Longer-form thinking on where the market goes.
56 white papers
Research examining the conversion of obsolete commercial space into self-storage facilities as a value creation strategy.
U.S. self-storage companies are expanding into Canada, lured by an undersupplied market and significant growth potential. The CEO and cofounder of Montreal Mini-Storage Group examines what this wave of billion-dollar investments means for Canadian operators and reveals the strategies they must adopt to compete…
Lots of self-storage operators sell retail products like locks, boxes, packing tape, and other moving and packing supplies. However, they don’t all know how or make the effort to maximize these sales. This type of merchandise not only increases revenue and draws in non-storage customers, it improves the tenant…
By Garrett Byrd Storage Authority Franchise Buy versus build gets treated like a personality quiz. Are you patient. Do you like risk. None of it decides anything. Three things do: how much cash you can lock up for three years, how long you can go without a distribution, and whether your spread survives being half…
CBRE Investment Management presents a strategic framework for selecting self-storage markets, addressing fundamentals of real asset investment in the sector.
If you’re thinking about selling your self-storage facility, you’re no doubt focused on price. You want to maximize value and buyer appeal, and one of the most effective ways to do that is to increase net operating income. This doesn’t happen overnight; it takes planning. However, there are simple yet effective…
For years, success in self-storage was often measured through growth. More facilities. More markets. More acquisitions. More square footage. More development activity. That mindset made sense during a period when demand was expanding, capital was widely available, rental rates were rising, and population movement…
Image CEO Chris Marr says steady customer demand, easing new supply pressures, and digital advantages for larger operators are positioning the self-storage sector for continued growth.
This is a viewpoint-commentary piece published by Inside Self-Storage in July 2026 that presents Alex Pardo's guidance on five methods for funding an initial self-storage facility investment without personal capital. The article addresses financing strategies within the self-storage sector.
This is a viewpoint-commentary article published by Inside Self-Storage in July 2026 addressing operational strategies for self-storage facilities serving elderly tenants, including guidance on managing interactions with renters experiencing cognitive decline.
Cost segregation is one of the most misunderstood tax strategies in commercial real estate, but it can be a quick way to improve a self-storage asset’s cash flow. Many owners overlook this opportunity due to common myths about complexity or eligibility. With recent tax-law changes making it even more valuable,…
Boat/RV storage may look like a simple business—just a dirt lot packed with vehicles, right? However, when developers and investors run the numbers, many find that the math doesn't work. While this product can be highly profitable in the right location, it requires a fundamentally different approach to market…
Sustainability is a hot-button issue in many industries. In self-storage, it offers opportunities to developers and operators alike, though not without challenges. Environmental considerations must be weighed against business objectives, and the path forward isn’t always clear. In this article, we explore how the…
Ádám Ambrus, Manager of Amera Grup, talked to Property Forum about the firm’s strategic expansion, including the Ibis Styles Cluj-Napoca hotel development. He discussed new industrial parks in Oradea and Arad, the rapid growth of their self-storage business, and the importance of aligning investments with…
In the self-storage industry, where tenant delinquencies can easily threaten facility profitability, successfully closing the gap between what the business is owed and what the operator is able to collect comes down to process. It’s important to track and manage past-due rent promptly, consistently and…
Self-storage operators have a powerful tool to deal with non-paying tenants: lien foreclosures. However, one small mistake can lead to serious legal trouble and costly wrongful-sale claims. Understanding the basic framework and staying on top of compliance requirements protects your business from one of the…
When evaluating potential loans, self-storage owners often focus on interest rate and total costs, but there’s a more critical factor. The monthly payment directly impacts a company’s cash flow, operational flexibility and ability to weather unexpected challenges. This is why some borrowers are considering express…
This is a viewpoint-commentary published by Institutional Real Estate, Inc. in May 2026 discussing self-storage sector dynamics in the Asia Pacific region, with focus on capital markets and economic factors.
This is a strategic white paper published by CBRE in April 2025 that addresses market selection frameworks within the self-storage sector. The analysis covers multiple U.S. markets including Houston, Atlanta, Boston, New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, as well as national-level considerations.
There are two critical forces reshaping the self-storage investment landscape right now, and they're changing the way buyers and sellers approach every deal. Unprecedented supply continues while housing turnover remains low, creating a perfect storm of stagnant occupancy and compressed pricing. A real estate…
Developing and breaking ground on a self-storage project is exciting, but it comes with challenges that can lead to costly mistakes. In this article, you’ll learn about three common pitfalls that can derail your construction timeline and budget, and get advice to help you avoid them. The author will help you…
Self-storage facility safety is paramount—non-negotiable, especially in today’s highly competitive market. Luckily, it doesn’t have to break the bank. By addressing the most common risks and implementing a few basic measures, you can create a secure environment for far less investment than you think. Read on for…
The way customers search for and compare self-storage facilities is different than it used to be. With more rentals beginning online, you need to capture attention in seconds. One way to do this is through video marketing. A visual representation of your business is a powerful tool that showcase its value, builds…
Your self-storage facility’s front office is more than a just a transactional space. It's the first impression that shapes customer confidence and trust in your business. Whether staffed daily or remotely managed, this critical touchpoint communicates your professionalism and attention to detail. Here’s how to…
This is a viewpoint-commentary article published by Inside Self-Storage in July 2026 featuring insurance expert Terry Campbell discussing two essential insurance coverages for self-storage facility operators.
Seven (7) Self Storage Misconceptions (some old, some new) that will cost you dearly if you are not prepared. The self-storage industry’s reputation as a simple business has driven a rise in interest from first-time investors, real estate investors, entrepreneurs, and institutional capital. Headlines highlight…
In self-storage, the line between a routine maintenance task and a costly capital project is often thin, and usually defined by timing. A single unchecked roof seam or faulty HVAC equipment can quietly escalate from minor inconvenience to major expense. The most successful operators understand that maintenance…
If your target market already looks overbuilt on paper, why are the most successful operators in the country still breaking ground there? The industry loves to quote square feet per capita as the single magic number for market viability. We have all heard the rule of thumb: if it is under 7 or 8 square […] The post…
Real estate makes more multi-millionaires than any other investment vehicle. It is easy to invest in real estate because there are many options, such as: buying and owning yourself, the stock market REITs, partners, limited liability partners etc. It could be single-family homes, apartments, raw land, self-storage,…
December has a reputation for being a “quiet” month in self-storage. Moves slow down, leasing traffic dips, and holiday travel takes priority over storage shopping. But the story is more nuanced than it first appears. When you look closely at December renter behavior, seasonal inventory patterns, and short-term…
In today’s self-storage market, data isn’t just a byproduct of doing business — it’s a blueprint for better decisions. Operators who know how to read and act on data gain a measurable edge: smarter pricing, stronger occupancy rates, and better forecasting of customer demand. As competition heats up and customer…
Residual Income or Reduced Performance? The Real Cost of Going Man-Less. The idea of a completely “man-less” self-storage facility generating pure residual income is appealing. Recently, I read a social media post from an owner who claimed to operate a self-storage facility three states away with no manager, no…
Discover why 2026 is your year to start in self-storage. From easier entry with new tech to tax benefits and a strong market outlook, learn the 7 key reasons. The post Seven reasons why 2026 is the best year for YOU to get started in self-storage appeared first on Radius+ .
In today’s increasingly saturated self-storage markets, facility operators are discovering that they need to think beyond traditional sources of income if they want to compete for customers and maximize revenue. Many already offer ancillaries like moving/packing supplies, truck rentals and tenant insurance, but…
This is a viewpoint-commentary article published by Inside Self-Storage in July 2026 featuring self-storage owners Wayde Elliott and Angie Guerin of MakoRabco discussing their expertise and advice related to development in the self-storage sector.
The due-diligence period is an opportunity for the buyer of a real estate asset to carefully analyze the potential deal. Smart investors see this as an opportunity to uncover everything they need to know about the property before making a financial commitment. This practical guide to evaluating self-storage…
This is a viewpoint-commentary article published by Inside Self-Storage in July 2026 addressing pay-to-vacate programs, which are delinquency resolution approaches used by self-storage operators, and discussing the associated advantages, disadvantages, and legal considerations of this practice.
The self-storage lien-sale process can be intricate, time-consuming and risky, particularly if mistakes occur. No operator can afford to be on the wrong side of a wrongful-sale lawsuit. Automation can streamline the workflow, helping you safeguard your business and reduce employee time spent on this necessary task.…
Though it’s often undervalued by self-storage operators, tenant retention is one of the most impactful strategies for protecting and growing your facility revenue. A strong program can enhance customer satisfaction, reduce move-outs, and bolster net-operating income and facility value. Discover how to identify…
Artificial intelligence is becoming part of nearly every business conversation, and self-storage is no exception. Operators, developers, investors, lenders, and acquisition teams are all beginning to ask how AI can help them move faster, analyze more efficiently, and make stronger decisions. The opportunity is…
🎙️ Triple-Net Retail REITs Continue to Demonstrate Stability: Capright’s On the Spot with Julia Ticus Triple-net lease properties remain one of the most sought-after CRE The post Triple-Net Retail REITs with Julia Ticus – July 2026 appeared first on Capright .
There is growing consensus that lender forbearance toward troubled commercial real estate loans is beginning to fade. A large volume of CRE debt is scheduled The post CRE Investors Find Ways to Temper Foreclosure Risk appeared first on Capright .
Capital Economics shares insights and outlook perspectives on alternative real estate assets drawn from client roundtable discussions.
Analysis of self-storage supply-demand dynamics, valuation reset, and operational opportunities shaping the investment thesis for the sector.
Analysis of how Federal Reserve rate reductions may positively impact self-storage sector performance and investment dynamics.
Guidance on investment criteria and decision-making frameworks for evaluating self-storage asset acquisition opportunities.
Analysis of how steel tariffs may affect self-storage development economics, construction costs, and industry growth trajectory.
Gerald Eve perspectives on the European self-storage sector and its dual positioning as real estate asset and operational business platform.
Capital Markets Are Finding Their FootingOn the Spot with Steve Williams and Keith Darin After several years of elevated interest rates, tighter lending standards, and The post Capital Markets with Keith Darin – June 2026 appeared first on Capright .
Capright Expands Hospitality Platform with the Addition of David Fuller, MAI as Practice Leader Strengthening advisory capabilities across Hotel REITs, branded assets, and complex portfolios The post Capright Expands Hospitality Platform – Welcome David Fuller, MAI appeared first on Capright .
Self Storage Underwriting Starts With the Market Self storage underwriting is no longer just a spreadsheet exercise. In today’s environment, the strongest investors, developers, and operators are underwriting from the market up, not the property down. That shift matters because self storage performance is highly…
By Marc Goodin Most investors start where they should: the numbers. They review rents, absorption, supply, expenses, taxes, site costs, and projected returns. Those inputs are essential, but they also create a dangerous illusion. They make a deal feel more certain than it really is. The reason is simple. A pro…
#1 Physical Land Data: Topography? Wetlands? Flood plains? Easements? Environmental concerns? Shape? Acres? I get a call a week from developers saying they have a perfect property. But could only describe one and a half of these Land data points. #2 Zoning Data: Zoned for self-storage? Yard Setbacks, Impervious…
In the self storage industry, many independent operators feel the pressure when one of the Big Five REITs: Extra Space Storage, Public Storage, CubeSmart, National Storage Affiliates Trust, or Life Storage announces expansion into their market. These corporate giants bring vast capital, automated facilities, and…
Barings discusses emerging demand drivers and underwriting approaches for alternative real estate sectors and the case for diversification beyond the core property types.
Ares makes the case that today presents an important opportunity to rebuild allocations to core commercial real estate, focusing on 'New Economy' sectors aligned with digitization and supply-chain transformation. Published via AccessAres, the thought-leadership arm of Ares Wealth Management Solutions.