Improved regulation in the housing sector - including the possibility of an estate agent ombudsman - has received support from the manager of a leading property firm.

Recommendations from Sir Bryan Carsberg''s review of residential property have been welcomed by Russell Jervis, managing director of Spicerhaart, Europe''s biggest independent estate agent.

The new report suggests estate agents should be subject to tighter regulations to ensure house-buyers are treated fairly and given a proper means of redress.

Russel Jervis said: "We fully support that consumer interest needs to be at the heart of all policy making, and believe stricter licensing laws for agents to register should be implemented."

Carsberg''s review puts forward 30 recommendations including the protection of money held by estate agents on behalf of their clients, compulsory law qualifications for anyone giving advice on residential property and more transparency throughout the industry.

Author of the review Sir Bryan Carsberg''s was professor of accounting at the London School of Economics until 1984 before taking up several high-profile public office roles including director-general of fair trading.

He was knighted in 1989 and is now chairman of council at Loughborough university.