An expired-domain appraisal should explain a price range, the evidence behind it and the limits of the research. Begin with the exact asset and purchase route, then assess naming fit, history, links and comparable sales.
Use the following six checks to develop a decision note. The output is a reasoned estimate, rather than a guaranteed selling price.
1. Define the asset and current position
Record the exact domain, extension, listing or registrar result and sale contents. Distinguish an acquired name from a candidate still in an expiry or auction process. Expiry itself does not establish availability.
A domain-only acquisition does not automatically include the former website, content rights or operating accounts. The former-website appraisal guide explains the distinction.
2. Test the wording and extension
Assess natural word order, spelling, pronunciation, email use and plausible applications. Length is useful context, but the shortest name is not always the clearest.
Review extension eligibility and renewal terms. Avoid applying a universal price premium based only on a suffix or age. The full name needs to suit its intended audience.
3. Inspect history and links
Review archived pages across several dates and important old URLs. Check significant backlink source pages for live, relevant references. Record missing evidence and changes in subject.
Use vendor metrics to prioritise inspection rather than certify value. A large backlink count can be concentrated in a few sites, while old traffic claims may no longer represent current activity.
4. Identify the limits of account evidence
Where the owner provides authorised access, Google’s Manual actions report can supply relevant property information. It cannot be inspected for an arbitrary unowned name.
Public search results and third-party spam scores are different evidence. They do not prove a precise penalty or guarantee its absence. Keep the appraisal’s confidence aligned with what you can establish.
5. Research naming rights in relevant places
The USPTO trademark search is a primary resource for US registrations. It does not clear a name for every jurisdiction or address every possible right.
WIPO’s UDRP guide explains trademark-related domain disputes. Investigate similar wording and intended use before assigning value to a name whose appeal may depend on another brand.
6. Build a comparable range and full cost limit
NameBio’s documentation describes recorded completed sales and filters. Compare extension, word structure, subject and buyer type where known. Separate website acquisitions and exceptional transactions from closer domain-only examples.
Record the source, date and weaknesses of each comparison. Public data can omit private transactions and gives no count of similar names that never sold.
For a hypothetical £250 acquisition limit with £30 required charges outside the price, the price allowance is £220 before other costs. A larger appraisal number alone does not increase that budget.
Save the estimate and next action
The report guide helps document assumptions, while the valuation workflow connects the range to a purchase decision.
Keep unresolved questions visible and revisit material changes before bidding. A good appraisal can support buying, further research or declining the candidate.