Foxtons, the London estate agent group, has been put on the market for up to £400m. After initially considering a flotation in November, Foxtons is now understood to have appointed advisers Credit Suisse to conduct a private auction of the business. Those tipped to buy the business include the property firm Savills and private equity companies 3I and TA Associates. The sale also includes Foxtons' separately-run mortgage brokerage, Alexander Hall. Foxtons' profits for 2006 are estimated to be around £25m.