We’ve all seen the classic ‘For Sale’ sign pop up on a neighbour’s lawn, but one Sydney street recently found itself in the spotlight—quite literally—thanks to a new breed of real estate advertising.
In the quiet suburb of Annandale, a solar-powered, illuminated sign has sparked a heated debate about neighbourhood peace, light pollution, and the lengths agents will go to catch a buyer’s eye.
A bright idea—or a blinding nuisance?
It started innocently enough: a local real estate agency, McGrath Lower North Shore, installed a luminous ‘For Sale’ sign outside a home on View Street.
But what was meant to be a clever marketing move quickly became frustrating for residents. Richard, a local, described the nightly glow as ‘completely unnecessary and pointless,’ especially since the sign was partially hidden behind a tree and shrub.
‘It’s a quiet neighbourhood road. No potential buyers are going to see it,’ Richard said, adding that the sign’s light was more likely to disturb residents and local wildlife than attract house-hunters. ‘It’s another form of light pollution,’ he lamented.
Neighbours weigh in: ‘Obtrusive’ and ‘unnecessary’
Richard wasn’t alone in his annoyance. The story quickly gained traction after he posted a photo of the sign online.
Comments poured in from other Aussies who’d encountered similar signs, with one person recalling, ‘I’ve seen this once before in person and it was ridiculously bright! I immediately felt sorry for the person living across the street.’
Even a recent home seller admitted the illuminated sign outside their own property was ‘annoying.’ Others questioned the logic behind the practice, asking, ‘How many prospective homebuyers are house-hunting after dark?’ and labelling the signs ‘obtrusive’ and ‘unnecessary.’
The real estate agent sheds light
From the agency’s point of view, the intention is simple: get the property noticed. Rachel Maher, Chief Operating Officer of McGrath Lower North Shore, explained, ‘As property agents, our aim is to find buyers for the properties we market. A part of the marketing strategy is to provide signboards alerting passersby that the property is for sale.
We use standard sized signboards and illuminate them to draw attention to the property and make the details legible at night.’
Maher confirmed that these solar-powered signs don’t breach any marketing laws. But after hearing the neighbours’ concerns, the agency agreed to remove the lighting, stating, ‘Following the neighbour’s request, we will remove the illumination. Our signboard company will remove the lighting tomorrow.’
Light pollution: a growing concern in Aussie suburbs
While this may seem like a minor neighbourhood squabble, it highlights a broader issue: the creeping impact of light pollution in our communities.
Once limited to city centres, bright lights are now making their way into suburban streets, sometimes in unexpected forms.
Excessive artificial lighting can disrupt sleep, affect wildlife, and even impact our health over time.
For older Australians, who may be more sensitive to changes in their environment or value a peaceful night’s sleep, these issues can be particularly bothersome. And as real estate marketing becomes more high-tech, it’s worth asking: where do we draw the line between innovation and intrusion?
What are your rights as a neighbour?
If you find yourself in a similar situation—whether it’s a glaring sign, a security floodlight, or even a neighbour’s decorative fairy lights—there are steps you can take:
Start with a friendly chat: Often, the person responsible may not realise their light is causing a problem.
Contact the business or agency: As in this case, a polite complaint can lead to a quick resolution.
Check local council regulations: Some councils have rules about light pollution and nuisance lighting.
Know your rights: If the issue persists, you may be able to lodge a formal complaint with your local council or state authority.
The future of real estate marketing: Where to go from here?
As the property market becomes more competitive, agencies are constantly looking for new ways to stand out. From drone photography to virtual tours and now illuminated signs, the options are endless. But as this Annandale incident shows, not every innovation is a hit with the locals.
Perhaps the answer lies in balance: using technology to enhance marketing without sacrificing the peace and character of our neighbourhoods.
Have your say!
Have you ever been bothered by a bright sign, security light, or other form of light pollution in your street? Do you think illuminated real estate signs are a clever idea or a step too far? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below—your story might help others in the same boat!
And if you’ve got a neighbourhood tale or tip to share, we’d love to hear from you.
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