IPv4 Market Remains Stable & Prices Stay Competitive

The IPv4 transfer market continues to demonstrate resilience and strength, even after a noticeable dip earlier this year. In May, transfer requests fell to just 115 — one of the lowest points in recent memory. Yet its important to note this was the only weak month the entire year, quickly rebounded and stayed stable since. On average, 2025 has seen 147 transfer requests per month, with an even stronger performance of 151 requests over the past three months. These numbers underscore that the IPv4 market remains healthy and highly active despite the economic climate.

Steady Demand Meets Ample Supply

What makes today’s IPv4 market particularly interesting is the balance between strong demand and relatively low pricing. Ordinarily, such steady activity would create upward pressure on pricing, but so far, prices have remained relatively low. This is largely due to the consistent availability of IPv4 supply, which is contrary to many years in the past. Organizations with unused address blocks continue to release them, ensuring buyers have access to the resources they need without dramatic cost increases.

This balance is a win for both sides. Buyers — including internet service providers (ISPs), cloud operators, and enterprises — can still acquire addresses at affordable levels. Sellers, meanwhile, benefit from a liquid market where transfers continue at a stable pace.

Why Prices Haven’t Surged (Yet)

Typically, markets with strong and sustained demand trend toward higher prices. So why hasn’t the same happened with IPv4? The answer lies in timing and anticipation. Many sellers are still entering the market and willing to lower prices due to target revenue goals and/or to offset losses. This consistent release of supply contradicts what might otherwise be a more aggressive price climb.

In addition, some buyers may be holding back slightly, anticipating future opportunities. With the upcoming release of federal funding under the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, ISPs and broadband providers may be conserving capital until they can deploy funds strategically. The real inflection point may arrive in Q1 2026, when states will potentially begin releasing the long-anticipated $42 billion in BEAD funding.

The Outlook Ahead

For now, the IPv4 market is healthy, balanced, and remarkably stable. Monthly demand is strong, supply is steady, and prices remain accessible. But with BEAD funding on the horizon, conditions could change quickly.

Organizations in need of IPv4 addresses may find that now is the optimal time to secure blocks before increased competition drives prices higher. Sellers, meanwhile, can take confidence in knowing the market is both active and poised for continued growth.

The dip in May was only temporary. The bigger story is that the IPv4 market has shown resilience, adaptability, and strength — qualities that will be tested once BEAD funding begins to flow.