The U.S. housing market is about to see another regulatory shift: The FinCEN all-cash rule. Beginning December 1, 2025, the U.S. Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) will require reporting of all-cash residential real estate purchases made through entities or trusts. According to Reuters, this rule is designed to close loopholes that have long enabled anonymous property ownership and potential money laundering.
Importantly, the rule does not apply to direct individual buyers paying cash in their own name, but it places new reporting responsibilities on real estate professionals.
What the New FinCEN Rule Requires
Under this policy, settlement agents, title companies, and other real estate professionals will need to:
- Collect and disclose beneficial ownership data for entities or trusts making all-cash purchases.
- Report transactions to FinCEN within a strict timeframe after closing.
- Ensure accuracy of ownership details, including the individuals behind the entities.
Failure to comply can result in penalties, adding an extra layer of accountability to cash transactions.
Why the Rule Matters
The U.S. has been a global target for hidden cash purchases in luxury and high-value real estate. Shell companies and trusts have often been used to obscure ownership, making it difficult to trace illicit funds. FinCEN’s new rule aims to:
- Increase transparency in real estate transactions.
- Deter money laundering and financial crimes.
- Strengthen oversight in high-demand markets such as Miami, New York, and Los Angeles.
How This Affects Orlando Buyers & Sellers
While Orlando is not as widely associated with international all-cash real estate purchases as cities like New York or Miami, the introduction of the new FinCEN rule means any local cash transactions involving entities or trusts will now face greater scrutiny. This can affect how deals are structured and the speed of closings in the Orlando market.
- For Buyers Using Entities/Trusts: Be prepared for more documentation and less anonymity in cash purchases.
- For Sellers: Transactions may take longer as compliance steps are added, especially with non-individual buyers.
- For Realtors: Understanding the reporting process will be key to guiding clients through seamless closings.
What This Means for Investors
Real estate investors—especially those purchasing through LLCs or trusts—will need to adapt quickly:
- Consider the long-term impact on investment strategies that rely on privacy.
- Factor in extra time for compliance when structuring deals.
- Work with brokers and closing agents familiar with FinCEN reporting requirements.
Diamond Real Estate Group: Guiding You Through Market Shifts
At Diamond Real Estate Group, we don’t just follow market trends—we anticipate them. As the December 1, 2025, FinCEN rule approaches, our team is here to ensure buyers, sellers, and investors understand their responsibilities and opportunities.
Contact Diamond Real Estate Group today to confidently navigate the changing market.
📲 Call or text 407-797-2931
📧 Email tiphany@dregorlando.com
🌐 Visit www.dregorlando.com to start your home-selling journey.
Meet Tiphany
Orlando Real Estate Pro
Buying a home is one of the most important purchases one can make, but it doesn’t need to be complicated. I’m Tiphany Weeks, the founder and broker of record for Diamond Real Estate Group. While traveling the world as a baseball wife we moved around a lot; and it wasn’t always easy. I realized the search to find a realtor that knows exactly what you need can be a very daunting task, so I decided it was time to create a new solution for helping people find their way home.
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