Domains: Expiration and Backordering .UK and .CO.UK domains

A .uk domain (or .co.uk domain) has a 30-day grace period after the expiration date, during which the original owner can renew the domain without any penalties. 30 days after expiry, domain names appear in a daily “drop list” file (registrars.nominet.uk/drop-lists/) stating the exact date and time they will be deleted if not renewed. After the grace period, the domain enters a 60-day redemption period, during which the original owner can still recover the domain, but with a redemption fee. If the domain is not renewed or redeemed within 90 days of the expiration date, enter a 5-day "Pending Delete" period during which the domain cannot be renewed. After the 5-day "Pending Delete" period, the domain will be deleted and made available for registration by anyone. Overall, a .uk or .co.uk domain will enter general availability for anyone to purchase again 95 days after expiration.

Information about 2022 updates to the .uk expiration procedure can be found here: https://theukdomain.uk/get-online/changes-to-our-domain-expiry-process/

A couple places where you can backorder .uk or .co.uk domains are dropcatcher.co.uk and dropped.uk. Backordering domain services will automatically monitor the domain and attempt to purchase it for you at the earliest moment, helping with your chances of purchasing the domain after it leaves the grace periods after expiration.