On this page
- 01Key takeaways
- 02How much does a domain name cost in the UK?
- 03Why do renewal prices catch people out?
- 04What does a premium domain cost?
- 05Who should own the domain?
- 06When is paying more for a domain worth it?
- 07What does this look like in practice?
- 08Domain checklist
- 09Next step
- 10Sources and further reading
- 11Frequently asked questions
Key takeaways
A domain name in the UK typically costs about £5 to £20 a year for a .co.uk, .uk or .com address. First-year deals can be cheaper, with renewals at the full price. Premium domains already owned by someone else can cost hundreds or thousands. The most important point is not price but control: register it in your business name.
- .co.uk or .uk: about £5 to £15 a year.
- .com: about £10 to £20 a year.
- Premium or resale domains: hundreds to thousands.
- Renewal: often higher than the first-year deal.
Want your domain set-up checked? Message us on WhatsApp.
Chat on WhatsApp →How much does a domain name cost in the UK?
A domain name costs about £5 to £15 a year for a .co.uk or .uk address and about £10 to £20 a year for a .com, based on typical UK registrar prices. Many registrars offer cheap first years and charge more on renewal. Extras such as privacy or email may be sold alongside.
Why do renewal prices catch people out?
Renewal prices catch people out because the low first-year price is a promotion, and renewal is charged automatically at full price. Some registrars also bundle extras that renew too. Check the renewal price before buying and diarise the date.
- First-year discounts ending.
- Bundled extras renewing automatically.
- Expired cards causing missed renewals.
- Domain name expired: how to stop your site disappearing
- Annual website renewals small businesses forget
Want your domain and renewals reviewed? Message us on WhatsApp and we will discuss your requirements.
Chat on WhatsApp →What does a premium domain cost?
A premium domain, one already registered by someone else or flagged as high value by a registry, can cost from a few hundred to many thousands of pounds. For most small businesses, a clear available name with a sensible extension is better value than a premium purchase.
Who should own the domain?
Your business should own the domain, with the registrant name matching your business and logins held by you. If a designer registers it for you, ask for it to be in your name. Use strong passwords and two-step login, as the NCSC advises for important accounts.
When is paying more for a domain worth it?
Paying more is worth it when a short, memorable name clearly matches your brand and you will use it for years, or to protect your brand from look-alikes. Buying several extensions to block competitors is rarely needed for small businesses.
What does this look like in practice?
At Global Bridge Labs (GBL), a UK accountancy practice's domain lapsed when the card on file expired, and the site and email went down for two days. Turning on auto-renew with a current card, a renewal reminder and a second contact cost nothing and prevented a repeat.
Domain checklist
- Register the domain in your business name.
- Check the renewal price before buying.
- Turn on auto-renew with a current card.
- Use two-step login on the registrar account.
- Add a second contact for renewals.
- Keep the login in a password manager.
Next step
Log in to your registrar today and check the renewal date, price and registrant name. Fix anything that is not yours.
Message us on WhatsApp for a domain health check, or book a 30-minute consultation.
Chat on WhatsApp →Sources and further reading
- SEO Starter Guide · Google Search Central
- Small Business Guide: cyber security · National Cyber Security Centre
- Company, Limited Liability Partnership and Business Names (Trading Disclosures) Regulations 2015 · legislation.gov.uk
Frequently asked questions
How much does a .co.uk domain cost?
A .co.uk domain typically costs about £5 to £15 a year from UK registrars. First-year offers can be cheaper, with renewals at the full price. Check the renewal cost before buying, and register the domain in your business name so you keep control of it.
Do I have to pay for a domain every year?
Yes. Domains are registered for set periods, usually one year at a time, though many registrars let you pay for several years ahead. If a domain is not renewed, it expires and your site and email stop working. Auto-renew and reminders help avoid that.
Why is a domain name so expensive?
Most domains are inexpensive, about £5 to £20 a year. High prices usually mean a premium domain already owned by someone else or flagged as valuable by the registry. Bundled extras such as privacy or email can also raise the price. Check exactly what you are paying for.
Written by
Global Bridge Labs (GBL) is a UK–Sri Lanka partner for social media, websites and BPO. Everything here comes from client delivery, not theory.
