The UK is one of the biggest domain markets on the planet, with thousands of new co.uk domains registered every year. From the corner pub to the national law firm, a website address has become a standard part of doing business.
How much does a domain cost in the UK? The honest answer: it depends. Prices vary by extension and provider, but a good domain is likely to be one of the cheapest things you buy for your business.
This guide breaks down exactly what to expect, what actually drives the price, and how to get the most domain for your money.
Cheap Domains UK — Key takeaways
- ☑︎ Get started for almost nothing: Whether it’s a personal blog or the beginnings of an ecommerce empire, you can grab a .co.uk, .uk, or even a .com from just 1p in year one.
- ☑︎ Renewals don’t usually sting: Expect somewhere around £8–£15 a year to keep a .co.uk, .uk, or .com domain after that first year.
- ☑︎ Options for days: With 400+ extensions on offer, from .studio to .expert to .info, there’s a match for almost any brand. Feeling indecisive? Grab a few and point them all at the same site.
- ☑︎ Not sure where to start? Let the 123 Reg AI Domain Search do the thinking. Just describe your idea in a few words it’ll come up with some good available options.
What’s the average cost of a domain name in the UK?
There isn’t one average price for a domain name in the UK. For most businesses, a standard domain will cost a few pounds for the first year, followed by an annual renewal fee. Premium domain names with highly desirable names can cost hundreds or even thousands.
The price depends on the domain ending you choose, the registrar you buy from and, in some cases, the name itself. With 400+ domain endings available at 123 Reg, you have plenty of options at different price points.
For most small businesses, a standard domain is all you need. The important thing is finding a name that fits your business and checking the renewal price before you buy.
So, what’s a normal price range for domains?
At 123 Reg, first-year domain prices range from just 1p to around £37, depending on the extension you choose and any introductory offer available. Popular choices such as .co.uk and .uk start from £3.99, while a .com can start from just 1p.
It’s worth checking the renewal price too. That’s what you’ll pay after your first year, so it’s the figure to keep in mind when budgeting for your domain long term.
How much does a .co.uk domain cost?
At 123 Reg, a .co.uk domain costs £3.99 for the 1st year, with renewal at £12.99 a year.
✓ 1st-year price: £3.99 with 123 Reg.
✓ Renewal cost: £12.99 a year after the first year.
✓ Is a .co.uk worth it? If you’re running a UK business, .co.uk is a familiar choice that clearly signals you’re based in the UK. With 123 Reg, you can see both prices upfront, so you know what to budget for beyond the first year.
You can also register a matching .uk domain for £3.99 for the 1st year, with renewal at £12.99 a year.
How much does a .com domain cost in the UK?
At 123 Reg, you can register a .com domain for just £0.01 for the 1st year with a 3-year term. Renewal is £18.99 a year.
✓ 1st-year price: £0.01 with a 3-year term.
✓ Renewal cost: £18.99 a year after the first year.
✓ Should you choose .com? .com is one of the world’s best-known domain extensions, making it a strong choice if you want to appeal to customers beyond the UK. If your main market is British customers, you could also register a matching .co.uk to cover both bases.
See also: .com vs .co.uk – Which is Best for Your British Brand?
What about alternative domain extensions?
With 123 Reg, you’re not limited to .co.uk and .com. There are hundreds of domain extensions to choose from, so you can find one that fits your business, industry or idea.
Running a creative business? .studio is an option. Selling online? Consider .store. Working in digital? .digital could be a good fit. You can also choose broader options such as .online, .global or .group.
Prices vary depending on the extension. For example, at 123 Reg, .online starts from £0.99 for the 1st year, while .studio starts from £16.99 and .global from £36.99.
The best place to start is with your business name or idea, then see which extensions are available and compare the 1st-year and renewal prices before you choose.
For more, check out: How to Choose the Best Domain Ending in 2026
What’s a realistic domain budget for a small business?
For most UK small businesses, a domain is one of the smallest line items in the entire website budget — realistically £10–£20 a year for a solid .co.uk, .uk, or .com, once you’re past any first-year introductory pricing. Set against a wider website budget (hosting, design, maintenance, and so on), it’s a small, predictable cost.
Plan around the renewal price, not the headline deal that gets you in the door. Many registrars offer a low starting rate, with pricing returning to normal from year two onwards — that’s not a trick, it just means the renewal figure is the one to budget for, not the introductory sale price.
Tip: you’re not limited to one domain. Registering a couple of relevant extensions and redirecting them to your main site is a smart, low-cost way to make sure customers land in the right place, however they search for you.
Why do domain prices vary so much between registrars?
Every registrar sets its own rates, so it genuinely pays to shop around — just factor the renewal price into the comparison, not only the first-year offer.
It’s also worth a quick look at what’s actually included, like domain privacy. That’s what lets you compare offers properly and find the one that actually suits your budget, not just the flashiest sticker price.
For more, check out: The UK’s Cheapest Domain Registrars, Compared (2026)
What affects the final price of a domain?
In one word: demand. Most domains cost next to nothing, because there’s an almost endless supply of good options. But every so often, a domain comes along that’s genuinely rare, and the price reflects that.
Think cars.com or music.co.uk: short, memorable, and describing exactly what the business does in one obvious word. There’s only ever one of each, and anyone searching that industry can guess it on the first try. That’s what makes a premium domain valuable. Not the letters themselves, but how many businesses would want that exact address if they could get it.
For most small businesses, though, this simply won’t come up. A clear domain built around your own business name will almost always be available at standard pricing. And it’ll do the job just as well as the rare ones.
See also: The Most Expensive Domain Names Ever Sold
How much does it cost to renew a domain in the UK?
Renewal prices are usually a touch higher than that tempting first-year rate, but they’re rarely a shock, and once you’re set up, that cost barely moves year to year, which makes it one of the easiest line items to plan for months, even years, in advance.
Either way, you’re often looking at less than what many of us spend on coffee in a single month — for something that gives your business a permanent home online, every day of the year.
For the full breakdown of what to expect, check out: Domain Renewal Costs Explained – What to Expect After Your First Year
How can you avoid overpaying for a domain?
A little planning goes a long way. If you need hosting or email anyway, bundling them with your domain can offer real value. It’s worth keeping an eye out for new offers from registrars like 123 Reg.
The main thing to watch: auto-renewal. Most registrars switch it on by default, which is genuinely useful, as it means you should never accidentally lose your domain. Just make sure you know the renewal price upfront, so it’s never a surprise when it lands.
Wrap Up
There’s no one-size-fits-all price for a domain. A familiar .co.uk or .com can be affordable, while highly sought-after names can command a premium. The good news is that with 400+ domain endings to choose from, there are plenty of ways to find a name that suits your business and your budget. Compare your options, choose the right fit and get your domain working for your business.
FAQ
What’s the average cost of a domain name in the UK?
Most standard domains cost between £8 and £15 a year, with popular endings like .co.uk and .com usually in that range. At 123 Reg, first‑year deals make getting started more affordable, and you can even get a domain free for the first year with most annual hosting plans.
How much does a .co.uk domain cost per year?
A .co.uk domain usually renews at around £10–£13 per year, with first‑year prices often lower during promos. For UK‑focused businesses, .co.uk is the go‑to ending for local trust and it is one of the most cost‑effective options year on year.
Do you need to be a British business/based in the UK to register .co.uk?
No, you don’t need to be a British business or based in the UK to register a .co.uk domain. Nominet, the registry that manages .uk domains, doesn’t require any UK residency or trading presence to register one.
How much does a .com domain cost in the UK?
A .com domain typically costs between £10 and £18 per year at standard renewal rates, with first‑year prices sometimes lower during promos. If you are planning to trade beyond the UK, .com is worth grabbing alongside your .co.uk to protect your brand.
Are there ways to get a domain name for less?
Yes! Small businesses often save by:
✓ First‑year deals or bundles: such as a free domain with annual hosting.
✓ Multi‑year registration: if the registrar offers a lower average yearly rate.
✓ Cost‑effective endings: like .co.uk or .uk for local trading.
See also: How To Get a Free Domain Name
Why are renewal prices often higher than the first year?
Many registrars set lower first‑year prices to help new customers get online quickly, then renewal rates reflect standard registry fees and service costs. It is always worth checking the renewal price before you register, because that is what you will pay after year one.
Can you reduce renewal costs by switching registrars?
Often, yes. Renewal prices vary by registrar, and moving to one with lower ongoing rates can cut your yearly spend. At 123 Reg, it is free to transfer your .co.uk or .uk domain to us, so you can lock in a better renewal rate without extra transfer fees.
Why do premium domains cost so much?
Premium domains cost more because short, obvious names are in high demand. A name like sports.com is likely to command a premium, while something more specific, such as sportsinbristol.co.uk, can cost much less. For most small businesses, a clear, brandable .co.uk can offer a good balance of professionalism and value.
