How to buy a domain name that is already registered

By George Morina · Guide · 22 October 2026

If the name you want is taken, it is often still possible to buy it. Here is a calm, step-by-step approach.

1. Look at what is there

Visit the domain. A "for sale" page or marketplace banner means the owner is open to offers and usually gives you a way to contact them. If there is an active business on it, the owner is less likely to sell, and the price will reflect that.

2. Find out who manages it

For .com and most other extensions, use ICANN's lookup tool. For .uk names, use Nominet's lookup. Because of privacy rules, the owner's details are often hidden, but you can still see the registrar, and many registrars offer a contact form or relay address.

3. Check for trade mark problems

Before offering, search the UK IPO trade mark register. Buying a name that matches someone else's brand can lead to a dispute later. See our guide to domain disputes.

4. Make a clear offer

Keep the first message short: the name, your offer, and how you would like to pay (ideally through escrow). Be realistic. Comparable reported sales on sites such as NameBio give some context, but every name is different and many sales are never published.

5. Use escrow and transfer properly

Do not send money by bank transfer to someone you have never dealt with. Use an escrow service: the buyer pays the escrow company, the seller transfers the name, and the money is only released once the buyer confirms they have it. Our escrow guide explains each step.

6. Allow for transfer locks

For generic domains such as .com, ICANN's registrant FAQ explains that a registrar may refuse a transfer to another registrar within 60 days of registration or of a previous transfer, and that a change of registrant can trigger a 60-day lock (some registrars let you opt out). Often the simplest route is a "push" to your account at the same registrar, or a marketplace that handles the transfer. For .uk names, see our .uk transfer guide.