Understanding Current IPv4 Pricing
The cost of IPv4 addresses has risen sharply over the last decade due to global exhaustion, increasing demand, and limited supply across all Regional Internet Registries (RIRs). Businesses, data centers, hosting companies, and VPN providers now rely heavily on the secondary market, where prices continue to fluctuate. Understanding why IPv4 is expensive helps buyers make smart long-term decisions in 2025 and beyond.
Why IPv4 Prices Keep Increasing
IPv4 pricing is primarily driven by scarcity. Since the global pool was depleted years ago, new IPv4 allocations are almost nonexistent. Here are the major factors influencing cost:
1. Limited Worldwide Availability
ARIN, RIPE, APNIC, and other registries have run out of free pools, forcing companies to purchase or lease addresses from existing holders. With fewer clean, transferable blocks available, prices continue to rise.
2. High Demand from Growth Industries
Industries such as cloud hosting, cybersecurity, VPN services, gaming networks, IoT, and enterprise networking depend on IPv4. Their rapid expansion fuels demand, keeping prices elevated.
3. Transfer Policy Restrictions
Each RIR has its own rules for how IPv4 can be transferred. Complex documentation requirements, ownership verification, and region-to-region restrictions all affect market pricing.
4. Clean Reputation Increases Value
Buyers pay more for IPv4 ranges that:
- Have no blacklist history
- Are not associated with abuse
- Have stable WHOIS data
- Are immediately transferable
Clean /24 blocks (256 IPs) often cost significantly more than ranges requiring remediation.
Average IPv4 Price Ranges in 2025
While pricing changes month to month, market averages typically fall into the following ranges:
- Single IPv4 Address: Sometimes unavailable individually, but commonly $40–$65
- /30 or /29 Small Blocks: $250–$700+
- /24 (most demanded block): $25–$35 per IP
- /23 – /21 Larger Subnets: Priced lower per IP due to scale
- Premium clean blocks: Higher pricing due to zero-abuse history
Prices vary depending on region, block reputation, transfer fees, and urgency of need.
Should You Buy or Lease IPv4 in 2025?
Both options have advantages:
Buying IPv4
- Permanent ownership
- Better long-term stability
- No recurring fees
Leasing IPv4
- Lower upfront cost
- Ideal for short-term projects
- Faster onboarding
- No commitment to long-term assets
For companies scaling rapidly, such as hosting providers, CDNs, or VPN businesses, leasing may offer flexibility. For long-term infrastructure, buying remains the best option.
How IPv4Hub.net Helps You Buy or Lease IPv4
IPv4Hub.net provides a reliable way for businesses to buy, sell, or lease IPv4 ranges securely. The company works with verified sellers and buyers across ARIN, RIPE, APNIC, and LACNIC regions. They manage every part of the process, including ownership checks, blacklist analysis, documentation support, and transfer management. Buyers can trust that their IP blocks are clean, legitimate, and ready for fast transfer. IPv4Hub.net’s transparent pricing and expert guidance make it an ideal partner for businesses planning long-term IPv4 investments.
What Affects the Price of Clean IPv4 Blocks
When evaluating cost, buyers should consider:
1. RIR Region
Blocks registered under ARIN often carry higher demand, while RIPE and APNIC blocks may have additional transfer conditions that influence pricing.
2. Transfer Fees
Registry and escrow fees affect the total transaction cost.
3. Block Size
Larger blocks generally offer better per-IP pricing, while /24 blocks remain the most expensive due to high corporate demand.
4. IP Reputation
A clean history significantly increases the price. Remediation-required blocks are cheaper but riskier.
Future Price Predictions: Will IPv4 Become Even More Expensive?
Experts predict that IPv4 prices will continue rising because:
- IPv6 adoption is still slow globally.
- Demand for VPN and hosting continues to grow.
- Companies need more unique IPs for security and routing.
- Supply will never increase.
Some estimates suggest a 10–20% price increase annually over the next few years, especially for clean, fully transferable blocks.
IPv4 address costs are driven by scarcity, high demand, and complex transfer policies. Whether you plan to buy or lease, understanding what affects pricing helps you make smarter decisions. As IPv4 continues to appreciate, businesses should secure the blocks they need before costs rise further. Working with a trusted broker like IPv4Hub.net ensures you get clean, properly verified addresses with secure transfer and transparent pricing. Explore verified IPv4 listings and pricing here.