Estate Agent Boards – Rules & Regulations

Estate Agent Boards

Estate agent boards are printed weatherproof corrugated plastic and can be temporarily attached to railings, screwed to walls or fixed to posts driven into the ground.

You see estate agents boards everywhere you go. Even in this digital age estate agents boards still play an important role to grab the attention of potential buyers and tenants.

In addition to guiding potential buyers they are a great way to promote your estate agents brand. Typically estate agents boards in addition to branding would let a buyer know if a property is ‘For Sale’, ‘To Let’ or ‘Sold’.

There are strict regulations regarding where they can be displayed here is a guide to find out how the rules work.

What are the rules for estate agents boards?

A summary of the key rules regarding estate agents boards can be found below. Full details can be found in the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) (England) Regulations 2007 – find the full legislation here.

Local authorities can modify the regulation within a specific area such as in a city conservation area. Councils using regulation 7 powers include Brighton & Hove, Hastings, Leeds, Loughborough, Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea, Hammersmith & Fulham, Nottingham and Preston.

Where can I display an estate agent’s board?

An estate agent board can only be displayed on the property that is for sale or to rent.

Boards may be displayed only on, or within the curtilage of, the property to which they relate. This means you cannot place boards on the street outside the property, next door or across the street. 

Is there a maximum size?

Maximum size of boards is 0.5 square metres.

When it comes to size the rules for commercial and residential property are different. The maximum size for residential estate agent signs is 0.5m square. For commercial properties boards can be up to 2.0m square.

The maximum projection from the building is 1 metre, and this applies to both residential and commercial properties. The maximum height of the highest part of the board is normally 4.6 metres above the ground.

How many boards can be displayed?

Only one board can be displayed per property.

You may be able to use several boards if you are advertising several flats in one block but check with your local council in case there are any local variations.

How Long Can I Leave Boards In Place? 

Signs must be removed within 14 days after a letting has been agreed or a property sold.

The only rule concerning design is that no character or symbol on the advertisement may be more than 0.75 metres in height.

But like most sorts of advertising you want to keep the design simple and memorable. Most boards you will see have a company logo and perhaps a background image with text on top.

What if break the rules? 

Again this varies from council to council. Some areas like Brighton & Hove Council have had limited bans on boards in some locations – typically conservation areas – since 2010, with a £1,000 penalty for agencies breaking the rules.

Estate agent board design

The only rule regarding design is that no element can be over 0.75m high. Always use your brand so it becomes instantly recognisable to passers by. And like most outdoor advertising keep it simple. Leave space for “To Let” “Under Offer” “ Sold” and “ For Sale” slips.

A proven formula is use your corporate colour and logo and little text. Over the last few years with lower cost digital signage you may also start to see digital estate agent advertising.

Our team at Discount Displays are on hand with our in house design service to help design estate agents boards for you.

Clear, bold colours and easy-to-read text make your estate agent board hard to miss. Place it strategically near the property, facing traffic, but always following local council regulations. Secure fixings and regular maintenance keep it looking professional and ensure it stays put. This will maximize visibility and attract potential buyers.
Keep things tidy by using smaller signs made from eco-friendly materials. This minimises visual clutter and looks after the environment. Choose recyclable options whenever possible, and dispose of old boards responsibly. Don’t forget to check your local council’s regulations regarding size, placement, and permitted materials. By following these tips, you can ensure your boards are displayed responsibly and have a minimal environmental impact.
Don’t bin that board just yet! See if it’s made from recyclable materials like correx or foamex (many councils accept them). If it’s still in good nick, you could even reuse it for another property with updated details. This helps the environment and reduces waste – win-win!

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