1-character long time value growth

[mobilespecialists]

Hi,

I have flipped some 1-character domains like 1.NF this year. I was wondering how the prices changed while the last years. Currently its really hard to get a 1-character domain. It seems strong investors have bought out lots of them as assets for 10+ years so the market shrinks. This usually could lead to price growth.

Does anybody know a statistic where the prices are listed over the last years, or has own experience. How is the trend for the next 5-10 years for that kind of domains?

 

[mobilespecialists]

OK, so I will post some figures first to push the discussion.

2013, fast flips (within 3 months):
500 $ - 800 $
.NF, .GT

 

[Vincentas]

The shorter the domain the more value it gets, It's always useful to buy out 1-2 symbol domains.

 

[mobilespecialists]

I have got this very interesting link from a domainer from China:
http://sales.domain.af/length_1

 

[-EM-]

It doesn't mean that any one character domain will sell that much.
As far as I've seen 1 character domains sell from mid $xxx to low $1xxx

 

[mobilespecialists]

Some LL.COM sold for $.$$$.$$$ - it also does not mean that any will
Its just a nice list so I thought I'll post it here for other people looking for this stuff.

But having in mind that L.LL format domains - the shortest at all - are very limited, many consolidated in hands of few big investors, and there also now is a practical technological use for them, I assume the value would have to grow?

 

[Kate]

Just because these names are all taken, doesn't mean they sell well at all.

It's like the .us/.in/.biz buyout venerated by some domainers, which is idiotic but these names are still pretty much worthless in general. The scarcity alone doesn't boost prices, or increase the demand.

The premium pricing is some extensions doesn't help with sales either.

I think they can be valuable in mainstream ccTLDs, but in exotic extensions they will remain gadgets. I would use a 1-character domain in my ccTLD if allowed. But why would I advertise a .nf domain or some oddball extension nobody knows ?

And if these names always get flipped from a domainer to another, and never to end users, then it is a worrying trend. It means there is no market, and somebody will be left holding the bag.

 

[mobilespecialists]

There are real end users who want this kind oft domains to make some new technologies better. I sold several 1 chars to end users. I dont know why domainers always ignore this little detail but they seem to know better. But its true - such prices are not paid often.

 

[Kate]

1.nf is not resolving for me. Other recently sold domains we can see in action ?

 

[mobilespecialists]

The end users use them for shortening vor as their Website. Examples: g.co, t.co, 7.mk, 4.cn, 3.cr . Also if a domain has no website and Browser is not resolving it does not mean the domain is not in use. There are many more protocols than just HTTP, f.e. SSH, FTP, no websites but still internet services the net needs much. 1.nf is sold - the user can make what he wants with it.

 

[4pm]

never mind..

 

[Kate]

Thanks for the examples.
Indeed many seem to be redirects or URL shorteners. In China (and the rest of Asia perhaps) digits are popular for cultural reasons, or because of difficulties with using ASCII characters.

 

[Chris @ SwingNames]

I'd love to own some of the C.LL names - bear in mind although they're making a bunch more of them, few will ever be developed. Perhaps that's the way to zag when everyone else is zigging...?

Pass on the IDN's UNLESS they're in .com, .net, .org... and even then...

 

[mobilespecialists]

It has happen very hard to catch a 1-char now, even with professional tools. Best I have seen some few (1, 2, 10) get in pendingDelete state

 

[ChubbyDfat]

What do you value a single letter domain at?
My biggest problem with single letter domains is the "reserve"/"premium"/"renewal" price that comes with them.

If we could find a single letter domain with a small (3 or 4 letter) extension that has a normal renewal price, in your opinion, would that be worth more?

Just curious on your thoughts.

Cheers

 

[mobilespecialists]

I would generally rate the price higher since 2 years ago since its harder to get any now. Though on the opposite site the nTLD s have spread the space a little. For L.LL format - the shortest - the price should definitely go up since there is a limited amount and many are bought out and booked for the next 10, 20 years.

 

[mobilespecialists]

I would say more than 2 years ago.

 

[mobilespecialists]

8.CO sold for 115.000 $ at Heritage Auctions according to DNJournal.com . And its even not a letter but a number. 20.TV and 30.TV sold at 5000$ each, PZ.CA sold at 2200$ - also 2-letters make nice win.

 

[-EM-]

Indeed it is a number, but it is number 8 not just any number.
Not all ll domains sell. It happens in specific tlds only.

 

[mobilespecialists]