Westminster Council is seeking to outlaw “For Sale” signs across the borough, citing their visual impact and declining relevance in the digital property market.
If approved by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, the ban would replace existing restrictions in conservation areas with a blanket prohibition under a Regulation 7 Direction.
Currently, UK law permits most buildings to display estate agent boards under “deemed consent” as long as they comply with size and placement rules. However, Westminster’s council argues that the signs are unnecessary in an era where most property searches are conducted online.
A partial ban has been in place since 2010, covering heritage and conservation areas such as Mayfair and St. John’s Wood.
STREET CLUTTER
The council says these restrictions have improved the visual appeal of historic neighborhoods by reducing street clutter. With the current authorisation set to expire in May 2025, the council wants to expand the policy to the entire borough and make it indefinite, removing the need for periodic renewals.
Property owners and estate agents could still display signs but would need to apply for individual permission – a process that has seen requests drop from 511 in 2013 to just 18 in 2023 in the already-restricted areas.
The council also points to enforcement challenges, noting that some agents fail to remove signs promptly after sales or place multiple boards at properties such as apartment blocks.
MORE OPTIONS
If the Secretary of State Angela Rayner rejects the borough-wide ban the council plans to renew and expand the existing restrictions, leaving only small areas like parts of Victoria, Kilburn and Lisson Grove free from regulation.
The council argues that the ban will enhance Westminster’s streetscape while reflecting modern real estate practices.
Property experts explained the pros and cons to Newspage.
INTERESTING DEBATE
Kundan Bhaduri, Property Developer and Portfolio Landlord at The Kushman Group, says: “Westminster Council’s proposal to ban ‘For Sale’ signs sparks an interesting debate. While I appreciate their goal of preserving the borough’s character and reducing carbon impact, these signs remain an important, time-tested tool in the property market.
“They serve as a visual cue for prospective buyers, creating opportunities that might otherwise be missed in the crowded online space. The digital shift is undeniable, but not all buyers rely solely on online platforms.
“For many, seeing a sign outside a property feels more tangible and prompts spontaneous enquiries. Will it harm business? Potentially, especially for smaller agencies that rely on local visibility.
“A balanced approach might involve regulating the size or duration of signs, rather than banning them outright. It’s about modernizing without losing what makes the property market accessible to all.”
Stephen Perkins, Managing Director at Yellow Brick Mortgages, says: “Online advertising only works with those in the market actively seeking to buy.
“The benefit of a For Sale board is that it draws in people that, before walking past it, may not have been considering a move.
“They have been proven to benefit the marketing of a property attracting buyers that otherwise would never have come to market.
“Agents also benefit of course from the brand exposure. I imagine councils only worry when there is an enormous amount of for sale signs that may indicate an exodus or that the area isn’t desirable as they would like to claim.”
Samuel Gee, Director at Manning Gee Investments, says: “Westminster Council’s proposal to ban ‘For Sale’ signs reflects the shift towards digital property marketing, especially in affluent areas where buyers increasingly rely on online searches.
“While the council’s focus on preserving visual amenity and reducing carbon impact could be seen as commendable, boards still serve a purpose – they’re a simple, effective way to signal availability to local buyers and maintain a sense of community.
“A blanket ban risks favouring larger firms with strong online presences, leaving smaller businesses at a disadvantage. A more balanced approach, such as restricting sign size or duration, could address concerns without removing this valuable marketing tool entirely.”
