(Reuters) - Britain's competition regulator on Friday launched an investigation into four of the country's biggest housebuilders, saying they may have broken a consumer protection law in relation to leasehold homes.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said it was opening enforcement cases against Barratt Developments (L:BDEV), Persimmon Homes (L:PSN), Taylor Wimpey (L:TW) and Countryside Properties (L:CSPC).
The CMA uncovered evidence of potentially unfair terms with regards to ground rents in leasehold contracts and potential mis-selling, it said.
"It is unacceptable for housing developers to mislead or take advantage of homebuyers," Andrea Coscelli, CMA's chief executive officer, said in a statement.
CMA said the possible outcomes of this investigation could include court action, if necessary, or legal commitments from companies to change their practices.
Barratt in a statement said it was cooperating with the watchdog.
Taylor Wimpey, Persimmon and Countryside were not immediately available for comment.