Hobart.com.au is up for grabs through Netfleet in one of the most high profile domain name auctions in the two years since trading in .AU domain names was allowed.
Since restrictions were lifted, the .AU domain name aftermarket has seen strong growth with nearly 10,000 domains changing hands every year. Recent sales at Netfleet include SexToys.com.au for $25,500 and WebsiteDesign.com.au for $22,000.
Netfleet expect Hobart.com.au to easily surpass these prices.
This is the first time a major city domain name has come up for sale since trading of .AU domain names has been allowed. The only other major Australian city domain names to have been auctioned recently have been Perth.com and Melbourne.com that sold for S$260K and A$900K respectively in 2007, although naturally .COM domain names attract a significant premium.
Any potential bidder should remember there are eligibility requirements for com.au domain names that, in short, require the registrant to have a âclose and substantial connectionâ to the domain, which can include monetisation, and be able to trade as an Australian business. See www.auda.org.au/policies/auda-2008-05 for more information.
For more information on the sale of Hobart.com.au see www.netfleet.com.au/index.php?a=d&id=46225