EU Tightens Real Estate Transparency Rules — June 2025

In June 2025, the European Union adopted new regulations aimed at increasing transparency and anti-money laundering (AML) measures in the commercial real estate sector. The updated rules, part of the 6th Anti-Money Laundering Directive (6AMLD) implementation, require corporate buyers, sellers, and real estate funds to disclose ultimate beneficial ownership (UBO) details more rigorously .

Key changes:

• Real estate companies and funds must now register UBO information in publicly accessible EU-wide registers.

• Enhanced due diligence is required on high-value property transactions, especially in major urban centers like Paris, Berlin, and Amsterdam.

• Stricter penalties for non-compliance, including fines and transaction suspensions.

  
  

Why it matters:

The EU aims to crack down on illicit flows of money into the property market, historically vulnerable to money laundering and tax evasion. For businesses involved in real estate investment or development, these rules increase compliance burdens but also boost market integrity.

What to watch:

Corporate real estate investors should review governance structures and ensure UBO data is accurate and up to date. Legal teams must be ready to advise on enhanced due diligence protocols ahead of transaction closings.