Short answer: Choose a managed website when you want one team to handle hosting, updates and routine changes. Buy the files outright when you want to control hosting and maintenance yourself. Compare the total cost and responsibilities, not just the monthly price.
At YourNewWebsites, we build a working site for you to review before you choose. Our published options are £150 per month for a managed website with a minimum 12-month term, or £1,500 plus VAT to own a five-page website and host it yourself. The exact scope belongs in your written agreement.
What does the managed option cover?
The managed option is for a business that wants a single point of contact after launch. It includes hosting, SSL, routine security and software updates, uptime monitoring, and ongoing content tweaks within the agreed scope. The first 12 months cost £1,800 at the published monthly rate. Ask what counts as a small change, how quickly requests are handled, and whether any third-party booking or email tools cost extra.
What changes when you buy the site outright?
The £1,500 plus VAT option includes the site files and a handover. You choose the host and manage the domain, backups, updates and future changes, or hire someone else to do that work. Hosting and optional support are separate costs. Confirm which content, images, fonts and integrations can be transferred before signing a proposal.
Questions to ask either provider
- Can I edit the site, and who owns the domain and content?
- Which pages, forms, booking tools and accessibility checks are included?
- What happens if I need a new service page or a redesign later?
- Will I receive the files, analytics access and a handover if we part ways?
A good proposal answers these questions plainly. See our work to inspect a live client site alongside clearly labelled concepts, or email us with your brief for a free build to review.
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