About SmartSearch

We need to verify identity when a customer wants to move into one our homes. This will help to protect everyone from financial crime and ensure that we’re compliant with Anti-Money Laundering Regulations (AML).

We use a provider called SmartSearch to carry out our checks. SmartSearch is already being used by lots of businesses across the UK including law firms, accountancy firms and estate agents.

Using SmartSearch

Is SmartSearch safe to use?

Yes. SmartSearch is committed to ensuring your data is transmitted, processed and stored through the most advanced industry security practices. All selfies and documents images upload via their secure platform and are deleted after 30 days. Furthermore, SmartSearch complies with all applicable privacy regulations such as General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). For further information, please see SmartSearch’s privacy policy: Privacy Notice | SmartSearch

What are the benefits of using SmartSearch?

In the past, buyer(s) would have had to take identification documents along to a post office and pay for certification. These copies would then have had to be posted or sent via email. Now, buyer(s) can do all this through the SmartSearch so it’s much faster and more convenient. It's a seamless and secure way of verifying identity and checking documentation, which should help to speed up the AML process.

Buyer(s) will still need to provide some identification, however, when they start using SmartSearch - please see below.

How is SmartSearch accessed?

It’s quick and easy:

Step 1: Access SmartSearch
Buyer(s) can access SmartSearch via the link they have received either by SMS or email.

Step 2: Complete some tasks
Each buyer will need to complete some simple tasks to verify their identity. These include:

  • Consent to the SmartSearch process
  • Uploading proof of photo ID; eg, passport, photo driving licence
  • Take a selfie image

SmartSearch will let each buyer know when all the tasks have been completed.

Do you have any questions?

If you have questions or concerns, please raise these with your estate agent or financial advisor.

More about Anti-Money Laundering Regulations

We’re obliged to follow Anti-Money Laundering regulations (AML) as stipulated by HMRC. These are in place to protect organisations and their clients against fraud, money-laundering and cybercrime. 

We also need to understand where funds are coming from to ensure that they are from a legitimate source. This means that in order to approve applications buyer(s) will need to pass anti-money laundering checks. · 

Anti-Money Laundering Regulations (Gov.uk website)