The homebuying journey is not a simple one. The number of checks and processes involved between homebuyers and various parties and intermediaries only serves to add friction to an already stressful process.

A homebuyer, for example, likely needs to verify their ID with an agent and then repeat this again with a conveyancer, mortgage broker and lender.

On average, a homebuyer completes compliance checks 5.4 times throughout a single property transaction, submitting the same documents repeatedly with little explanation of how their data is being handled. Many buyers have no clear understanding of what anti-money laundering (AML) requirements are, why they exist, or why different parties in the same transaction are asking for the same information.

On average, a homebuyer completes compliance checks 5.4 times throughout a single property transaction.”

This confusion erodes trust and can create a rush to share sensitive, personal data, which often pushes people toward insecure methods like email or WhatsApp.

To combat this, digital ID and reusable compliance wallets represent a fundamental shift. Rather than repeatedly sharing documents, homebuyers can verify once and securely share that verification with every party that needs it – retaining full control over who sees their data and when.

Stuck on repeat

Repeated ID checks across agents, conveyancers, mortgage brokers and lenders create unnecessary friction and confusion around AML requirements. They occur because each party operates in its own compliance silo. Due to a lack of interoperability, identity verification (IDV) cannot easily be reused or trusted across organisations.

This results in duplication as each entity must independently satisfy its own regulatory obligations. Yet this also creates a tension between the regulatory burden firms face and users’ understanding of the problem.

Buyers often don’t understand why checks are happening, only that they are repetitive.”

Meeting AML requirements is critical for firms to remain compliant and avoid fines and reputational damage. Their purpose is to prevent bad actors siphoning funds through real estate, while also helping law enforcement agencies to catch criminals. But the regulations are complex and, crucially, largely invisible to clients. Buyers often don’t understand why checks are happening, only that they are repetitive. This creates a perception of inefficiency rather than necessity.

The consequence is a frustrating customer experience. Repeated document submission slows down onboarding at multiple stages, and it can involve manual reviews and re-checks, which introduce bottlenecks. Consequently, overall time-to-completion increases and this adds stress to an already high-stakes process.

How friction erodes trust

The problem with friction is that it contributes to “get it done quickly” behaviour from the sector. Sensitive documents are frequently shared via insecure channels like email and messaging apps. Rather than the buyer being complacent about security, the reason for this is generally due to a normalised system of parties asking for sensitive documents without any context or explanation.

In this system, there is a lack of transparency around how data is used, stored and shared. This means buyers can feel they are handing over personal information multiple times without control. So, ironically, the processes designed to reduce financial crime can introduce data security vulnerabilities. And this undermines confidence in both the process and the institutions involved.

Building trust with digital IDs

The friction and trust issues around data sharing can be resolved through secure, transparent digital ID verification. Digital IDs enable a “verify once, reuse many times” model. Once stored in the wallet, a digital ID can be shared with whatever party needs it via secure, purpose-built platforms (rather than attachments) without having to conduct the verification process again or re-share sensitive documents.

The wallet also provides a secure place for AML, address and PEPs/Sanction checks. Consequently, it removes the need for repeat checks and creates consistency across all parties in a transaction.

One of the great benefits of a digital compliance wallet is that buyers can control who accesses their verified identity.”

One of the great benefits of a digital compliance wallet is that buyers can control who accesses their verified identity, which documents are shared, and for how long. This consent-driven sharing increases confidence and reduces anxiety, shifting the dynamic from passive compliance to active participation. As there is clear visibility over when, where and why data is shared, there is also an improved understanding by buyers of AML requirements and their purpose. Trust is built through visibility, rather than opacity.

Preparing for a reusable compliance future

If we’re to build a reusable compliance future, then the industry must first change how it views IDV. That involves a mindset shift from organisation-centric compliance to user-centric verification and recognising identity as something that can be reused, not repeatedly recreated.

Cultivating this shift will require estate agents, conveyancers and similar to invest in interoperable technology – a system of reusable compliance requires the broader adoption of solutions that support digital IDs and data portability over closed systems that reinforce existing silos. Therefore, when making a decision about what platform or digital IDV provider to use, parties need to look for alignment with emerging digital ID standards and frameworks.

Then, technology needs to be joined by clear communication and education for buyers. The estate agent or conveyancer, for example, should clearly explain the benefits of digital IDs, AML requirements and why checks are necessary. In doing this, they can also help buyers understand how their data will be used and protected.

A frictionless digital ID ecosystem

Friction is a persistent problem in the homebuying process. But the rollout of digital ID frameworks can create common standards across the property ecosystem. This will encourage collaboration between agents, conveyancers and lenders and move the industry toward a more unified compliance approach. And by building a smoother journey, the industry can reduce transaction fall-through rates.

Currently, the early adoption of digital IDs offers many operational and reputational benefits. Most importantly, it can significantly improve the customer experience. With digital IDs, there is less repetition, fewer delays and clearer expectations. And by going digital, the sector can align property transactions with the seamless digital experiences consumers expect elsewhere.

Neil Williams is CTO at Credas Technologies, a UK-based, certified provider of digital identity verification (IDV) and AML compliance software, specialising in AI-driven, real-time facial recognition.