Professional services firm Deloitte is to offload part of its property business because of potential conflicts of interest with its auditing arm, the Financial Times has reported.

The move comes six years after Deloitte bought property consultancy Drivers Jonas.

Last year, Deloitte turned down an approach from Countrywide, says the FT.

Deloitte’s 49-strong property management team will move to Knight Frank.

Another property team of 20 will move to Gerald Eve, while the five-strong City investment team will go to Savills.

Deloitte is in negotiations for the future of its 18-strong national investment group.

Deloitte, like other professional services companies, has expanded beyond its core auditing business into other areas, including property, in a effort to offer a one-stop service to clients.