Commerce Commission alleges cartel activity in Christchurch real estate market

(Image: Commerce Commission)

Tue, 23 Sep 2025

The Commerce Commission has initiated civil proceedings against several major players in the Christchurch real estate market, alleging cartel conduct.The alleged conduct involves Harcourts franchisees, including Four Seasons Realty, Gold Real Estate Group, Grenadier Real Estate, and Holmwood Real Estate, as well as their franchisor, Harcourts Group.The commission claims that these franchisees, who were in competition with each other, entered into agreements that affected the prices they charged customers, including commission rates. This consti...

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