I'm looking to buy a property- why do I need to provide my estate agent with ID?

At ludlowthompson we make it a priority to get to know our customers, and part of this comes from seeing valid identification. As well as helping us get to know you, the client, this process also ensures that we comply with the government’s new legislation, The Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017. These new regulations require ludlowthompson employees to see the ID of both parties to a sale, before informal acceptance of any offer. It is necessary to see two forms of ID to confirm all the relevant details.

Acceptable forms of ID include:

UK or non-UK based individuals (1 document must be collected and evidenced for each of Proof of Name (ID) and Proof of Address):

Proof of Name (ID)

• Current signed passport

• Original birth certificate

• EEA member state identity card

• Current UK or EEA photo-card driving licence

• Full old-style driving licence

• Photographic registration cards for self-employed individuals in the construction industry – CIS4

• Benefit book or original notification letter from Benefits Agency

• Firearms or shotgun certificate

• Residence permit issued by Home Office to EEA nationals on sight of own country passport

• National identity card bearing a photograph of the applicant

Proof of Address

• A utility bill – not more than 3 months old (mobile phone bills are not acceptable)

• Local Authority council tax bill for the current year

• Current UK driving licence (only if not used for Proof of Name)

• Bank, Building Society or Credit Union statement dated within the last 3 months

• Original mortgage statement from a recognised lender for the last full year

• Solicitors letter within last 3 months confirming recent house purchase or land registry confirmation of address

• Council or housing association rent card or tenancy agreement for the current year

• Benefit book or original notification letter from Benefits Agency (only if not used for Proof of Name)

• HMRC self-assessment letters or tax demand dated within the current financial year

• Electoral Register entry

• NHS Medical card or letter of confirmation from GP’s practice of registration with the surgery

For further assistance speak to a ludlowthompson representative.