Top five AML red flags in UK property transactions
Cash-heavy and internationally supported purchases continue to shape the UK market
New data from client due diligence platform Thirdfort reveals the most common anti-money laundering (AML) red flags identified in UK property transactions.
Analysis of more than 415,000 completed Source of Funds (SoF) checks shows that the top five red flags are:
- Savings mismatch – 43.04%
- Gifted funds – 17.27%
- No mortgage – 16.70%
- Overseas funds – 8.47%
- High cash deposits – 7.12%
The AML red flags reflect a range of factors. Some relate to structural funding characteristics, such as gifted deposits, mortgage-free purchases or overseas transfers, while others arise from discrepancies between declared and evidenced funds that require clarification before a transaction can proceed. In all cases, additional information or documentation is needed to satisfy regulatory obligations.
The data suggests that equity-heavy transactions, gifting and internationally supported purchases continue to shape the UK market.
Nearly one in six red flags involved buyers purchasing without a mortgage, while a similar proportion involved gifted funds. Overseas funds also featured consistently, reflecting the role of cross-border capital flows in the UK market.
Olly Thornton-Berry, co-founder and CEO of Thirdfort, said: “Red flags don’t necessarily equate to wrongdoing, but they do require careful review. Some arise from complex funding structures, others from inconsistencies that need clarification.
As we can see, property sales involve a lot of cash and increasingly have international connections. The pressure and complexity on professionals to verify sources of funds is growing. Having well-designed, digital checks makes sure that genuine deals can happen quickly while keeping firms protected from fraud and compliance issues.”
Thirdfort’s mission is to protect society from fraud and money laundering. The platform offers simple and secure client due diligence checks for regulated professionals, through automated ID verification, anti-money laundering and Source of Funds checks on individuals and businesses conducting high-value transactions such as buying property, drafting a will or instructing a financial advisor.
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