# Real estate data: Shining a light on the corrupt URL: https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/real-estate-data-shining-a-light-on-the-corrupt Type: Publication or report Published: 2020-12-18 Updated: 2020-12-18 --- 18 December 2020 How do corrupt enjoy their illicit gains without getting caught? Far too often, by buying luxury property in the world’s most sought-after cities. The decision of where to invest in real estate will depend on the stability and reliability of the real estate market in the country, as well as on the risks of having a dirty deal uncovered and punished. Not surprisingly, the corrupt and criminal favour stable markets with inadequate anti-money laundering laws and where anonymity is guaranteed. Investigations show real estate data can be a powerful tool to detect potential money laundering and other criminal activities. Access to property-related data – such as legal and beneficial ownership, historical ownership data, value and dates of purchase – can go a long way towards exposing key red flags for authorities, journalists and activists. In 2017, Transparency International published an analysis of anti-money laundering and corruption prevention mechanisms in the real estate sector in four key markets. The report – *[Doors wide open](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/doors-wide-open-corruption-and-real-estate-in-four-key-markets)* – identified ten main problems that have enabled corrupt individuals and other criminals to easily purchase luxurious properties anonymously and hide their stolen money in **Australia**, **Canada**, the **United Kingdom** and the **United States**. Now, our new report analyses the availability of key real estate data in these four significant property markets. The limited availability of real estate data and of beneficial ownership data, in particular, means that we still know very little about who owns properties, and whether they have been purchased with dirty money. This continues to be the case in the four markets – Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States. ### Related publications ## [Regional Assessment of Integrity in Political Finance in South Asia, Southeast Asia and East Asia](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/integrity-political-finance-asia) Publication • 03 September 2026 This report reviews systems across 17 countries to identify the areas of political finance most in need of reform. ## [Annual Report 2025](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/annual-report-2025) Publication • 17 July 2026 In 2025, Transparency International pursued its mission to stop corruption and promote transparency, accountability and integrity at all levels and across all sectors of society. ## [Whistleblowing Authorities in Europe: Roles, challenges and lessons learned](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/whistleblowing-authorities-in-europe-roles-challenges-and-lessons-learned) Publication • 19 June 2026 This report examines the institutional design, mandates and functioning of national whistleblowing authorities across Europe. ## [Global Corruption Barometer 2003](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/gcb-2003) Publication • 03 July 2003 ## Priorities - [Dirty money](https://www.transparency.org/en/our-priorities/dirty-money) ## Countries - [Australia](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/australia) - [Canada](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/canada) - [United Kingdom](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/united-kingdom) - [United States](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/united-states) ## Projects - [Global Anti-Corruption Consortium](https://www.transparency.org/en/projects/global-anti-corruption-consortium) ![Image of light shining inside an apartment](https://images.transparencycdn.org/images/Real-estate-data-Shining-a-light-on-the-corrupt-December-2020.png?auto=compress&fit=crop&fm=webp&w=1200) [Download](https://images.transparencycdn.org/images/2020-Report-Real-estate-data-Shining-a-light-on-the-corrupt.pdf)