Can anyone give me a low down on how this works? If i was to buy a site, domain db and all files but re host them, would this impact the existing links/pr/traffic? Also how would I ensure ownership of domain had changed hands? Apologies if this is in the wrong section or if this has been ocvered before, if it has please just point me to the relevant thread. Your help is greatly appreciated.
So you mean you basically buying a whole website and re-uploading the files to your own host? If so. There would be no changes in any of your stats etc. As long as the site isn't down for months.
I agree with BlueEew. When you buy a domain the seller has to change the account owner information. This is done easily with those who have domains on GoDaddy. I found a youtube video that helped me understand how to go about the process (click here)
If you purchased the whole website (domain + website content) then there will not be any change in PR/links and traffic. If you change the content of your website then PR and traffic may vary as per search engines' criteria. Adding the more content may result into more traffic also.
What I have seen a lot before. Some people have large networks of high ranked websites. I have seen them make new websites, add links from there other websites to make the new website have good pagerank etc. Then when they sell the website, they remove the links. Watch out for this. However anything legit. Would be fine.
Thanks for the warning, my major concern was over changing the hosting but this looks like its all part and parcel of the deals.