How to Buy IPv4 Addresses

Buying IPv4 addresses involves five key steps: (1) Determine block size requirements based on current and projected usage, (2) Select a reputable broker or marketplace with RIR transfer experience, (3) Conduct due diligence on the IP block — check blacklists, spam databases, routing history, and ownership chain, (4) Negotiate price and execute a transfer agreement with escrow protection, (5) Complete the RIR transfer process (typically 2–4 weeks for RIPE, 3–5 weeks for ARIN). Prices in 2026 range from $15–28 per IP depending on block size and region.

Block size directly impacts per-IP pricing: larger blocks (/16 and above) typically trade at $15–20 per IP, while smaller blocks (/24) command a premium of $22–28 per IP due to higher demand and limited availability. Regional pricing differences also apply — RIPE NCC blocks carry a 10–15% premium over ARIN blocks due to stronger demand in Europe and the Middle East.

The entire purchase process, from initial inquiry to BGP announcement, typically takes 3–6 weeks when working with an experienced broker. This includes 1–2 weeks for due diligence and contract negotiation, and 2–4 weeks for the RIR transfer itself. Buyers should plan their IP address procurement timeline accordingly, especially if addresses are needed for a specific project launch date.

Once you find a suitable block on the marketplace, you can reserve it for 10 days with a $500 deposit. The reservation guarantees that no one else can purchase the block while you prepare your documentation and organize the transfer prerequisites.

During the reservation period you provide your organization details, including your RIR membership or Org ID information. If you do not yet have an Org ID, our team can set one up through a Sponsoring LIR arrangement in parallel, so the reservation time is not wasted.

After the purchase contract is signed, payment is completed via credit card (Stripe) or SWIFT bank transfer into escrow. Funds are only released to the seller once the RIR confirms the transfer, which protects both sides of the transaction.

Businesses are buying IPv4 addresses in 2026 because IPv4 remains the foundation of internet connectivity, and free pool allocations from all five Regional Internet Registries have been exhausted. IANA distributed its last /8 blocks on February 3, 2011, and every RIR has since depleted its free pool — APNIC in April 2011, RIPE NCC in September 2012, LACNIC in June 2014, ARIN in September 2015, and AFRINIC in 2020.

Despite over a decade of IPv6 deployment, only approximately 45% of global traffic uses IPv6 as of 2026 (per Google IPv6 statistics). This means that any organization requiring new IPv4 addresses — for cloud infrastructure, hosting, VPN services, IoT deployments, or email servers — must acquire them through the secondary transfer market rather than requesting fresh allocations from a registry.

The demand drivers in 2026 include: cloud service expansion requiring dedicated IP space, compliance requirements mandating IP ownership rather than shared resources, email deliverability needs where IP reputation is critical, and strategic asset investment as IPv4 addresses appreciate at 15-20% annually.

The most common mistake when buying IPv4 addresses is skipping due diligence on IP reputation. A single Spamhaus SBL listing can reduce email inbox placement from 95% to below 10%, effectively rendering the addresses unusable for email-dependent businesses. Always verify against Spamhaus (ZEN, SBL, XBL, PBL), Barracuda, SORBS, SpamCop, and at least 300+ additional blacklist databases before committing to a purchase.

Second, buyers frequently underestimate transfer timelines. While brokers may quote "2-4 weeks," complex scenarios (inter-RIR transfers, legacy blocks with unclear holder documentation, or blocks requiring sub-allocation splitting) can extend to 6-8 weeks. Plan procurement timelines with buffer, especially if IPs are needed for a specific project launch.

Third, failing to verify the seller's authority causes delays or failed transfers. The RIR will reject transfer requests if the account holder doesn't match the transfer agreement signer, if the block has active sub-allocations that haven't been reclaimed, or if there are outstanding fees on the seller's RIR account. A qualified broker handles these verifications as standard practice.

Fourth, not planning post-transfer setup leads to delayed usability. After receiving IPv4 addresses, you need to: create RPKI ROA records (binding the prefix to your ASN), configure BGP announcements with upstream providers, update geofeed records for accurate geolocation, and gradually warm the IPs if using them for email (2-4 week warm-up period recommended).