Get the most from your ‘For-Sale’ / ‘To-Let’ signs
As an estate or letting agent the ‘For-Sale’ / ‘To-Let’ sign is one of the most effective marketing tools you have! But with so many out there, it’s imperative that yours is unique in order to stand out from the crowd.
When it comes to outdoor signs, the right colour combinations will give better chances of prospective buyers and tenants seeing them when exploring a neighbourhood. As a matter of fact, with the right style and colours, you’ll be able to capture the attention of people passing by in a heartbeat.
The Estate and Letting Agents Association UK (ELAA-UK) has worked with a number of professional advisors to compile a list of the most effective colours for outdoor advertising.
ELAA-UK says that ‘In today’s evolving market place the ‘For-Sale’ sign is still one the most important marketing tools an estate or letting agency has, it attracts sellers, buyers, landlords and tenants so getting the style and colour combination right is very important. We have compiled this list to provide an insight into which colours stand out the most and what different colours symbolise.’
ELAA-UK does state that whilst the right style and colour for a sign board are very important a for-sale sign should also reflect the agents own branding and colour scheme in order to increase brand recognition. ELAA-UK members can contact them for free advice on signage and marketing at member.marketing@elaa-uk.org
We have listed some extracts of the report below but you can read the full list together with a ‘top 10 most eye-catching colours list’, colour combination ideas and more details regarding what each colour symbolises at the ELAA-UK website: www.elaa-uk.org.
Red
You can’t get more daring than red! Convey your fearlessness and your determination with a strong shade of red. it is associated with energy, war, danger, strength, power, determination as well as passion, desire, and love. Red is a very emotionally intense colour and is said to enhance human metabolism, increases respiration rate, and even raises blood pressure! In heraldry, red is used to indicate courage. It is a colour found in many national flags so why not your ‘For-Sale / ‘To-Let’ sign!
Remember that on its own, red may seem too flashy, so be sure to pair it with a complementary colour. For example, by using red on a white background or white border/text your sign will get people’s attention without seeming overdone.
Orange
Orange is considered to inspire a positive, happy and joyous response. This cool and fun colour has strong attention grabbing properties. Orange represents enthusiasm, fascination, happiness, creativity, determination, attraction, success, encouragement, and stimulation.
To the human eye, orange is a very hot colour, so it gives the sensation of heat. Nevertheless, orange is not as aggressive as red and increases oxygen supply to the brain, produces an invigorating effect, and stimulates mental activity.
Yellow
The colour yellow holds many meanings, so be careful to pair it with a powerful colour to evoke a positive message. Yellow can represent loyalty, energy, intellect and clarity. It can be used to highlight your strengths as an agent. Use yellow letters on a blue or black background to command your audience’s attention from a distance! Be careful not use dull yellows as they can be associated to decay, sickness and jealousy.
Green
Did you know using different shades of green on your signs could indicate new beginnings and a fresh outlook? Green symbolises growth, harmony, freshness, and fertility. It has a strong emotional correspondence with safety. Dark green is also commonly associated with wealth and money.
Dark green is associated with ambition, wealth, greed, and jealousy.
Yellow-green can indicate sickness, cowardice, discord, and jealousy.
Aqua is associated with emotional healing and protection.
Olive green is the traditional color of peace.
Blue
Blue is often associated with depth and stability. It symbolizes trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith, truth, and heaven and is commonly used to represent confidence and professionalism. Blue is considered beneficial to the mind and body. It slows human metabolism and produces a calming effect. Blue is strongly associated with tranquillity and calmness. When used together with warm colours like yellow or red, blue can create high-impact, vibrant designs; for example, blue-yellow-red.
Light blue is associated with health, healing, tranquility, understanding, and softness.
Dark blue represents knowledge, power, integrity, and seriousness.
Purple
Purple combines the stability of blue and the energy of red. It is associated with royalty and symbolises power, nobility, luxury, and ambition. It conveys wealth and extravagance. Purple is also associated with wisdom, dignity, independence, creativity, mystery, and magic. If you want to add a touch of prestige and elegance to your signs, purple is an excellent colour option.
Black
Always at the forefront of class and sophistication, black remains a popular power colour. It is associated with power, elegance, formality, death, evil, and mystery. By using a black background, the contrasting white text will automatically stand out and can provide a great background when combined with any bold hue.
For more information about colours and designs of For-Sale signs or to find out more about The Estate & Letting Agents Association UK visit www.ELAA-UK.org
You May Also Enjoy
Solutions to fix construction skills
Budget Commentary – Mansion Tax, Business Rates & Planning Reform
Budget 2025 market data & home-mover and agent insight
Breaking Property News 24/11/25
What does Rachel Reeves have in store for the UK property market?
