IPv4 Address Pricing Guide 2026: Market Trends and Buying Tips
The IPv4 address market has continued to evolve significantly in 2026. With IPv6 adoption still incomplete and legacy infrastructure demanding IPv4 compatibility, the scarcity-driven market shows no signs of reversal. Whether you’re a network administrator, ISP, or enterprise IT manager, understanding current pricing is essential before making a purchase or sale.
Current IPv4 Prices by Regional Registry (2026)
| Registry (RIR) | Region | Avg. Price per /24 (256 IPs) | Price per IP | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARIN | North America | $11,500 – $14,000 | $45 – $55 | ▲ Stable-high |
| RIPE NCC | Europe / Middle East | $10,000 – $13,500 | $39 – $53 | ▲ Rising |
| APNIC | Asia-Pacific | $9,500 – $12,500 | $37 – $49 | → Stable |
| LACNIC | Latin America | $7,000 – $10,000 | $27 – $39 | ▲ Growing |
| AFRINIC | Africa | $5,500 – $8,000 | $21 – $31 | ▲ Emerging |
Block Size Price Reference
| Block Size | IP Count | Typical Price Range (ARIN/RIPE) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| /29 | 8 IPs | $300 – $450 | Small businesses, home offices |
| /28 | 16 IPs | $600 – $900 | Small ISPs, startups |
| /27 | 32 IPs | $1,200 – $1,800 | Growing networks |
| /24 | 256 IPs | $10,000 – $14,000 | ISPs, hosting providers |
| /22 | 1,024 IPs | $40,000 – $58,000 | Larger ISPs, enterprises |
| /16 | 65,536 IPs | $2.5M – $3.5M | Large carriers, national ISPs |
Market Evolution: 2020–2026
The IPv4 market has seen dramatic changes over the past six years:
- 2020: Average ARIN /24 traded at ~$25/IP — the market was still finding its floor
- 2022: Post-pandemic digital expansion pushed prices to $35–$40/IP as remote work boomed
- 2023–2024: AI infrastructure buildout created unprecedented demand from cloud providers
- 2025: Prices stabilized at $42–$50/IP as more enterprises sold legacy blocks
- 2026: Market maturity with predictable pricing; LACNIC sees fastest growth due to regional digitization
Key Factors That Influence IPv4 Pricing
- Block size: Larger blocks often command a slight per-IP discount but higher total investment
- Reputation: Clean blocks (no spam/abuse history) trade at 5–15% premium
- Registry: ARIN blocks command highest prices due to North American market demand
- Contiguous space: Adjacent CIDR blocks are more valuable for routing efficiency
- Transfer speed: Expedited ARIN/RIPE approvals can be negotiated but add cost
Buying Tips for 2026
- Verify reputation before purchase: Use tools like Spamhaus, DNSBL, and ARIN WHOIS to audit the block history
- Use a reputable broker: Platforms like ip4.market provide escrow, clean history verification, and transfer support
- Plan your transfer timeline: RIPE transfers take 5–10 days; ARIN requires membership and can take 2–4 weeks
- Consider leasing for short-term needs: Monthly IPv4 leases run $0.50–$1.50/IP — cheaper than buying for projects under 2 years
- Bundle the transfer service: Many brokers include RIR transfer fees in their service; clarify this upfront
- Buy slightly larger than you need: Growth is cheaper now than re-entering the market in 12 months at higher prices
The IPv4 market in 2026 remains a seller’s market, but with the right knowledge and a trusted marketplace, buyers can secure quality IP space at fair prices. Whether you need a small /28 or a large /16, doing your due diligence on reputation and transfer logistics is the difference between a smooth acquisition and an expensive mistake.