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7 October 2026

Wwft in Practice: The Identity Checks We Perform Before Any Transaction

If you are buying or selling a home, you want the process to move forward smoothly, safely and in line with the law. Wwft in practice means that identity checks, client verification and transaction assessment are not optional extras, but an essential part of every real estate transaction. At Spijker Makelaardij, we guide clients through these checks clearly and carefully so the transaction meets the applicable Dutch legal requirements.

For many people, these checks can feel unfamiliar at first. Why is identification needed? Why might questions be asked about the purpose of the transaction or, in some cases, the source of funds? In this article, you will learn what the Wwft means in practice, which checks we perform before any transaction, and how this process helps protect both client and broker.

What is the Wwft?

The Wwft is the Dutch Anti-Money-Laundering and Anti-Terrorist Financing Act. In practice, it requires certain businesses, including real estate professionals, to verify clients and assess transactions for unusual circumstances.

For clients, the most visible part of the Wwft is usually the identification process. Before a transaction can proceed, we must:

Where the law requires it, we also investigate:

This is part of handling real estate transactions in accordance with applicable Dutch laws, regulations and NVM professional standards.

Why identity checks matter in real estate

Property transactions involve significant financial interests. That is exactly why proper verification matters. Clear identity checks help ensure that everyone involved is who they say they are and that the transaction can be handled responsibly.

In practical terms, this helps to:

For clients, this can also provide reassurance. A broker that takes compliance seriously is also taking the integrity of the transaction seriously.

Wwft in practice at Spijker Makelaardij

At Spijker Makelaardij, Wwft compliance is built into the way we support residential sales, purchases and valuations. We arrange and oversee the required checks so clients can move through the process with clarity.

Our role includes guiding clients through:

Where necessary, we also refer clients to specialised professionals. This fits our broader full-service approach and our commitment to handling transactions carefully, personally and in accordance with the rules that apply.

Which identity checks do we perform before any transaction?

1. We identify every client

The first step is straightforward: we identify every client involved in the transaction. Clients must provide identification and any other required information so the verification process can be completed.

This applies as part of the legal Wwft obligations connected to real estate transactions.

2. We verify the identity provided

Identification alone is not enough. The Wwft also requires us to verify the identity of each client. That means checking whether the information and documents provided meet the statutory requirements.

Spijker Makelaardij arranges and oversees these checks so the transaction can proceed in line with the law.

3. We establish the purpose and nature of the transaction

A compliant process also means understanding why the transaction is taking place and what its basic structure is. We therefore establish the purpose and nature of each transaction.

This is an important part of Wwft in practice because context matters. A transaction is not assessed only on identity documents, but also on whether the transaction itself is clear and consistent.

4. We investigate the UBO when required

In some situations, the law requires us to determine the ultimate beneficial owner (UBO). This means identifying the person who ultimately owns or controls the relevant entity or interest behind the transaction.

Where this requirement applies, we investigate and verify the UBO as part of the compliance process.

5. We investigate the source of funds when required

Where required, we also investigate the source of funds. This is not a standard extra question asked without reason, but a legal compliance step that applies in certain cases.

The purpose is to ensure that the financial side of the transaction can be properly understood and assessed.

6. We assess all transactions for unusual circumstances

Every transaction is assessed for unusual circumstances. This is a core part of the Wwft.

If extra checks are mandated by the Wwft, those checks are performed. If a transaction is classified as unusual, it is reported to the relevant authorities.

What clients can expect during the process

For many clients, the best experience is simply knowing in advance what will be asked and why. At Spijker Makelaardij, we take a personal and hands-on approach, starting with a consultation to understand your situation, goals and expectations.

During the process, you can expect:

That approach matters because legal compliance should not feel confusing or distant. It should be practical, well explained and integrated into the transaction process.

A direct answer: Will you need to undergo identity checks?

Yes. If you work with Spijker Makelaardij on a real estate transaction, you will need to provide identification and other required information as part of Wwft compliance.

We arrange and oversee these checks so your transaction can meet all statutory requirements.

How this fits into the wider transaction process

Wwft checks are only one part of a professionally managed property transaction. Spijker Makelaardij also guides clients through the broader legal and practical framework of buying or selling a home.

That includes support with:

If you are also exploring topics such as selling a property in Almere, purchase guidance, valuations or disclosure obligations, these are natural related areas to review alongside Wwft compliance.

Wwft and trust: why a careful process benefits clients

A well-run verification process supports trust on multiple levels. It helps create a transaction environment in which expectations are clear, documentation is handled properly and legal obligations are taken seriously.

For buyers and sellers, that has real value. It means working with experienced NVM real estate agents who combine long-standing local market knowledge with professional care. Spijker Makelaardij has been active in the Almere housing market for 30 years and guides clients with practical, well-founded advice throughout each transaction.

Practical tips to prepare for Wwft checks

If you want the process to move efficiently, preparation helps. Here are a few practical steps:

Prepare your information early

Have your identification and any other requested information ready as soon as possible. A timely response can help avoid unnecessary delays.

Ask questions if anything is unclear

If you do not understand why a document or detail is required, ask. A clear explanation can make the compliance process much easier to follow.

Expect questions about the transaction itself

It is normal to be asked about the purpose and nature of the transaction. These questions are part of the legal assessment process.

Be aware that additional checks may apply

Some situations require extra verification, such as checks relating to the UBO or source of funds. If that happens, it is part of meeting the legal standard that applies.

Quick overview: Wwft checks before a transaction

Step What it means
Client identification We identify every client involved in the transaction.
Identity verification We verify the identification and required information provided.
Purpose and nature We establish the purpose and nature of the transaction.
UBO check Where required, we investigate the ultimate beneficial owner.
Source of funds check Where required, we investigate the source of funds.
Transaction assessment We assess all transactions for unusual circumstances.
Reporting obligation If a transaction is classified as unusual, it is reported to the relevant authorities.

Compliance and client service go together

Some people assume compliance creates distance. In practice, the opposite can be true when the process is handled well. A professional broker can combine legal care with personal support.

That is exactly how Spijker Makelaardij works. We provide full-service support in Dutch and English, guide clients through the required steps and keep the process approachable. Our experience includes assisting international buyers and sellers, which makes clear communication especially important.

Conclusion

Wwft in practice comes down to one essential principle: before any transaction, proper identity checks and transaction assessment must take place. At Spijker Makelaardij, this means identifying every client, verifying identity, establishing the purpose and nature of the transaction, carrying out additional checks where required, and assessing transactions for unusual circumstances.

These steps are not just legal formalities. They help create a safer, clearer and more reliable transaction process for everyone involved.

If you are preparing to buy or sell a home in Almere and want guidance from an experienced NVM real estate agent, contact Spijker Makelaardij at Marktmeesterstraat 45, 1315 GA Almere. We are happy to explain the process, answer your questions and guide you through every step of the transaction.