How do you value a name number plate?
It can be very difficult to value a number plate. But, here are a few basic things to consider when you're thinking about how much your number plate may be worth:
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Does your number plate have a wide appeal? |
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Who would be interested in your number plate? |
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How many similar number plates are available? |
Name number plates are by far the most desirable of all number plates. This could be a first name (the most popular), or surname. It could even be a foreign name (for instance
Asian name number plates) or a character from a film.
Prices for good name number plates can be very high.
This is a quick guide to give you an idea of what affects the value of a name number plate. Use it to compare your number plate with other similar number plates for sale.
So what is a good name number plate?
The value of a name number plate depends on a number of things. We've listed the main ones below:
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how popular is the name? |
Common first names, such as Chris, Simon, Karen and Sarah are in high demand. In general, these will attract the highest prices. The best name numberplates can sell for £10,000's.
These are not to be confused with 3 letter abbreviations for names.
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how well does the numberplate match the name being created? |
The 'quality' of the match with the name is most important. The best numberplates are those which are immediately obvious, for example:
Remember: the less imagination you need, the more the number plate will be worth.
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how many numberplate variations are available for that name? |
As a rule of thumb, the value of a number plate also depends on how many variations of registrations are available to create that name. For instance, the Simon number plates can be achieved in a number of ways:
But a number plate for the name Karen, is a little more difficult:
As there are fewer options, the price increases significantly.
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any extra (left over) letters or digits on the number plate? |
Are there any extra letters, in addition to the name you are making? Depending on the letter, this reduces the number of potential buyers. For instance,
The 5M are extra, reducing its appeal, and therefore the price. Some letters, such as X and S, have a wide appeal (X denotes a kiss). For example:
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what's the number plate style? |
The
number plate style will also affect the price. In general,
dateless number plates attract the highest prices.
Current style number plates are most readily available, and more are released each year. So the value of current style number plates tends to be the lowest of the alternatives.
Below are some number plate variations for the name SARAH, starting with the highest value number plate:
| Dateless style number plate |
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| Suffix style number plate |
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| Prefix style number plate |
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| Prefix style number plate |
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| Current style number plate |
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A little less expensive, and a very good alternative, are numberplates of 3-letter shortened names. For instance ROB, SUE, KEV or VAL. These are more readily available, so prices are more affordable. A good dateless number plate, though, will still attract a high price.
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