Can Estate Agents Put Signs Anywhere? Legal Do’s & Don’ts
Posted on by Matt Roscoe
When it comes to selling or letting properties, estate agent boards remain the most effective marketing tool. They attract local buyers, create solid visibility, and generate enquiries. However, the question stands: can estate agents put signs anywhere? There are strict rules and regulations for estate agent boards in the UK, and failing to comply can result in complaints, fines, and prosecution. Ensure your estate agent board is compliant, or discover if a board isn’t compliant with our easy guide.
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Why Are Estate Agent Boards Regulated?
Although estate agent boards appear harmless, if they’re displayed without control, they can cause clutter, ruin an appearance, or become a potential hazard. The Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisement) Regulations 2007 outline that estate agent boards can be displayed without formal consent, as long as they follow strict rules, known as ‘deemed consent’. If your board doesn’t meet these conditions, local councils are quick to clamp down on this, leaving you open to multiple problems.
The Do’s of Estate Agent Sign Placement
Display One Board Per Property
Estate Agents are only allowed to display one ‘for sale’ or ‘to let’ board per property. Double boarding isn’t allowed unless it's a joint instruction, in which case a single shared board should be used.
Stick to the Size Restrictions
There are specific estate agent board size restrictions that must be followed:
0.5 square metres for residential properties.
2 square metres for commercial properties.
Anything larger than this must receive planning permission. Oversized boards lead toause complaints promptiate enforcement.
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Place Signs on or Near the Property
The board must be displayed on the property or within its boundary. Estate agent boards cannot be down the street, on nearby lamp posts, or public land, even if it’s to increase visibility. Simply put, estate agents cannot put signs anywhere.
Remove Signs Promptly After Completion
Estate agent boards must be taken down after 14 days of the sale or tenancy being agreed. If signs are left up longer, it can be considered misleading for advertising and is often a complaint.
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Respect Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings
Some areas have additional restrictions, especially places like listed properties or conservation zones. Always check with local planning authorities before erecting signs in sensitive areas.
The Don’ts of Estate Agent Sign Placement
Don’t Put Signs on Street Furniture or Motorways
It is illegal to attach estate agent boards to public fixtures like road signs, lamp posts, fences, or public property. Ignoring this not only breaches planning regulations but can also result in safety hazards and fines.
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Don’t Mislead with Multiple Boards
Using multiple estate agent boards to create the impression of more interest is misleading and prohibited. The practice isn’t just bad for your professional reputation, but will also attract enforcement into action.
Don’t Leave Boards Up Indefinitely
Even if the property has come off the market, some councils enforce stricter time frames on advertisements. Prolonged boards can be seen as clutter, so it’s always best to follow local guidance.
Don’t Ignore Complaints from Residents
Only an estate agent or property owner is allowed to remove the board displayed on the property. However, if a sign is causing an obstruction or breaking regulations, residents can complain to the council, which can result in a removal notice. If these requests are ignored, it can result in fines, so ensure to be wary of any complaints around your board.
Can Estate Agents Put Signs Anywhere: The Repercussions
Failing to follow the regulations with your estate agent board can lead to:
Enforcement action by the council.
Fixed penalty fines (often up to £2,500 per offence).
Court action for repeat offenders.
Reputational damage within your local community.
In some cases, councils may restrict an estate agency from displaying boards at all, severely impacting your visibility and marketing.
Best Practices for Estate Agents
To avoid legal trouble, keep your brand professional and follow these practices:
Check local rules before erecting signage, especially in conservation areas.
Train your team on the correct size and placement of boards.
Use professional sign companies to ensure boards are made to the regulation size.
Schedule regular checks to ensure outdated signs are removed promptly.
Work with landlords and property owners to avoid disputes about placement.
By staying compliant, you avoid penalties and build a good reputation with clients and communities.
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Why Choose Carrick Signs For Your Estate Agent Boards
When it comes to estate agent signage, choosing the right supplier matters. At Carrick Signs, we specialise in producing high-quality, regulation-compliant estate agent boards that are built to last. With years of experience working with property professionals across the UK, we understand the importance of clear branding, durable materials, and fast turnaround times. Whether you need “For Sale” boards, “To Let” boards, or custom designs, our expert team ensures your signage not only meets legal requirements but also helps your agency stand out on the street.