IPv4 addresses are scarce and valuable. Since their depletion in 2011, their prices have surged, creating a thriving market. IPv4 brokers simplify buying, selling, or leasing these addresses, helping businesses manage resources, reduce risks, and generate revenue.
Key Takeaways:
- Current Prices: $45–$50 per address; premium blocks up to $60.
- Leasing vs. Buying: Leasing costs about $0.50 per address monthly, offering flexibility.
- Broker Services:
- Transaction facilitation
- Risk management (ownership verification, blacklist checks)
- Strategic consulting (market insights, timing advice)
- Examples: MIT and USC sold IPv4 blocks to Amazon, unlocking significant value.
Quick Comparison: Leasing vs. Selling IPv4 Addresses
| Aspect | Selling | Leasing |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue Type | One-time lump sum | Monthly recurring income |
| Asset Control | Full transfer of rights | Retain ownership |
| Process Complexity | More complex | Easier to implement |
| Future Flexibility | No future access | Option to reclaim |
| Market Value | $45–$50 per IP average | ~$0.50 per IP monthly |
IPv4 brokers also assist with audits, IPv6 migration, and optimizing underutilized resources. By working with brokers, businesses can navigate the complexities of this market while maintaining focus on growth.
Panel: Buying and Selling IPv4 Addresses
What is IPv4 Brokerage?
IPv4 brokerage involves helping businesses buy, sell, or lease IPv4 addresses. These brokers simplify the process, ensure transactions comply with regulations, and minimize risks, so companies can stay focused on their main activities.
Current Market Value of IPv4 Addresses
The growing scarcity of IPv4 addresses has pushed their prices up significantly. As of May 1, 2025, the cost of a single IPv4 address can reach as high as $58. Most deals fall in the $45 to $50 range per address, while premium blocks can fetch up to $60. This pricing highlights the ongoing demand for IPv4 addresses in business operations. For many, leasing has emerged as a flexible and appealing alternative to outright purchases.
Main IPv4 Broker Services
IPv4 brokers play a critical role in ensuring smooth and secure transactions for both buyers and sellers. As IPv4.Global Staff puts it:
"A broker acts as the essential lubricant for the frictional market, greatly streamlining the previously-cumbersome process of pairing buyers and sellers together."
Brokers handle essential tasks like verifying the ownership of IPv4 addresses and ensuring buyers meet the necessary criteria through Regional Internet Registry (RIR) documentation. They also conduct due diligence by checking IPv4 blocks against blocklists to confirm the addresses are clean and ready for use.
Here are the core services IPv4 brokers provide:
- Transfer Facilitation
Brokers manage the technical and legal complexities of transactions, working closely with RIRs to ensure everything proceeds smoothly. - Risk Management
By verifying the legitimacy of addresses and ensuring compliance with regulations, brokers help prevent fraud and reduce risks. - Strategic Consulting
Brokers offer valuable market insights, helping businesses decide the best timing for transactions and maximize the value of their IPv4 assets.
A great example of this approach is V4 Capital Partner, which delivers specialized IPv4 brokerage services. They offer customized procurement and leasing solutions, enabling businesses to make the most of their IPv4 resources while supporting a reliable internet infrastructure.
Next, discover how to get the most out of your IPv4 assets.
Getting More from IPv4 Assets
Making the most of IPv4 resources requires regular audits and strategic optimization. With IPv4 addresses becoming harder to come by, organizations need to assess and refine their IPv4 holdings to ensure they’re being used effectively.
How to Audit IPv4 Resources
To carry out a thorough IPv4 audit, follow these steps:
- Network Scanning
Use network scanning tools to identify active IP addresses and cross-check them with DHCP logs. This helps uncover inconsistencies and ensures accuracy in your records. - Documentation Review
Update your asset records based on the findings from the network scan. Keeping documentation current is key to effective tracking. - Utilization Analysis
Monitor how IPv4 addresses are being used to identify:- Unused or inactive addresses
- Underutilized address blocks
- Temporary allocations that haven’t been reclaimed
- Duplicate assignments
An IP Address Management (IPAM) tool can make this process smoother and help reduce errors.
Once the audit reveals underutilized IPv4 addresses, the next step is deciding how to monetize them effectively.
Lease or Sell: Comparing Options
Organizations with unused IPv4 addresses often debate between leasing and selling. Each option comes with its own set of benefits, depending on the organization’s goals.
| Aspect | Selling | Leasing |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue Type | One-time lump sum | Monthly recurring income |
| Asset Control | Full transfer of rights | Retain ownership |
| Process Complexity | More complex transfer process | Easier to implement |
| Future Flexibility | No future access | Option to reclaim |
| Current Market Value | $45–$50 per IP average | Around $0.50 per IP monthly |
"Although selling IPv4 is an option for IP holders, there are many advantages to IP leasing that should be considered by anyone interested in selling their assets".
When deciding between leasing and selling, consider these factors:
- Market Trends: IPv4 prices surged by nearly 250% between 2020 and 2021.
- Financial Needs: Do you prefer an immediate lump sum or a steady income stream?
- Future Plans: Will you need additional address space later?
- Administrative Capacity: Can your team handle the management of leased IPs?
Organizations like V4 Capital Partner specialize in helping businesses evaluate their IPv4 options. They take into account factors like block size, market conditions, and business priorities to recommend the best course of action.
Additionally, working with brokers can simplify compliance and ease the transaction process. With 36 million IPv4 addresses traded in 2021 alone, managing these assets efficiently is crucial for staying competitive and prepared in today’s digital landscape.
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Long-term IPv4 Investment Methods
The IPv4 market has evolved into a space where strategic planning is essential for achieving lasting returns. Recent findings reveal that 21% of Local Internet Registries (LIRs) possess underutilized IPv4 blocks, signaling untapped potential. By focusing on asset optimization, the strategies below outline a framework for sustained investment growth.
Building a Mixed IPv4 Portfolio
Diversifying your IPv4 holdings across regions and industries can help balance risk while maximizing returns. For instance, over 8.4 million addresses were traded within Regional Internet Registries (RIRs) during the first quarter of 2025, reflecting the market’s strong activity.
Here are some effective portfolio-building tactics:
Regional Diversification
- Spread investments across multiple RIR regions to mitigate policy-related risks.
- Target markets with low IPv6 adoption rates, particularly in developing regions.
- Retain smaller allocations (e.g., /29 blocks) while monetizing larger ones for flexibility.
Block Size Management
Data shows that 25% of IPv4 transactions involve splitting original allocations, revealing opportunities in both large and small block trades. Interestingly, over half of the most actively traded addresses were initially allocated between 2003 and 2010.
"The path forward requires nuanced strategy. A joint venture between InterLIR and a Nordic investment firm recently launched an IPv4 liquidity pool, combining blockchain-based tracking with RIPE NCC compliance APIs. Early results show 22% faster transfer clearance times versus traditional methods."
- Alexander Timokhin, CEO of InterLIR
While diversification strengthens your portfolio, it’s equally important to address transaction risks head-on.
Reducing IPv4 Transaction Risks
Reducing transaction risks is critical for maintaining the value of your IPv4 investments. For example, implementing full Route Origin Authorization (ROA) coverage has been shown to decrease route hijacking incidents by 73%. Firms like V4 Capital Partner emphasize thorough verification processes to ensure secure transfers.
| Risk Mitigation Strategy | Implementation Approach |
|---|---|
| Ownership Verification | Conduct detailed RIR database checks and review documentation. |
| Reputation Management | Monitor blacklists regularly and address abuse issues promptly. |
| Financial Security | Use escrow services for high-value transactions. |
| Compliance Monitoring | Stay updated on RIR policy changes in real time. |
Due Diligence Protocol
- Validate ownership and usage history through RIR records.
- Check for blacklist entries to ensure clean blocks.
- Confirm all necessary documentation is in place.
Monitoring Systems
Organizations should adopt advanced monitoring tools to track both technical and market conditions. With IPv4 prices ranging from $30 to $60 per address, safeguarding these investments through robust risk management is essential.
Maintaining clean IPv4 blocks free from blacklist issues significantly enhances market value. Regular audits and proactive reputation management are now indispensable for a successful long-term IPv4 investment strategy.
Planning for IPv6 Migration
IPv6 migration has become an essential step in network evolution, with over one-third of Internet users relying on IPv6-only services as of October 2024. As businesses refine their IPv4 strategies, preparing for IPv6 ensures networks remain scalable and ready for future demands. A well-planned transition to IPv6 complements strong IPv4 practices and lays the groundwork for a resilient network infrastructure.
Running IPv4 and IPv6 Together
A dual-stack approach allows organizations to run IPv4 and IPv6 simultaneously, ensuring smooth operations during the migration period. Here’s a framework to guide the process:
| Migration Phase | Key Actions | Expected Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Setup | Configure devices for dual-stack operation | Maintain IPv4 services while enabling IPv6 connectivity |
| External Services | Update DNS servers to support AAAA records | Provide IPv6 access for public-facing services |
| Internal Network | Deploy IPv6 addressing via SLAAC/DHCPv6 | Simplify internal network management |
Tips for Optimizing Dual-Stack Performance
- Use prefix lengths in multiples of 4 (minimum /64 for LAN segments).
- Enable auto-configuration for link-local addresses.
- Ensure ICMPv6 is active to support essential network functions.
- Design your subnetting strategy around geographic distribution.
These steps help stabilize the transition process and prepare networks for expert input from brokers during the IPv6 migration.
Working with Brokers on IPv6 Transition
Beyond managing IPv4 portfolios, brokers now play a key role in facilitating IPv6 adoption. They can perform readiness assessments, identify underused IPv4 assets, and design cost-effective migration plans while ensuring compliance with regulations. Transition technologies, which bridge communication between IPv4 and IPv6 networks, allow businesses to maintain seamless operations during the upgrade.
Conclusion: IPv4 Brokerage for Business Success
IPv4 brokers have become a cornerstone for businesses aiming to thrive in today’s digital landscape. Since 2014, the global market has facilitated transfers of over 55 million IPv4 addresses, reflecting the growing demand and the steady rise in IPv4 pricing over recent years.
Working with brokers to manage IPv4 assets offers several key advantages:
| Growth Factor | Business Impact | Strategic Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Mitigation | Access to verified, legitimate addresses with RIR compliance | Safeguards investments and ensures operational stability |
| Resource Optimization | Flexible purchase and leasing options | Better cost control and scalability |
| Market Intelligence | Real-time pricing insights and transfer expertise | Optimizes asset value and timing |
With only 25% of the top 1,000 websites accessible via IPv6, the ongoing dual-stack transition presents both challenges and opportunities. Maintaining robust IPv4 resources is critical while businesses prepare for future infrastructure shifts.
Beyond these operational benefits, professional brokerage services simplify the complexities of regulatory compliance and transaction management. Their rigorous verification processes ensure businesses can confidently optimize their IP infrastructure for both immediate demands and long-term growth.
As the industry progresses, with nearly 21% of Google traffic now using IPv6, the role of qualified IPv4 brokers remains indispensable. They help businesses navigate this evolving landscape, ensuring continuity and maximizing the value of digital assets.
FAQs
How do IPv4 brokers ensure secure and legitimate transactions?
IPv4 brokers play a key role in ensuring transactions are safe and above board by conducting thorough due diligence. This process involves confirming the legitimacy of sellers, checking that the IP addresses aren’t blacklisted or actively in use, and ensuring all transactions comply with applicable regulations.
To add an extra layer of security, brokers often rely on secure transaction methods. Many also incorporate escrow services, which hold funds until the transfer is fully completed. These measures give businesses the confidence to manage their IPv4 assets while keeping risks to a minimum.
What are the benefits of leasing IPv4 addresses instead of purchasing them for businesses?
Leasing IPv4 addresses comes with several notable benefits for businesses compared to buying them outright. First, it requires a much smaller upfront cost. This is especially helpful for startups or companies aiming to keep their budgets in check. Instead of sinking significant capital into purchasing IP addresses, businesses can redirect those funds toward other pressing priorities.
Second, leasing provides much-needed flexibility. As business needs change, companies can easily scale their IP usage up or down without the long-term financial commitment that comes with ownership. This kind of adaptability is crucial in today’s fast-paced digital world, where the demand for IP addresses can shift quickly.
Lastly, leasing often means faster access to IPv4 addresses. Unlike the lengthy process of purchasing and registering IPs, leasing can get businesses up and running much quicker. For companies that need immediate solutions, this speed is a game-changer, allowing them to stay nimble and focus on growth rather than navigating complex acquisition processes.
How can businesses smoothly transition to IPv6 while managing their IPv4 resources?
To manage existing IPv4 resources while transitioning smoothly to IPv6, businesses should consider implementing a dual-stack approach. This allows both protocols to operate simultaneously, reducing the risk of service interruptions and enabling a more gradual migration.
Begin by assessing your current IPv4 setup to pinpoint devices and applications that depend on it. Check if they’re IPv6-compatible, and if not, plan for upgrades where needed. Create a comprehensive migration strategy that includes staff training, updated documentation, and a clear timeline for each phase of the transition. Regular testing and monitoring throughout the process are key to identifying and addressing potential issues early, ensuring IPv4 and IPv6 networks can coexist without complications.
For companies aiming to make the most of their IPv4 assets during this shift, working with specialists like V4 Capital Partner can provide expert guidance on managing and monetizing these resources effectively.