LONDON ESTATE AGENT CALLS FOR BAN ON ESTATE AGENT BOARDS

Estate agents’ boards advertising properties should be banned across the capital according to London estate agent Hurford Salvi Carr.

Hurford Salvi Carr which specialises in property for sale and rent across the City, Docklands and the West End supports recent calls from Culture Minister Margaret Hodge that restrictions should be imposed on estate agents’ boards advertising properties “For Sale” and to “To Let” as well boards displaying “Sold” and “Let by” signs.

Director of Hurford Salvi Carr, David Salvi said: “We believe that all boards should be banned across London – they are unsightly, cause damage to buildings and also encourage illegal “fly boarding” where estate agents erect signs outside properties they are not even selling or letting.

“Estate agents boards are totally unnecessary in today’s market when most buyers rely on the internet to seek out properties. Around 95 per cent of new enquiries come initially from the internet and there is no place for estate agents boards in London in the 21st century. We operate in a highly competitive market place and until there is a level playing field created through an outright ban on boards, unfortunately our business has no other option than to continue to use them to promote our clients’ properties. “

He added: “The Town and Country Planning Act 1992 already lays down guidelines relating to the size and appearance of boards. However, these regulations are not policed as efficiently as they ought to be by local enforcement officers. Residential Boards have been banned in Westminster for several years. This has not affected the livelihood of estate agents and has helped to improve the street scene for residents and tourists.”

However, Mr Salvi agrees that boards can be an essential tool on new build developments and the marketing of commercial premises. He said: “We do recognise that there is a case for new homes but would like to see compliance with the current planning regulations where developers and estate agents would require planning permission to erect larger signage.”

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