all agents operating under their supervision. The updated HMRC guidance follows broader regulatory developments affecting the property sector, with compliance requirements continuing to evolve across various aspects of property transactions and agent operations.