FAQs

As with any freely traded commodity, IPv4 pricing is determined by the market forces of supply and demand. While the IPv4 market is not nearly as liquid as the stock market, there are enough buyers and sellers out there that pricing is fairly consistent across the major registries, usually with a variance of only 10-15 percent for blocks of similar size and other characteristics.

Almost all IPv4 transactions involve the use of an escrow agent that securely holds the funds from the Buyer while the transfer is underway. Escrow agents that are experienced with IPv4 transactions know how to check the Whois databases of the various registries to validate a transfer is complete and pay the Seller. Likewise, the Buyer’s funds are safe in those rare cases where the IPv4 transfer fails, and those funds can be returned to the Buyer by the escrow agent.

Most buyers or sellers only engage in IPv4 transactions once or, perhaps, a handful of times in their lives. Experienced IPv4 brokers, by contrast, should have at minimum hundreds of such transfers under their belts. An experienced and reputable IPv4 broker can help buyers and sellers determine which blocks out on the market are clean and unimpaired, which escrow agents understand the IPv4 transfer process, what protections should be put into an IPv4 sales agreement, and how to navigate the IPv4 transfer rules of the corresponding registry. Even very large, well-staffed companies that have extensive experience with IPv4 transfers generally benefit by using a trusted IPv4 broker.

This can vary a great deal depending on how prepared the Buyer and Seller are with the documentation requested by the registry. If all documents are in order, transfers within the RIPE region can take just a few days to a week. In ARIN or APNIC, most transfers happen within one to two weeks. In LACNIC, the time frames are much longer, often taking one to two months, due to more stringent justification requirements and the need to send hard copies of signed transfer agreements from both parties to LACNIC.

In any case, transfers can be delayed if the registry requires proof that the signer on a transfer document is authorized to sign on behalf of the Buyer or Seller, or if the selling entity has gone through a change in corporate structure that must be validated by the registry. Buyers and Sellers should also anticipate that the steps leading up to the actual IPv4 transfer could take longer than the transfer itself. These steps include price and contract negotiation as well as setup with an experienced escrow agent.

Transfer times vary based on the registry and the specific circumstances of the buyer and seller. On average, transfers in the ARIN region take about 1-2 weeks, while transfers in RIPE and APNIC often complete in under a week. However, these timeframes can be longer if certain conditions apply, such as the buyer not completing the registry’s pre-approval process or the seller undergoing corporate structure changes that necessitate further vetting by the registry. LACNIC transfers, unfortunately, may take several weeks or even months.

Yes, you can resell the addresses; however, regional registries usually impose waiting periods. In ARIN, you can resell the addresses you purchase after holding them for at least one year. In RIPE, you must wait for 2 years, except for “legacy” addresses that can be resold immediately. APNIC does not have a formal waiting period but often rejects transfers attempted within the first year after purchase. LACNIC’s waiting period is one year.

To ensure the cleanliness of the blocks, it’s advisable to have your broker conduct thorough scans of the addresses. At IPTrading, we perform in-depth checks, examining the ranges for dozens of different blacklists. This process helps guarantee that the IPv4 addresses you purchase are free from any impairments that could affect their usability.

Yes, IP trading offers tailored solutions for complex or large-scale IPv4 transactions, including full Class B blocks and transactions involving millions of IP addresses. For more details on our private brokerage services, visit our website.

The reputation of an IPv4 block is one of the key factors in determining its value and in anticipating any problems a Buyer may have in implementing its use. At IPTrading.com, we check blocks for any potential impairments by scanning for nearly 20 different email blacklists and investigating the block’s routing history. Our experienced staff will advise on which issues are significant and which are easy to rectify.

Owning an IPv4 address comes with costs that vary based on the provider and the number of addresses you need. On the current market, IPv4 addresses typically range from $30 to $35 per address, though bulk purchases may lower the per-address price. Due to high demand and limited supply, prices continue to rise. If you’re looking for alternatives, leasing an IPv4 address is often a cost-effective option, with rates starting around $0.35 to $0.50 per month per address.  

The process involves valuing your IP assets, listing them on appropriate platforms, negotiating with buyers, and transferring ownership. Our team assists you at every step to ensure a smooth and successful transaction.

The value of IPv4 addresses depends on factors such as market demand, the size of the address block, and regional considerations. We offer consultations to help you assess and maximize the value of your IP assets.

Yes, selling IPv4 addresses involves adhering to regional and international regulations. Our team ensures compliance with all legal requirements to facilitate a secure and lawful transaction.

Yes, you can choose to sell your IP addresses in smaller blocks rather than the entire block at once. We help you strategize the best approach to maximize your returns.

Most buyers or sellers only engage in IPv4 transactions once or, perhaps, a handful of times in their lives. Experienced IPv4 brokers, by contrast, should have at minimum hundreds of such transfers under their belts. An experienced and reputable IPv4 broker can help buyers and sellers determine which blocks out on the market are clean and unimpaired, which escrow agents understand the IPv4 transfer process, what protections should be put into an IPv4 sales agreement, and how to navigate the IPv4 transfer rules of the corresponding registry. Even very large, well-staffed companies that have extensive experience with IPv4 transfers generally benefit by using a trusted IPv4 broker.

That depends. In most registries, you must show you are an “active” entity registered in your legal jurisdiction with your RIR fees paid up to date in order to transfer IPv4 space. If the addresses are still registered to your company, you are up to date on your RIR fees, and you are still legally registered in your state, province or country, you can usually transfer your IPv4 space to a Buyer.

If your company registration has lapsed, in some venues you can reinstate your registration and still sell your IPv4 space.

If your company has been involved in a merger, acquisition or other structural change, it is possible to update this through your RIR and then properly sell the IPv4 space (these policies vary among the RIRs).

In any event, the RIR will require you to affirm there is no dispute as to the status of who is the proper registrant of the addresses. Contact one of our knowledgeable brokers for a confidential review of your specific situation.