IPv4 Address Transfer Costs: A Buyer’s Guide

Understanding the Full Cost of an IPv4 Transfer

Let’s be honest. The per-IP price is just the appetizer. The real cost of an IPv4 transfer has a nasty habit of creeping up on you. Broker fees, RIR transfer fees, legal reviews, due diligence… it all adds up fast. If you’re budgeting for a /24 or a /16, you need to see the full picture — not just the sticker price. Here’s what actually hits your wallet.

Broker Fees and Marketplace Charges

Almost every transfer goes through a broker. They match buyers with sellers, handle the negotiation, and manage the paperwork. And they get paid for it. Usually a percentage of the sale price or a fixed fee per block.

Common Broker Fee Structures

What do brokers actually charge? It depends on the size of the deal and who you’re working with. Here’s a rough breakdown:

Regional Internet Registry (RIR) Transfer Fees

Now, the RIR fee. This is where geography dictates the damage. It’s totally different depending on where you’re buying.

ARIN (North America)

If you’re in North America, you’re dealing with ARIN. They charge a flat, non-refundable fee per transfer request — around $500. Want faster processing? There’s a premium option for that, too.

RIPE NCC (Europe, Middle East, Central Asia)

Europe is a different story. RIPE doesn’t charge a direct transfer fee. Here’s the catch: both the buyer and seller need an active membership. Those membership fees run €1,400 to €4,500 a year. If you’re not already a member, that’s a heavy hidden cost.

APNIC (Asia Pacific)

APNIC charges AUD $500 per transfer. Plus, you have to be a member. Annual fees start around AUD $1,200 for smaller outfits.

LACNIC and AFRINIC

LACNIC hits you for $300. AFRINIC is $500. Both require membership or sponsorship, which adds another layer of expense.

Legal, Due Diligence, and Transfer Delay Costs

Here’s where it gets sneaky. The costs nobody warns you about on the first phone call. They can add up fast if you’re not careful.

Legal and Contract Review Fees

You need a lawyer who knows IP transfers. A good one. Reviewing the purchase agreement and ensuring compliance with RIR policies can cost $1,000 to $5,000. Feels like a lot until a bad contract costs you more.

Due Diligence and IP Reputation Check

Look, I’ve seen people buy a block only to find out it’s blacklisted. Spam, abuse… it’s a nightmare for your network. Reputation scanning services are cheap insurance — typically $200 to $1,000 per block.

Transfer Delay Costs

A transfer takes 2 to 8 weeks. During that time, those IPs aren’t yours yet. If your network is starving for space, that delay costs real money. Expedited services exist, but they add another $200 to $500.

Strategic Budgeting for IPv4 Acquisition

Let’s make it real. Here’s a budget checklist for a typical /24 block in the ARIN region. It adds up faster than most people expect.

1. Purchase Price: Current market rate (e.g., $30-$40 per IP for a /24).
2. Broker Fee: 8% to 20% of purchase price (see table above).
3. RIR Transfer Fee: $0 to $500 based on RIR (see table above).
4. Membership Fees: Annual fee if not already a member ($1,000 to $4,500).
5. Legal Review: $1,000 to $5,000.
6. IP Reputation Check: $200 to $1,000.
7. Expedited Transfer (optional): $200 to $500.

• Purchase: $7,680
• Broker Fee (15%): $1,152
• ARIN Transfer Fee: $500
• Legal/Reputation: $1,500
• Total: $10,832 (plus ongoing membership fees).

Why IP4 Market Simplifies the Process

All this complexity is exactly why a marketplace like IP4 Market exists. The whole idea is to take the guesswork out of the equation. Verified sellers, transparent pricing, and a clean fee structure — so the total cost isn’t a mystery. They handle the RIR coordination, the due diligence, the legal back-and-forth. You just manage the transfer.

Whether it’s your first /24 or you’re expanding a portfolio, it’s worth having a conversation. Start with a free consultation at ip4.market.