The Guild of Property Professionals has issued guidance to UK estate agents on when identification can be requested from prospective viewers prior to property viewings.

Paul Offley, compliance officer at The Guild, said there may be circumstances where a seller instructs an agent to verify the identity of viewers before access is granted. He noted that this sits outside anti-money laundering requirements, which apply once a business relationship has been established.

“This is a separate matter entirely,” Offley explained. “Agents should first establish the reasoning behind a vendor’s request to verify the identity of viewers.”

In standard practice, agents typically collect a viewer’s name, address and contact details ahead of or during the viewing process, with appointments confirmed in writing and sometimes followed up by phone.

The Guild said additional ID checks may be used in specific cases, such as where vendors have security concerns, or where properties are linked to high-profile individuals or previous incidents involving harassment or stalking.

Offley said viewers can refuse to provide identification, but added that any request should be applied consistently and supported by a clear reason. He said it should not be used in a discriminatory way.

“Absolutely, they [viewers] can refuse,” he said. “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.”

Where ID checks are requested by a seller, agents can inform applicants that they are acting on instruction, without disclosing the underlying reason.

The guidance also states that verification does not need to match full anti-money laundering checks. In some cases, visual confirmation of ID in person or via video call may be sufficient, and there is no requirement for agents to retain copies.

The Guild advises agents to apply any process consistently and ensure it aligns with legal and ethical obligations.

“In summary, yes, it is possible for estate agents to request ID before a viewing,” Offley concluded. “But it must be proportionate, justified, and handled correctly.”