Estate agents are entitled to request identification from prospective buyers before arranging a property viewing according to new guidance issued by The Guild of Property Professionals.
The industry body says agents may be instructed by vendors to verify the identity of viewers in certain circumstances, particularly where there are concerns around privacy, security or personal safety.
However, The Guild stresses that these checks are separate from anti-money laundering obligations, which only apply once a formal business relationship has been established.
The guidance comes amid ongoing questions within the sector over how far agents can go when screening potential viewers and whether requests for ID are legally permissible.
BASIC CHECKS
According to The Guild, most agents already carry out basic checks as part of the viewing process, including collecting names, addresses and contact details, with appointments usually confirmed in writing and often followed up by phone.
In some cases, additional verification may be justified. This can include high-net-worth vendors seeking to avoid timewasters, public figures concerned about privacy, or situations involving harassment or stalking where safeguarding becomes a priority.
The Guild said says policy requiring identification must be applied consistently and fairly across all viewers, rather than selectively, to avoid the risk of discrimination.
It also confirmed that prospective buyers or tenants are entitled to refuse to provide identification, although agents may then decline to proceed with the viewing if acting under the vendor’s instructions.
The organisation noted that ID checks in this context do not need to mirror full anti-money laundering procedures and could simply involve visually confirming a passport or driving licence via video call or in person, without retaining copies of documents.
PROPORTIONATE AND JUSTIFIED
Paul Offley (main picture, inset), Compliance Officer at The Guild of Property Professionals, says: “This is a separate matter entirely. Agents should first establish the reasoning behind a vendor’s request to verify the identity of viewers.
“Absolutely, they can refuse. But it’s essential that any request for ID is applied consistently to all viewers and is not used in a discriminatory way. There must be a valid and justifiable reason behind it.
“In summary, yes, it is possible for estate agents to request ID before a viewing. But it must be proportionate, justified, and handled correctly.”
