The IP trading market is expected to experience notable shifts in 2025 as IPv4 demand remains high, regulations continue to evolve, and IPv6 adoption progresses. While IPv4 scarcity has driven up prices and intensified market competition, businesses must also navigate policy changes and increasing interest in leasing as an alternative to purchasing. Understanding these trends will be crucial for organizations that rely on IPv4 addresses to maintain network stability, expand operations, and stay compliant with regional regulations.
1. Rising IPv4 Demand Amid Persistent Shortages
The ongoing depletion of IPv4 addresses continues to shape the market, with strong demand expected to persist into 2025. Several factors are driving this trend:
- Legacy Systems: Many businesses and industries still rely heavily on IPv4 for their operations due to compatibility issues with IPv6. This is particularly true in regions where IPv6 adoption has been slower.
- IoT Growth: The rapid expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT) is a key driver of IPv4 demand. Organizations deploying IoT solutions often require additional IPv4 space to accommodate devices and ensure seamless connectivity.
- Secondary Market Activity: With IPv4 exhaustion in major RIRs like ARIN, RIPE NCC, and APNIC, the secondary market for buying, selling, and leasing IPv4 addresses has become increasingly competitive. As a result, prices for IPv4 blocks are likely to remain high, benefiting sellers while challenging buyers to secure resources efficiently.

2. Increased Focus on IPv6 Adoption
While IPv4 remains the dominant protocol, the industry is gradually shifting toward IPv6 to address long-term scalability challenges. In 2025, businesses can expect continued momentum in IPv6 adoption, influenced by:
- Government Policies: Some governments are encouraging or mandating IPv6 adoption for critical infrastructure and public-facing services.
- Dual-Stack Environments: Many organizations continue to implement dual-stack systems, running IPv4 and IPv6 side by side. This approach provides flexibility while maintaining compatibility with legacy systems.
- Regional Variations: IPv6 adoption rates vary by region. Countries with advanced internet infrastructure (such as the U.S., China, and parts of Europe) are expected to lead adoption efforts, while other regions may lag due to limited resources or slower infrastructure upgrades.
Although IPv6 adoption is growing, the transition remains gradual, and IPv4 addresses will continue to play a critical role in supporting global connectivity.
3. Evolving Regulations and RIR Policies
The regulatory landscape surrounding IP address trading continues to adapt to the realities of IPv4 scarcity. While specific changes for 2025 remain to be seen, ongoing trends in RIR policies provide insight into potential developments:
- Inter-RIR Transfers: Current policies vary by RIR, with ARIN requiring needs-based justification for transfers, while RIPE NCC does not. Discussions about standardizing inter-RIR transfer processes could make acquiring IPv4 blocks across regions more efficient.
- Transparency Initiatives: RIRs like ARIN and APNIC have implemented measures to ensure transparency and discourage speculative trading or address hoarding.
- Compliance and Regional Considerations: Regulatory frameworks like GDPR in Europe may indirectly impact IP trading practices, particularly when it comes to data localization and geolocation compliance.
Businesses engaged in IP trading should stay informed about policy updates and work with brokers familiar with navigating evolving requirements.
Regional Internet Registry Regions image from ARIN
4. Growth in Leasing as a Flexible Solution
As IPv4 prices rise, leasing has emerged as an attractive alternative for businesses needing short-term access to IP space. Leasing is expected to gain traction in 2025 for several reasons:
- Cost Efficiency: Leasing enables businesses to secure the IP addresses they need without the large upfront investment of a purchase.
- Short-Term Needs: For companies expanding into new markets or launching temporary projects, leasing provides the flexibility to scale resources without long-term commitments.
Organizations unsure whether to buy or lease IPv4 blocks can benefit from consulting with experienced brokers to determine the best approach for their specific needs.
Step 5: Regional Considerations
The geographic location of an IP address also impacts its price. Regional Internet Registries (RIRs) have different policies, fees, and availability of IPv4 space, which creates regional pricing differences:
- ARIN (North America): With a well-developed secondary market, ARIN-region addresses often command higher prices due to strong demand and limited availability.
- RIPE NCC (Europe): RIPE does not require justification for IP transfers, making it easier for buyers to acquire addresses. This accessibility can influence pricing trends within the region.
- APNIC (Asia-Pacific): In regions like Asia, where IPv4 demand is exceptionally high due to rapid technological growth, IP prices can be particularly competitive.
- Inter-RIR Transfers: Since IPv4 addresses can be transferred between regions, such as from APNIC to ARIN, this limits the amount of price disparity between regions. However, the desire for buyers to purchase addresses sourced in their home region to avoid geolocation issues can give a slight demand boost from one IP block to another.
Navigate the IPv4 Market with Confidence
The price of an IPv4 address is influenced by a complex combination of supply and demand, market trends, block size, and regional factors. For organizations not ready to make a large upfront investment, leasing IPv4 addresses has become a popular alternative. Leasing offers short-term access to IP space without the need for permanent ownership, providing a flexible solution for businesses with immediate but temporary needs.
For businesses navigating this competitive landscape, partnering with an experienced broker is essential to secure the best value. At IPTrading, we specialize in helping organizations buy, sell, and lease IPv4 addresses while navigating market fluctuations and RIR policies. With years of experience and a global network, we ensure your IP transactions are seamless, compliant, and cost-effective. Visit IPTrading.com to explore your options and get expert guidance on your IPv4 needs.
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