The competition watchdog will investigate the billion-dollar online property sector on the back of a string of complaints about competition issues, The Australian reports.
According to the newspaper, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is assessing complaints involving a new group called Real Estate Digital Marketing Services (REDMS), which has appointed a media buyer to negotiate advertising rates with market leader REA Group.
REDMS has raised concerns through its strong links to other operators in the market and has already threatened to boycott REA's advertising products after the market leader unveiled a new market-based pricing model.
The Australian reports the ACCC is forming a decision on whether or not the formation of REDMS is a breach of competition law, and also assessing its potential to hinder competition.