Understanding IPv4 Leasing Prices
IPv4 address leasing prices have evolved significantly since IPv4 exhaustion was declared. Understanding the factors that influence pricing helps both IP holders set competitive rates and lessees make informed decisions.
Current Market Overview
As of 2024, IPv4 leasing prices typically range from $0.30 to $0.60 per IP per month, depending on various factors discussed below.
Factors Affecting IPv4 Lease Prices
1. Block Size
The size of the IP block significantly impacts per-IP pricing:
| Block Size | IP Count | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| /24 | 256 | $0.40 - $0.60/IP/month |
| /23 | 512 | $0.38 - $0.55/IP/month |
| /22 | 1,024 | $0.35 - $0.50/IP/month |
| /21 | 2,048 | $0.32 - $0.48/IP/month |
| /20 or larger | 4,096+ | $0.30 - $0.45/IP/month |
2. Regional Internet Registry (RIR)
IP addresses from different RIRs may have different market values:
- RIPE NCC (Europe): Generally highest demand and prices
- ARIN (North America): Strong demand, competitive pricing
- APNIC (Asia-Pacific): Growing demand, moderate prices
- LACNIC (Latin America): Lower demand, competitive prices
- AFRINIC (Africa): Emerging market, variable pricing
3. IP Reputation
Clean IP addresses command premium prices:
- Clean (90-100% score): Full market price or premium
- Good (70-89% score): Standard market price
- Warning (50-69% score): 10-20% discount typically
- Poor (below 50%): May be difficult to lease
4. Geolocation
IP geolocation affects pricing for specific use cases:
- IPs geolocated to major business hubs often command higher prices
- Specific country geolocation may be required for content delivery or compliance
- Geolocation changes can often be requested for an additional fee
5. Lease Duration
Longer commitments often result in better rates:
- Month-to-month: Full price
- 6 months: 5-10% discount
- 12 months: 10-15% discount
- 24+ months: 15-25% discount (negotiable)
Pricing Strategies for IP Holders
Tips for Setting Competitive Prices
- Research current market rates for similar blocks
- Consider offering volume discounts for larger leases
- Factor in your reputation score - clean IPs justify higher prices
- Consider the desirability of your RIR and geolocation
- Be responsive to offers - flexibility can lead to long-term relationships
Platform Fees
ip4.market charges a 5% platform fee on all transactions:
- The fee covers LOA generation, payment processing, and platform services
- No listing fees - you only pay when you earn
- No hidden costs or setup fees
- Bank transfer fees apply for payouts
Payment Methods
We support multiple payment options:
- Credit/Debit Cards: Instant processing
- Bank Transfer: For larger transactions
- PayPal: Available in supported regions
Cost Comparison: Leasing vs. Buying
When to Lease vs. Buy
Leasing is Better When:
- You need IPs for short/medium term projects
- Capital preservation is important
- You want flexibility to scale up/down
- You prefer operational expense vs. capital expense
Buying is Better When:
- You need IPs permanently (5+ years)
- You can afford upfront investment
- You want to build IP portfolio value
- You plan to lease excess capacity
Market Trends
Key trends affecting IPv4 leasing prices:
- Prices have stabilized after years of increases
- IPv6 adoption is growing but IPv4 demand remains strong
- Cloud providers and CDNs are major lessees
- Reputation-based pricing is becoming more important