{"version":"1.0","provider_name":"123 Reg Blog: Small business tips, insight and advice","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.123-reg.co.uk\/blog","author_name":"123 Reg","author_url":"https:\/\/www.123-reg.co.uk\/blog\/author\/123-reg\/","title":"How Much Does a Domain Name Really Cost? | 123 Reg Blog","type":"rich","width":600,"height":338,"html":"<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"5T0N5E5oE5\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.123-reg.co.uk\/blog\/domains\/how-much-does-domain-name-really-cost\/\">How Much Does a Domain Name Really Cost?<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" src=\"https:\/\/www.123-reg.co.uk\/blog\/domains\/how-much-does-domain-name-really-cost\/embed\/#?secret=5T0N5E5oE5\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" title=\"&#8220;How Much Does a Domain Name Really Cost?&#8221; &#8212; 123 Reg Blog: Small business tips, insight and advice\" data-secret=\"5T0N5E5oE5\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" class=\"wp-embedded-content\"><\/iframe><script>\n\/*! This file is auto-generated *\/\n!function(d,l){\"use strict\";l.querySelector&&d.addEventListener&&\"undefined\"!=typeof URL&&(d.wp=d.wp||{},d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage||(d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage=function(e){var t=e.data;if((t||t.secret||t.message||t.value)&&!\/[^a-zA-Z0-9]\/.test(t.secret)){for(var s,r,n,a=l.querySelectorAll('iframe[data-secret=\"'+t.secret+'\"]'),o=l.querySelectorAll('blockquote[data-secret=\"'+t.secret+'\"]'),c=new RegExp(\"^https?:$\",\"i\"),i=0;i<o.length;i++)o[i].style.display=\"none\";for(i=0;i<a.length;i++)s=a[i],e.source===s.contentWindow&&(s.removeAttribute(\"style\"),\"height\"===t.message?(1e3<(r=parseInt(t.value,10))?r=1e3:~~r<200&&(r=200),s.height=r):\"link\"===t.message&&(r=new URL(s.getAttribute(\"src\")),n=new URL(t.value),c.test(n.protocol))&&n.host===r.host&&l.activeElement===s&&(d.top.location.href=t.value))}},d.addEventListener(\"message\",d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage,!1),l.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\",function(){for(var e,t,s=l.querySelectorAll(\"iframe.wp-embedded-content\"),r=0;r<s.length;r++)(t=(e=s[r]).getAttribute(\"data-secret\"))||(t=Math.random().toString(36).substring(2,12),e.src+=\"#?secret=\"+t,e.setAttribute(\"data-secret\",t)),e.contentWindow.postMessage({message:\"ready\",secret:t},\"*\")},!1)))}(window,document);\n\/\/# sourceURL=https:\/\/www.123-reg.co.uk\/blog\/wp-includes\/js\/wp-embed.min.js\n<\/script>\n","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/www.123-reg.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Trades-1440x460-1-scaled.jpg","thumbnail_width":2560,"thumbnail_height":818,"description":"If you\u2019re launching a website, buying the right domain name is one of the first (and most important) decisions you\u2019ll make. But with so many domain extensions, providers and price ranges to choose from, it\u2019s easy to wonder: how much should a domain name actually cost? In this guide, we break down typical domain name prices in the UK, explain why costs vary so much, and show you exactly what to check before you buy, so you can buy a good domain without overspending. Key takeaways \u2611\ufe0e Many 123 Reg domains cost only around \u00a315 a year, making them a great-value home for your brand. \u2611\ufe0e Can\u2019t get the exact name you want? Adding a location or keyword can get you something just as strong for a fraction of the price. 123 Reg\u2019s AI Domain Search makes finding the perfect fit quick and easy. \u2611\ufe0e Domain renewals can cost more than the introductory offer, so check the renewal price before you register. \u2611\ufe0e Domains are first-come, first-served, so the best time to register your domain is now. \u00a0 Why does a domain name matter? A domain name is your address on the internet. It\u2019s the text people type into their browser (like yourbusiness.co.uk) to find your website. It can also become the part after the @ in your email address. In short, it\u2019s how customers find you, remember you, and recognise your brand online. Every domain is unique and registered on a first-come, first-served basis. Once it\u2019s taken, it belongs to that owner until it expires or is sold. That\u2019s why the name you choose, and when you register it, matters. Before we look at exact prices, it helps to understand what a domain name gives your business, and what you risk by waiting. Here\u2019s what that small yearly cost actually buys you: \u2713 Credibility: a proper domain (your-big-idea.co.uk) looks more trustworthy than a free subdomain or relying only on social profiles \u2713 Professional email: swap yourbusiness123@freemail.com for your-big-idea.co.uk \u2713 Full ownership: once registered, you have the right to use your domain for the registration period, provided you keep it renewed. Put into perspective, a domain name is one of the cheapest ongoing costs you\u2019ll ever have for your business. For often less than the price of a coffee a month, you get a permanent, professional home for your brand online, plus a foundation for everything you do on the web. \u00a0 How much does a domain name cost? A domain name can cost from just a few pounds for the first year, especially when there\u2019s an introductory offer. The price you pay for a domain name in the first year can be different from the price you\u2019ll pay to renew it each year. For popular domain extensions (also known as TLDs or domain endings) such as .co.uk, .uk and .com, you can generally expect to pay around \u00a312\u2013\u00a320 a year at renewal. Less common extensions may cost more, while premium domain names can be significantly more expensive. The total cost of a domain depends on the domain extension you choose, whether the name is available at the standard rate or is classed as premium, and the provider and offer you choose. Always check both the first-year price and the renewal price before registering your domain. Here\u2019s a quick snapshot of what that typically looks like across some of the most popular extensions: Popular domain extensions* TLD First year Renewal Focus .co.uk \u00a33.99 \u00a312.99 UK identity .uk \u00a33.99 \u00a312.99 UK identity .com \u00a30.01 \u00a318.99 Global reach .info \u00a34.99 \u00a332.99 Sharing knowledge .ltd \u00a31.84 \u00a377.99 Company branding .pro \u00a33.99 \u00a332.99 Showing expertise .group \u00a31.84 \u00a377.99 Communities and teams .studio \u00a316.99 \u00a359.99 Creative projects .agency \u00a30.99 \u00a340.99 Creative and client work .digital \u00a322.99 \u00a322.99 Digital-first ideas .global \u00a337.99 \u00a3125.99 Worldwide ambitions .online \u00a30.99 \u00a340.99 Online-first ideas .store \u00a313.99 \u00a351.84 Selling online *Prices correct as of September 2026 and subject to change. \u00a0 Prices vary depending on the extension, but a few patterns are worth pointing out: \u2713 Popular extensions like .com or .co.uk: usually just a few pounds in year one, then a modest yearly renewal after that \u2713 Niche or newer extensions (like .studio or .expert): similarly affordable, often with welcome offers to get you started \u2713 Premium or highly sought-after names: can range from tens to thousands of pounds, depending on demand \u2713 Add-ons like WHOIS privacy: sometimes included free, sometimes a small extra yearly cost If you already have a name in mind, checking its availability now takes just a few seconds, and locks in that price before someone else does. \u00a0 Why do domains cost different prices? Availability Available domain names are usually sold at the standard registration price. If someone already owns the name, you\u2019ll need to buy it from them instead, and these resale (or \u201caftermarket\u201d) domains can cost a lot more. Demand Popular names are worth more because more people want them. Short, memorable domains and common words are often in high demand, which pushes up the price. This is where you see the truly premium names (like music.com or sports.com) at the very top end, the most expensive domains ever sold have gone for tens of millions of dollars. Length Short domain names are easier to remember and type. Because there are fewer short names going, they tend to cost more. Keywords and trends Words linked to popular industries, products or trends can also push the price up. A domain with a valuable business keyword in it will usually attract a premium. Domain extensions Different extensions come with different prices. A .com might cost more than a newer or less common extension, and some extensions carry their own premium pricing. Finding an affordable option If your first choice is unavailable or too pricey, try adding a location or descriptive word instead. yorkshire-music.com or bristol-sports.com, for example, will usually cost a fraction of their shorter counterparts, while staying just as clear. You could also try a different extension. Small tweaks like these are often"}