Buying guide · 5 min read · Updated
Who owns my website? Questions to ask before you sign with a web designer
Website ownership has several parts: the domain name, the design, the written content, the code, and the hosting account. They can belong to different people. Before signing, check in writing which of these you'll own, from when, and what you can take with you if you leave.
The parts of a website you might (or might not) own
The domain name. Ideally registered in your business's name, with you able to log in to the registrar account.
The design and the copy. The look and the words created for your business.
The code. The files that make the site work. Many designers reuse their own components and tools underneath; it's normal for those to stay theirs.
The hosting account. Where the site lives. Often run by the designer as part of a monthly fee.
When does ownership pass to you?
Many contracts transfer ownership of the finished work once it's been paid for. That's reasonable — but it's worth knowing exactly when, and what “paid for” includes if there's an ongoing monthly fee.
What to ask for in writing
Which parts will I own, and from when? Is the domain registered to my business? If I end the arrangement, what do I receive — an export of the site and content, access to the domain — and how long does it take? Are there any exit fees?
How it works with us
Once all fees due are paid, you own the final designs, copy and code created specifically for your business. We keep our underlying methods, templates and pre-existing components. The monthly service is rolling with 30 days' written notice, and if the engagement ends you can request an export of your site and content. The full wording is in our terms.
Published 27 September 2026 by Quality Website. General guidance, not legal or financial advice.