Reasons to Invest in Self Storage: A Lucrative Investment Opportunity

April 19, 2024

Imagine this: you're scrolling through your investment options on the hunt for something just right—this one's too risky, that one's too slow. Enter the world of self storage, a hidden gem in the investment landscape that's catching eyes. Now, why invest in self storage, you ask?

Picture a market that has shown resilience to economic downturns, offering stability, profitability, and simplicity to consumers. For these reasons, whether you’re looking to venture into the self storage business or want to diversify your investment portfolio, self storage is a lucrative investment for all.

With more and more people considering using self-storage, the industry in the UK is experiencing phenomenal growth. It's no longer a niche market, but a thriving sector with consistent demand. Self storage investments have proven themselves remarkably resilient. As opposed to other property types that take a beating during economic downturns, self storage facilities tend to hold their own.

With trends like increasing urban density and smaller living spaces, many investors find self-storage to be an appealing option. In addition, the rise of online shopping requires space to store inventory.

Now, you might be thinking, what factors make self storage such a lucrative investment opportunity? Here are the reasons why.

Consistent and Diverse Demand

why invest in self storage
Consistent and Diverse Demand

The demand for self storage isn't going anywhere. Why? As it depends on people’s needs for storage spaces which is never going away. Downsizing, relocation, and many other personal life events call for the need for self storage.

For example, the trend of downsizing is popular among crowds seeking a minimalist lifestyle. Hence, they might need to consider a space to store their belongings that they don’t need. Then there are replacement or relocation needs that require temporary storage options.

Understanding these trends and catering to specific needs can significantly boost your self-storage business. Partnering with experts like Wigwam Storage Management could help maximise this potential.

But it's not just personal situations driving demand.

  • Baby boomers who are entering their golden years often opt for smaller homes. They need someplace to store keepsakes and extra furniture.
  • Young professionals, on the other hand, might have a side hustle that requires storing inventory or equipment.
  • The ever-growing number of small businesses also need flexible storage solutions.

The demand is endless if you consider every single person's unique needs. You just need to know where and when to target your ideal customers.

Unlock Your Property Potential with Self-Storage Solutions!

Economic Factors and Societal Trends

E-commerce in the UK is increasingly becoming popular, thanks to internet shopping. This means more people are running businesses from home and they need extra space to keep their inventory. The trend towards denser living in urban areas also plays a role. Smaller flats often require less storage space, making self storage a reliable option.

Recession Resilience

Economic downturns can be heavy on some property investments. Retail spaces become empty while offices gather dust. However, self storage facilities hold their own remarkably well. Because no matter the economic situation, people need space. Whether downsizing in a downturn or expanding in a boom, there is a steady demand for self storage.

  • At times when the economy is booming, businesses expand and people gather belongings. This fuels the need for extra space.
  • During tough economic times, people might downsize or relocate. This time they might need some extra space to clear out the extra items and create more space for themselves.

So, why invest in self storage? Self storage is versatile. It’s this ability that makes investing in self storage a smart move, regardless of economic forecasts.

Consistent Client Flow and High Occupancy Rates

Self storage isn't just about providing a service; it's about securing a steady stream of clients and maintaining high occupancy rates. Clients always require storage facilities. From personal storage needed for life's many transitions to business storage driven by operational needs, the client flow keeps steady occupancy rates.

High Profitability and Return on Investment

why invest in self storage
High Profitability and Return on Investment

In the vast land of investment, self storage offers high profitability and enticing returns on investment (ROI).

Low Breakeven Occupancy Rates

A key advantage of self storage investment over other types of investments is relatively low breakeven occupancy rates. This means to cover your operational costs, the percentage of rented units you need to sell out is achievable. It can be considered that you don’t need to fill out all the units to start turning a profit.

Double-Digit Annual Returns

Self storage facilities act as a gold mine in developing markets. With a growing population and a rising need for flexible storage solutions, these markets often see double-digit annual returns on investment.

Strong Cash Flow

With the consistent cash flow these facilities generate, there is a further possibility for expansion. You can leverage the profits into acquiring additional land or facilities and slowly build your own self storage business. This cash flow can act as a diverse and resilient portfolio that can withstand economic storms.

Easy Management and Operational Benefits

why invest in self storage
Easy Management and Operational Benefits

Why invest in self storage? One of the most appealing aspects of investing in self storage is the operational ease it offers. Take a look at the reasons that make it a standout investment choice for those who value time and money.

Technology and Automation

Nowadays you can remotely manage your storage facility or investment with just a few clicks from your laptop or smartphone. From digital leases to automated security systems, technology can significantly reduce the need for onsite staff. It cuts down operational costs and enhances the efficiency and scalability of your investment.

Quick Turnaround Time Between Tenants

A reliable perk of self storage is the ease of filling vacancies. Unlike rentals with lengthy lease agreements, self-storage units typically operate on month-to-month contracts. Hence, in case a tenant moves out you can quickly find a new one and keep consistent cash flow.

Mitigating the Impact of Vacancies

No investment is perfect. Even with quick turnaround times, there can be vacancies at times. Here are some strategies to keep your self-storage facility ready:

Competitive Rates: Offer attractive pricing to entice new tenants and keep existing ones happy.

Targeted Marketing: Advertise your units in areas with high demand, like growing neighbourhoods or near student housing.

Flexible Storage Solutions: Cater to a variety of needs by offering a range of unit sizes and features.

While self storage presents operational ease, Wigwam Storage will help you optimise for profitability with its innovative and technology-driven approaches.

Market Trends and Data

why invest in self storage
Market Trends and Data

The self-storage market in the UK is experiencing phenomenal growth, with projections for continued expansion in the coming years. This is due to a diverse range of needs - from small businesses operating out of storage units to the average person downsizing the living space.

High-profile acquisitions and investments in the UK self-storage market indicate the sector is still hot. These major transactions highlight the confidence that industry giants have in the future of self storage.

Global trends like urbanisation and the rise of e-commerce are fueling the demand for self storage facilities worldwide. In the UK, these trends also play a significant role. Denser living in cities creates a need for off-site storage, while the booming e-commerce industry requires businesses to have flexible storage options.

The market's booming, but the advantages of investing in self storage go even deeper. Jump in to discover why it's such a smart move.

Investment Advantages

Why invest in self storage? Here are some advantages to investing in the profitable industry:

  • Low Overhead and Operating Expenses: Compared to other real estate options, self-storage boasts significantly lower overhead and operating expenses. Because there’s no fancy maintenance such as landscaping, no plumbing to worry about, and lower tenant turnover, it results in more money in your pocket.
  • Short Lease Terms: Another perk of self storage is the use of short lease terms, typically month-to-month. This provides an incredible flexibility benefit. Short leases help you adjust prices according to market conditions. Plus, managing tenants becomes easy as you can find a new tenant fit for your place pretty quickly.
  • Significant Depreciation: Self-storage facilities offer a hidden tax advantage: depreciation. As these buildings wear down over time, you can deduct a portion of their value from your taxable income each year. It results in a lower tax burden and a boost in the overall return on investment.
  • Minimal Personnel Requirements: Self storage facilities don’t require a dedicated staff so they run smoothly with minimal staff. In addition, modern security systems and online payment options minimise the need for on-site employees. It translates to lower operating costs and a more hands-off approach to management.

How to Start and Grow Your Investment

An investment journey in self storage starts with understanding the basics and laying down a solid foundation.

Considerations and Initial Steps

Launching a self storage business requires a bit more than just finding a plot of land and erecting some units. You first need to consider location, market demand, competition, and regulatory requirements. The initial steps involve conducting thorough market research to identify potential hotspots with high demand and low supply.

Then, consider the planning and zoning permissions required in your chosen location. Understanding the financials is crucial as well. Start-up costs, potential revenue, and financing options require some major groundwork.

Options for Investment

Direct Ownership: Direct ownership offers the most control, but requires more hands-on involvement.

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs): You can also consider investing in REITs that specialise in self storage, if you prefer a more passive approach. This option offers exposure to the market without the direct responsibilities of running a business.

Shares: Buying shares in established self storage companies can be another way to get involved, giving you a stake in their growth.

Utilising Existing Real Estate

For those with existing real estate, converting part or all of it into self storage can be a brilliant move. This could be a great way to generate additional income from a property you already own. Whether it's a spare section of your warehouse or an unused portion of your land, self storage can be a creative solution to maximise your return on investment.

Conclusion

The world of real estate investing can offer an array of options, but sometimes the most interesting opportunities are hiding in plain sight. Why invest in self storage? The sector offers a nice mix of resilience, demand, and profitability hard to find in other real estate sectors. This unique blend converts it into a thriving sector.

Stable demand, low overheads, and the ability to perform well under economic conditions make self storage a compelling choice for those looking to diversify their portfolio. Self storage provides a chance to tap into a market that continues to grow, thanks to an ever-present need for space in our lives and businesses.

The future seems bright, but before making any investments, careful planning and expert advice are essential. An excellent investment selection can be made by fully grasping the complexities of the local market, the regulatory environment, and the financial world.

As you’ve seen, self-storage offers a great set of benefits for investors. However, you’ll need a partner to help you navigate the complex world of development, management, and operations. That's where Wigwam Storage Management comes in. We're your trusted partner in unlocking the full potential of your self-storage investment.

From design and construction to ongoing operations, Wigwam takes care of everything, allowing you to focus on other endeavours. With our remote self storage solutions, low operating costs, and exceptional customer support, we unlock the full potential of your self-storage investment.

With Wigwam by your side, you can confidently enter the self-storage market. Contact Wigwam Storage Management today!

Unlock Your Property Potential with Self-Storage Solutions!

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