Five months after saying it would look into the scandal, the CMA says the firms to be probed are Barratt Developments, Countryside Properties, Persimmon Homes and Taylor Wimpey.

Stephen Jones and Neil Mackenzie headed up two of the four estate agency firms involved in the cartel, three of which were fined £600,000 earlier this year.

The detailed discussions between the four estate agents involved in the Berkshire cartel case have been published by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), along with shocking evidence given by the individuals…

CMA has said in a strongly worded clarification that properties can only be advertised if a landlord's mortgage contract specifically prevents benefits claimants.

Regulator says its investigation uncovered evidence of price fixing by Michael Hardy, Prospect, Richard Worth and Romans.

Regulator says it will be looking at both unfair contract terms and mis-sold leaseholds and will be contacting those involved within the property industry soon.

Competition watchedog the CMA says it plans to fine estate agents become involved in cartels as well as disqualify them as directors.

CMA says it may take enforcement action against developers or managing agents found to have contravened consumer protection laws.