Applications for the new .london domain name suffix will begin from April 29.
Described as ‘an opportunity to be at the cutting edge of change’, businesses and individuals in the capital will get first option on the new domain names shortly after Easter.
Managed by London & Partners, there will be a three month application period, during which time organisations or individuals holding trademark registrations will be given priority over contested names.
London & Partners, the city’s promotional body, has revealed tens of thousands of businesses, including several prestigious brands, have already expressed an interest in the names.
Pricing will be determined by the popularity and perceived importance of chosen names.
London is one of the first cities in the world to receive its own suffix.
Former Government digital adviser Martha Lane Fox said: “The new generic domain names are a big change to the web.
“Dot London offers businesses and organisations in the capital a chance to be at the cutting edge of that change and show the world how innovative they can be.”
A recent survey of 1,000 small businesses in London by YouGov revealed more than one quarter would register their companies using the new naming convention – suggesting 200,000 firms in total will take up the option of registration.
Meanwhile, in a further boost to the London economy, it has been revealed house prices have moved further ahead of the rest of the country – and now sit at more than 20 per cent above their pre-crisis peak.
House prices in the capital grew at an annual pace of 12.3 per cent in December to an average £450,000 according to the Office for National Statistics.
London is one of only three regions in the UK where prices are above their January 2008 high (20.3 per cent). The South East and East are up 1.9 per cent and 1.4 per cent above their pre-recession price.
