Exploring Self Storage Facilities For Sale

The self storage industry has been booming over the last decade, with an increasing number of people and businesses looking for safe places to store their items.

If you’re considering entering the market, purchasing an existing self storage facility can be a smart move. Here’s how to find the right opportunities and what to consider before making your investment.

How to Buy a Self Storage Facility

When looking to buy a self storage facility, there are several key factors to consider:

  1. Location: When considering the purchase of a self storage facility, one of the most important factors to consider is its location. The choice between a city or countryside location can significantly impact the success of your investment. Each option comes with its own set of advantages and challenges, so it’s important to weigh these carefully before making a decision.
  2. Financial Health: Before purchasing, review the financial health of the facility. Analyse occupancy rates, revenue streams, and operating expenses. A profitable facility with a steady income stream is ideal.
  3. Condition of the Facility: Inspect the physical condition of the property. Consider whether renovations or upgrades are necessary and factor these costs into your budget.
  4. Market Research: Understand the competition in the area. A facility in a saturated market might struggle to maintain high occupancy rates, whereas one in an underserved area could have significant growth potential.
  5. Customer Base: Assess the current customer base. Are they long-term tenants or short-term renters? Understanding the customer demographics can help you plan for future marketing campaigns.

Where to Find Self Storage Businesses for Sale

If you’re ready to invest, there are several resources where you can find self storage businesses for sale:

  • Self Storage Association UK (SSA UK): The SSA UK is the leading trade association representing the interests of both self storage operators and industry suppliers in the UK. The website offers a list of self storage facilities available for sale, and provides detailed information about each listing, including location, size, and asking price. This is an excellent resource for anyone serious about entering the self storage industry.
  • BusinessesForSale.com: This website is the world’s largest marketplace for businesses for sale across the world. It features a comprehensive listing of self storage warehouses for sale across the UK. It’s a great place to explore options, compare prices, and find opportunities that match your investment criteria.
  • Kuboid: Kuboid specialises in the design and construction of self storage facilities. While we primarily focus on building new facilities, we also provide valuable insights and services for those purchasing existing ones. The team at Kuboid can help you assess the feasibility of your purchase, design the layout, and plan renovations or expansions.

Considerations Before and After the Purchase

Once you’ve identified a facility to purchase, there are several steps you should take to ensure a smooth transition and successful operation:

  1. Financing: Securing the right financing is important, and ensure the terms align with your long-term business goals. Approved Finance Group have become one of the fastest-growing finance brokerages in the UK. With over 30+ years of experience in the business finance arena, the team specialises in securing funding for numerous sectors. One of them being self storage.
  2. Renovations and Upgrades: Assess whether the facility needs any renovations, such as painting, roofing, or structural repairs. Modernising the facility with new technology, such as automated latches, can also attract more customers.
  3. Security Measures: Ensuring the safety of your customers’ belongings is critical. Invest in high-quality security systems, including surveillance cameras and secure access control.
  4. Marketing and Management: Develop a marketing strategy to attract new customers; this might include local advertising, online marketing, or community partnerships. With the right approach, you can build a strong customer base and ensure your facility operates at maximum capacity.
  5. Design Your Self Storage Facility: Whether you’re planning to expand an existing facility or build new units, Kuboid’s Unit Visualiser tool can help you design the perfect layout. This tool allows you to visualise the space, ensuring efficient use of the facility. Design Your Self Storage Facility.

Investing in a self storage facility can be a rewarding venture if approached with careful planning and research. By leveraging the resources available, such as those offered by The SSA UK and Kuboid, you can find a facility that meets the demands of your target market. With the right strategy, your self storage business can thrive in this growing industry.

New Resources for Finding Self Storage Facilities for Sale

In addition to the previously mentioned platforms in our self storage facilities for sale blog, there are new tools and resources available for locating self storage facilities:

  • Rightmove Commercial: Known primarily for residential listings, Rightmove has expanded its platform to include commercial properties, including self storage facilities. Investors can now explore a wide variety of listings across the UK, filtering by size, location, and price.
  • LoopNet: For investors looking to explore international opportunities, LoopNet offers a comprehensive listing of commercial real estate properties, including self-storage facilities. It’s an excellent resource for comparing options globally or within specific regions.
  • EG Propertylink: Find commercial properties for sale, to rent or auction in the UK with Propertylink, the UK’s leading real estate marketplace.

New Opportunities in a Growing Market

As you explore new investment opportunities, Kuboid continues to be a valuable resource. Beyond design and construction, Kuboid offers consulting services for investors who want to enhance existing facilities or break into the self storage market. From planning expansions to implementing the latest technology, Kuboid’s team can guide you through every step of the process, ensuring your investment is well-positioned for long-term success.

Keep up with the latest self storage news and trends.