Every so often, you stumble across a website that’s clearly been left behind. You know, pages haven’t been updated in years, the SSL is broken, maybe the domain even looks close to expiring. And the question comes up: can you take over an abandoned website?

Well, the short answer is sometimes yes, but not always. Taking over an inactive site comes down to understanding what’s actually available, what you’re legally allowed to purchase, and whether it’s even worth the effort.

Here’s what you need to know.

What Really Counts as an Abandoned Website?

Not every site that looks inactive is truly abandoned. Even if it has all of the classic signs, including a lack of recent updates, broken security certificates, outdated contact pages, or domains close to expiration.

Here’s the catch: abandoned doesn’t mean ownerless. In reality, most of these sites are better described as “inactive” or “neglected.” A site is only truly abandoned if the owner lets the domain lapse or sells it outright.

That’s why, before you try to take over an abandoned website, you need to confirm whether it’s a lapsed domain, an inactive business, or just a neglected project that’s still under control.

Steps to Take Over an Abandoned Site

If you want to legitimately take over an abandoned website, here’s the general process to follow:

1. Check domain status. Use WHOIS, ICANN, or registrar lookup tools to see if the domain is still registered and when it expires. If it’s expired, check auction platforms like GoDaddy Auctions or NameJet. It’s also smart to check domain history with Wayback Machine or Ahrefs to see how it was used, and whether its backlink profile looks clean.
2. Verify ownership.  Make sure you’re dealing with the actual domain holder, not a broker claiming control.
3. Reach out to the owner. If contact details aren’t public, look through old site pages, LinkedIn, or other social channels. Keep outreach short and professional, as owners are more likely to respond if you come across as serious, not spammy.
4. Negotiate the purchase. Keep the offer straightforward. Many owners are happy to sell if they’re no longer using the site.
5. Use a secure transfer method. Rely on an escrow service or a registrar’s built-in escrow to protect both sides. This prevents scams and ensures the domain and assets are transferred only after payment clears.

Now, if the domain has already expired, the process is simpler: you can register it directly or bid for it through an auction platform.

Just remember, you’re only getting the domain, not the full site, unless explicitly included. And even if you win a domain, the site’s old design, articles, and branding remain protected intellectual property unless the owner transfers them to you.

Risks of Taking Over an Abandoned Website

Not every old site is a hidden gem. Some carry baggage that can make getting involved more headache than opportunity.

Here are some risks of taking over an abandoned website:

• SEO penalties. Sites used for spammy backlink schemes or link farms may already be flagged by search engines. And keep in mind: when a domain expires and is re-registered, Google doesn’t automatically preserve its old rankings. Much of its search value may already be gone.
• Toxic reputation. If the site was tied to scams, low-quality content, or banned niches, rebuilding credibility can be an uphill battle.
• Technical debt. Old codebases, outdated CMS versions, or hacked plugins can turn a “cheap” site into an expensive rebuild. Some old sites also run on end-of-life hosting environments (like outdated PHP or MySQL), which can make updates impossible without a rebuild.
• Legal entanglements. A dormant site may still carry trademarked branding or copyrighted content. Even if a trademark holder lets their domain expire, reviving the brand or operating under its name can still trigger infringement issues. Owning the domain doesn’t protect you from those claims.

The best way to minimize these risks is to run a full check on everything: SEO tools for backlinks, security scans for malware, and even trademark searches if you’re planning to keep the name.

Taking Over an Abandoned vs a Vetted Website

Yes, you can take over a website. But it depends on what’s actually up for sale and how much legwork you’re willing to do. 

Sometimes you can grab the domain directly, while other times, you’ll need to negotiate with an owner who still controls the site assets. And in many cases, you may just find the risks outweigh the upside.

If you’re serious about buying, focus on opportunities that have been vetted. At Motion Invest, we help buyers skip the uncertainty of guessing whether an old site is worth the risk. Instead, you’ll see websites with real traffic, revenue, and clear ownership so you can invest with confidence. Check out our available websites for sale today.