Bored of Boards?

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Ad - John Horton, Owner of Horton and Garton Estate Agents, considers whether the estate agent’s board is heading for extinction in London

Bored of boards?

John Horton, Owner of Horton and Garton Estate Agents, considers whether the estate agent’s board is heading for extinction in London

After three decades in the business, I’ve seen the estate agent’s board remain one of the most effective, cost-efficient marketing tools for property sales and lettings. But recently, their future in many parts of London is looking increasingly uncertain.

A growing number of residents and local groups argue that “For Sale” and “To Let” boards are a form of visual pollution, cluttering streets, lowering the tone of conservation areas, and often overstaying their welcome. The criticism is not without merit. In some cases, boards breach the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) Regulations 2007, which permit only one board per property and require removal within 14 days of a completed sale or let.

Are these traditional marketing tools now falling out of favour in our neighbourhood?

There’s growing resistance to estate agent boards across West London. Some see them as an outdated eyesore, as street clutter that detracts from the character of conservation areas. In parts of London, including neighbouring Hammersmith, regulations are tightening. So, what does this mean for Chiswick?

Local pressure, limited action

In boroughs like Hammersmith and Fulham, six neighbourhoods, including Brackenbury Village and Brook Green, have become Regulation 7 areas, where estate agent boards are banned unless special consent is granted. Since 2015, the council has been actively enforcing this policy, with more than 1,900 complaints logged about unauthorised signs. Yet despite the volume of reports, successful prosecutions remain rare.

But here in Chiswick, we fall under two different borough councils, Hounslow and Ealing, and both have their own systems for tackling rogue signage:

Hounslow
Report concerns at hounslow.gov.uk or call 020 8583 5211.

Ealing
Email complaints@ealing.gov.uk or call 020 8825 5000.

At present, neither borough has adopted Regulation 7-style bans, but with growing public pressure and nearby Westminster Council now pushing for a borough-wide ban, the tide may be turning.

What boards still offer

Before we toss the “For Sale” board onto the scrapheap, it’s worth considering what we might lose:

1. On-the-ground visibility
Even in the digital age, boards are one of the simplest ways to alert locals to homes for sale or rent. For buyers or renters walking the area, they offer a real-time view of the market.

2. Accessibility for all
Not everyone scrolls Rightmove. Boards still serve those who are less digitally inclined, ensuring inclusivity in the property market.

3. Affordable, 24/7 advertising
Unlike online listings, a board never sleeps. It’s always working to generate footfall, prompt neighbourly referrals, and attract unplanned interest.

4. Support for schools and charities
Many boards are used to promote local events, fundraisers, and campaigns—often raising thousands for Chiswick schools and community groups.

5. The issue isn’t the board. It’s the abuse
The problem is rarely the boards themselves, but the few agents who flout rules. The Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) Regulations 2007 already dictate that only one board per property is allowed, and it must be removed within 14 days of a completed sale or let. Enforcing these existing laws would resolve most complaints.

Finding a local solution

There’s a conversation to be had in Chiswick. Some want a total ban. Others argue for better enforcement. As estate agents, we believe in working with our community, respecting local aesthetics while supporting a healthy property market.

If boards are to remain, they must be used responsibly. And if they’re to go, we need thoughtful alternatives that don’t isolate those who still rely on traditional ways to find their next home.

For now, Chiswick’s boards are still legal. But for how long? That’s up to the community and the councils to decide.

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May 31, 2025