Think of purchasing a domain name like leasing a car. You register a domain name usually for a period of 2 years (it varies depending upon your domain name type and your ISP) and after that period you are given the opportunity the renew your domain.

If you decide you no longer need the domain name and you let it expire it will still be made available for renewal for a certain period. After this time your domain name can go into what is called a “redemption” period. During this time the domain can still be made live but you would need to contact support. The cost of getting a domain out of redemption is can be as high as £200 . Redemption periods vary in length, however, if a domain is still not renewed in this time it will then become available to register again.

If you let your domain name expire, it will become available for anyone else to purchase.