If you’ve ever wished you bought Google.com before Google did, congratulations—you have the instincts of a domain flipper. The bad news? That ship sailed a long time ago. The good news? There’s still money to be made in domain flipping—you just need to know where to look.

But before you start dreaming of selling AIToothbrushes.com for millions, let’s break down whether domain flipping is still profitable in 2025 and how you can actually make it work.

What is Domain Flipping? (And Why Are People Still Doing It?)

Domain flipping is the art (or science, depending on how lucky you get) of buying domain names at a low price and selling them at a higher one. Think of it as digital real estate—except instead of flipping houses, you’re flipping website addresses.

In the early days of the internet, people were picking up premium domains for pocket change and selling them for fortunes. Case in point: Cars.com was valued at a casual $872 million. Yep, that’s not a typo. But is it still possible to make big money in 2025, or is this just another online get-rich-quick myth?

Can You Still Make Money Flipping Domains in 2025?

The short answer: Yes—but it’s not as easy as it used to be.

Back in the Wild West days of the internet, you could scoop up valuable domains for a few bucks. Now, most of the obvious goldmines (BestPizza.com, CheapFlights.com, etc.) are long gone. But that doesn’t mean all hope is lost.

A great domain name can make or break a brand. If you own something that matches a company’s name or industry, they might just be willing to fork over serious cash for it.

Every year, new industries and trends emerge. Ten years ago, nobody cared about NFTs.com—then someone bought it for $15 million in 2022. Keeping an eye on trends like AI, blockchain, or the Metaverse can help you grab valuable domains before they blow up.

Sure, .com domains are still king, but extensions like .ai, .io, and .tech are gaining popularity. Tech startups, in particular, are willing to pay top dollar for a sleek, short domain with one of these endings.

Many valuable domains expire because their owners forget to renew them. If you know where to look, you can snag these gems before anyone else.

Short, catchy, brandable domain names are in high demand. No one wants to type Best-Plumbing-Services-Online-Discount.biz into their browser.

How to Get Started with Domain Flipping (Without Wasting Money on Junk Domains)

If you’re serious about making money flipping domains, you need a strategy.

Not every domain is worth flipping. In fact, most aren’t. The best domains tend to be short and memorable, brandable, keyword-rich, or industry-specific.

Use tools like GoDaddy Domain Appraisal, Namebio for past domain sales, and ExpiredDomains.net to find hidden opportunities.

You can purchase domains from registrars like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Dynadot, domain auctions like Sedo and Flippa, or expired domain marketplaces like DropCatch and SnapNames. Avoid buying random domains just because they’re cheap. Buying BestFidgetSpinners2023.com in 2025? Bad idea.

Once you have a domain, you can either list it for sale immediately if you think it has instant value, hold onto it if you believe demand will increase, or develop it with a basic website or landing page to boost its value.

To sell your domain for maximum profit, list it on marketplaces like Sedo, Flippa, Afternic, or Dan.com. You can also reach out to potential buyers directly, such as businesses or investors who might want your domain.

Pricing it smartly is key. You can set a fixed price, auction it off, or let buyers submit offers. Just don’t price yourself out of the market—asking for $100,000 for BestDogToysOnline.com isn’t going to end well.

What Do Domains Normally Cost, and How Long Until They Gain Value?

If you’re thinking of diving into domain flipping, you’re probably wondering how much you’ll need to spend and how long you’ll have to wait before seeing a profit. The cost of a domain varies widely depending on factors like length, keyword relevance, and extension. A standard unregistered .com domain can cost anywhere from $10 to $20 per year, while premium domains (short, keyword-rich, or brandable names) can go for hundreds or even thousands of dollars upfront. If you’re buying expired or auctioned domains, prices can range from $50 to well over $10,000 depending on demand.

As for how long you’ll need to wait for your domain to gain value, that depends on market trends and buyer interest. Some domains sell within weeks if they’re in high demand, while others can sit for months or even years before the right buyer comes along. If you’re betting on emerging industries, you might need to hold onto a domain for several years before it becomes valuable. This is why successful domain flippers often build a portfolio—some domains will sell quickly, while others take time to appreciate.

Biggest Challenges in Domain Flipping (And How to Avoid Them)

The easy-money days are over, so finding valuable domains takes effort. Unlike stocks, domains don’t always sell quickly, so be prepared to wait. Buying domains that include trademarked names (TeslaCars.com, for example) can land you in legal trouble. Some trendy domains lose value over time—what’s hot today (MetaverseLand.io) might be worthless in five years.

Success Stories: Is Anyone Still Making Big Money?

Yes! Some people are still making serious cash flipping domains. Recent big sales include Voice.com for $30 million, NFTs.com for $15 million, and AI.com, which redirects to OpenAI’s ChatGPT, proving AI domains are in demand. Even in 2025, smart investors are making big money by focusing on emerging industries and high-value keywords.

Final Verdict: Should You Try Domain Flipping in 2025?

Domain flipping isn’t a guaranteed goldmine, but it’s far from dead. While the days of snagging ultra-premium domains for pennies are over, there are still plenty of opportunities for those who do their research, stay ahead of trends, and make smart investments.

If you’re willing to put in the effort, domain flipping can be a profitable side hustle—or even a full-time business. The key is patience. Unlike stocks or crypto, domains don’t have an instant liquidity market. You might get lucky and sell a domain within a few weeks, but more often than not, it could take months or years before the right buyer comes along. The trick is to build a diverse portfolio, focusing on brandable, keyword-rich, and trending domains that businesses will actually want.

For beginners, the best approach is to start small. Don’t blow thousands of dollars on domains you think will be valuable—start with affordable options and test the waters. Use domain appraisal tools, study past sales, and keep an eye on emerging industries like AI, blockchain, and green tech.

At the end of the day, domain flipping is a mix of skill, timing, and a little bit of luck. Some people will strike it rich selling a single domain, while others will slowly build their profits over time. If you approach it with the right mindset—treating it as a long-term investment rather than a get-rich-quick scheme—you can absolutely make money flipping domains in 2025.

So, is domain flipping worth it? If you love digital real estate, have a keen eye for trends, and don’t mind waiting for the right deal, then yes—it can still be a profitable venture. But if you’re looking for quick and easy cash, you might be better off trying something else.

For more ideas on how to make money online, check out these ideas here.