Most Expensive Domain Names Sold in 2022

As 2022 draws to a close, the domain name industry has produced remarkable statistics and trends, particularly regarding the most expensive domain names sold this year. This follows our previous exploration of the Most Expensive Domain Names Sold In 2021. Domain names have evolved into valuable digital assets, often fetching staggering sums that rival real estate prices.

The market witnessed unprecedented transactions, with some domains selling for millions of dollars, highlighting their significance as essential components of a brand's identity and online presence.

If you have been curious about buying a domain, how much a domain can sell for, and what makes certain names so valuable, you have come to the right article. As we explore the most expensive domain names sold in 2022, it becomes clear that understanding these trends is crucial for resellers looking to navigate this lucrative market effectively.

A top-level domain, which is known for short as TLD, is the highest level of domain extensions on the Internet. Some TLDs include extensions like .com, .net, .org, and more than 1500 other registered top-level domains.

Most of the really expensive TLDs usually are .com domain names because of the level of trust that the extension has.

It’s been around for decades, and people have come to use them more than other TLDs. In fact, there are well over 157 million registered .com domain names.

Domain names can sell for a few hundred dollars, a thousands of bucks, or in the millions. It depends on the actual name and what the buyer may want to use it for.

For example, if the buyer has deep pockets and is looking for a domain for their business, that may make them more money, they’ll shell out big bucks for a domain.

There are several ways to buy a domain:

1. Search and buy a new domain from a web host that sells domain registration services
2. Backorder or get on a waitlist for a domain that’s already taken
3. Buy an existing domain at a domain auction site
4. Use a domain broker
5. Buy the domain directly from a website owner

1. Search and buy a new domain from a web host that sells domain registration services.

Most web hosts, including Verpex, offer the ability for anyone to search and buy a new domain. This is due to the fact that web hosting and domains go hand-in-hand.

The search will tell you if the domain is available, and even offer other TLD options that you can choose from.

2. Backorder or get on a waitlist for a domain that’s already taken.

If you’ve been searching for a particular domain, and it’s already been snagged up by someone else, some domain registrars give you an option to backorder or get on a waitlist. In backordering, you’re waiting for the domain name to free up so you can buy it. This means that whoever has ownership over the domain name, would have to stop renewing.

Unfortunately, this method is more of a waiting game, because you’re gambling on whether or not the owner of the domain name will renew.

3. Buy an existing domain name at a domain auction site.

Some people like to use domain auction sites to try to sell their domain names. A domain auction site is a more centralized database that you can search to find and bid on domains. This type of way of selling a domain name is competitive, depending on how popular the domain name is.

4. Use a domain broker.

A domain broker is someone or an agency that will act on your behalf in order to help you buy the domain name(s) you desire. They communicate with the seller and negotiate the price. Often the broker will get a cut of the sale.

5. Buy the domain directly from a website owner.

Sometimes if you reach out to a website owner and ask if they are selling a site, you may be able to negotiate without paying fees to a broker. The only issue is that you may need to get a lawyer if you are dealing with buying a domain from someone you don’t know, and would like to draw up some type of contract with the sales terms.

Now that you know a little bit about domain names and how to buy them, here are some of the most expensive domain names sold in 2022.

1. NFTs.com - $15 million
2. Connect.com - $10 million
3. Gems.com - $1.5 million
4. Unlock.com - $1.23 million
5. Stable.com - $1.01 million

Connect.com

Connect.com was acquired in 2022 for $10 million dollars by HubSpot. HubSpot, which is known for providing tools for website owners and marketers, and currently has the domain forwarded to a section of their site that they use for social networking.

Gems.com

Gems.com sold for $1.5 million in 2022 to the Gem Shopping Network. This certainly helps that gem business with a short domain name, which will be much easier for their customers to remember.

Unlock.com

Unlock.com was sold in 2022 for $1.23 million by the same owner of BestWeb.com. The buyer was Unlock Technologies, Inc.

Stable.com

Stable.com was sold for $1.08 million in 2022 by an undisclosed buyer, and the domain, as of December 2022 currently had a parked domain page on Network Solutions.

As a note, Twitter did not make this list because the domain didn’t pass hands to a different company, even though Elon Musk bought the company for $44 billion dollars in October of 2022. It’s still owned by Twitter, Inc.

Resellers play an important role in the domain market, acting as intermediaries between domain registrars and end-users. They offer a range of services that not only facilitate domain acquisition but also enhance the overall customer experience. Here's a closer look at their key functions and contributions:

1. Market Accessibility: Resellers make domain names more accessible to a broader audience. They often package domain registration services with web hosting, email services, and website development, providing a one-stop-shop for customers looking to establish their online presence.

2. Expert Guidance: Many resellers are well-versed in domain trends and can provide valuable insights to customers. They assist clients in choosing domain names that align with their brand and market strategy, helping them make informed decisions in a competitive landscape.

3. Competitive Pricing: Resellers can make domain registration more affordable for small businesses and individuals by offering competitive pricing and promotions. With the flexibility to adjust their pricing strategies, they can effectively attract more customers. By leveraging Verpex reseller hosting, resellers are empowered to provide their clients with these advantageous pricing options.

4. After-Sales Support: Resellers provide ongoing support to customers, assisting with domain management, renewal processes, and troubleshooting issues. This level of service fosters customer loyalty and encourages repeat business.

5. Facilitating Bulk Registrations: For businesses and organizations that require multiple domains, resellers can facilitate bulk registrations, streamlining the process and often providing discounts. This is particularly beneficial for companies looking to secure a range of related domains for branding purposes.

Understanding these high-value domain sales can guide resellers in their own investment strategies. Here are some key takeaways:

• Market Trends: Keeping an eye on emerging trends, like the rise of NFTs and blockchain, can help resellers identify valuable domains that align with future market demands.

• Niche Markets: Focusing on niche markets (such as adult domains or finance) can yield significant returns. Resellers should consider these niches when building their portfolio.

• Domain Valuation: The prices fetched by these premium domains highlight the importance of branding and memorability in domain selection. Resellers should prioritize acquiring and offering domains that have potential for high demand.

In the reseller hosting landscape, understanding the value of premium domains not only aids in investment decisions but also enhances the overall service offerings to clients. By aligning domain acquisitions with market trends, resellers can create valuable packages that attract more customers and drive business growth.

(+ 1 hidden gem)

1. LasVegas.com - sold in 2005 for $90 million, but to be paid off in 2040
2. Voice.com - sold for $30 million in 2019
3. 360.com - sold for $17 million in 2015
4. Sex.com - sold for $13 million in 2010
5. Fund.com - sold for $12 million in 2008
6. Hotels.com - sold for $11 million in 2001
7. Tesla.com - sold for $11 million in 2014
8. Porno.com - sold for $8.8 million in 2015
9. Fb.com - sold for $8.5 million in 2010
10. HealthInsurance.com - sold for $8.13 million in 2019
11. We.com - sold for $8 million in 2015
12. Diamond.com - sold for $7.5 million in 2006
13. Beer.com - sold for $7 million in 2004
14. Z.com - sold for 6.8 million in 2014
15. iCloud.com - sold for $6 million in 2011
16. Casino.com - sold for $5.5 million in 2003
17. Slots.com - sold for $5.5 million in 2010
18. AsSeenOnTv.com - sold for $5.1 million in 2000
19. Toys.com - sold for $5.1 million in 2009
20. Korea.com - sold for $5 million in 2000
21. Clothes.com - sold for $4.9 million in 2008
22. Medicare.com - sold for $4.8 million in 2014
23. IG.com - sold for $4.6 million in 2013
24. Christmas.com - sold for $3.15 million in 2021
25. Angel.com - solid for $2 million in 2021

Most Unique domain name sale from late 2021

Paradigm.eth was sold in 2021 for 430 ETH or $2 million. This domain is the most unique sale in this list because it ends in the .eth top-level domain extension. The .eth TLD is short for the Ethereum blockchain.

Buying a domain can be a good investment if you actually want to do something with it, even if you want to create more content and later on flip the site to another buyer in the future. However, it’s important to research before buying.

If you have a domain or several that you would like to sell off for whatever reason, you can use a site like Free Valuator to check home much it is worth. This site will give you a ballpark range on what it is. It is determined by how popular the keywords are in your domain, as well as your site’s ranking, age of the domain from when it was originally registered, and a comparison to other site names that are similar.

If you’ve already added content to your site, that’s okay, because some people desire a site that may already have some useful content, and will be happy to pay a price.

The stories behind the most expensive domain names sold in 2022 highlight the significant value domains hold in today's marketplace. Insights from these transactions reveal a thriving market with increasing demand for premium domain names. As businesses and individuals recognize the importance of strong online identities, opportunities for domain resellers continue to expand.

For those interested in selling domain names, this knowledge can be invaluable. If you are ready to explore lucrative domain opportunities, start your search for available domains on Verpex, where robust reseller hosting solutions are also offered to support your online ventures.

What were the most surprising domain sales you encountered in 2022? Share your thoughts with us! And for those looking to embark on their reseller journey, visit Verpex Hosting’s reseller hosting page to learn more about how you can get started today.