A significant amount of commercial real estate debt is coming due, and self-storage owners with loans approaching maturity should be paying attention. According to the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), approximately $875 billion of commercial and multifamily mortgage balances—17% of outstanding debt—is scheduled to mature in 2026. Another $652 billion is scheduled to mature in 2027. For owners, a loan maturity isn't simply a date on a calendar. It can force an important dec

For many self-storage owners, selling represents the culmination of years of building, operating, and improving a facility. But maximizing value often begins well before the property is placed on the market. Buyers ultimately evaluate a facility based on its income, operations, physical condition, market position, and future potential. Owners who focus on these areas before selling may be better positioned to attract qualified buyers and achieve stronger pricing. 1. Focus on

Self-storage investors can spend hours underwriting a property only to discover that the deal never made sense in the first place. Before building a detailed financial model, perform a quick initial screen to determine whether the opportunity deserves more of your time. Here are six things you can evaluate in about 15 minutes. 1. Start With the Current NOI Look at the property's trailing financials and determine the actual Net Operating Income—not simply the seller's projecte

Selling a self-storage facility isn't simply about putting the property online and waiting for offers. Effective marketing is about presenting the opportunity professionally, reaching qualified buyers, and creating enough exposure to generate competition. Here are several strategies owners can use when bringing a self-storage property to market. Create Professional Marketing Materials A strong marketing package should allow an investor to quickly understand the opportunity. I

When preparing a self-storage facility for sale, most owners naturally focus on occupancy, revenue, property condition, and asking price. But there is another important question worth asking: Could someone else take over your facility tomorrow and know exactly how to operate it? If most of the property's day-to-day knowledge lives in your head, the transition to a new owner can become unnecessarily complicated. Establishing simple, repeatable systems can improve operations to

Selling a self-storage facility involves more than placing the property on the market and waiting for offers. The work an owner completes before listing can influence buyer confidence, due diligence, negotiations, and ultimately the property's marketability. A well-prepared facility allows buyers to quickly understand the opportunity and reduces uncertainty during the transaction. Here are six areas owners should address before bringing a self-storage property to market. 1. A

Running a successful self-storage facility isn't just about keeping units occupied. Small operational problems can quietly turn into lost revenue, security issues, expensive repairs, and unhappy tenants if they aren't addressed early. The best operators don't just react to major problems—they recognize the warning signs before those problems become expensive. Here are 10 operational red flags every self-storage owner and manager should watch for. 1. Unusual Gate Access Activi

In self-storage, location can have a significant impact on occupancy, rental rates, and long-term property value. A facility may be professionally managed and well maintained, but if it is difficult to access, surrounded by excessive competition, or located in an area with insufficient demand, achieving strong performance can be challenging. For investors and developers evaluating a potential self-storage site, here are several factors that deserve careful consideration. 1. A

Interest rates affect nearly every part of a commercial real estate transaction—from how much a buyer can borrow to the return investors expect from a property. For self-storage owners and investors, one of the most important benchmarks to watch is the 10-Year U.S. Treasury yield. As of September 3, 2026, the 10-Year Treasury constant-maturity yield stood at approximately 4.79%. But what does that number actually mean for someone buying, selling, or owning a self-storage faci

When buying a self-storage facility, most negotiations naturally start with price. But experienced buyers know that the terms of a deal can sometimes be just as important as the purchase price. A seller may be unwilling to accept a significantly lower offer but willing to provide financing, additional due diligence time, credits, or other concessions that improve the economics of the acquisition. Here are six terms self-storage buyers should consider negotiating before focusi

Not every self-storage facility requires a full-time on-site manager. For smaller properties, remotely managed facilities, or owners with multiple locations, a part-time “boots on the ground” manager can provide local oversight without the expense of a full-time position. The key is finding someone who is dependable, capable of working independently, and understands exactly what is expected of them. Here are eight steps for building an effective part-time management solution.

Receiving an offer on your self-storage facility can be exciting, but an accepted offer doesn't guarantee a completed sale. Between contract signing and closing, buyers still need to complete due diligence, secure financing, verify financial performance, and resolve any property-related concerns. For sellers, the goal shouldn't simply be getting the highest offer. It should be creating a transaction that has a strong probability of actually reaching the closing table. Here ar

Self-storage operators have a responsibility to maintain a safe environment for tenants, employees, and surrounding properties. While most customers use their units appropriately, prohibited or illegal items can occasionally create serious safety, liability, and operational concerns. Operators should clearly define prohibited property in their rental agreements and understand applicable state and local requirements. Here are ten categories that deserve particular attention. 1

Buying a self-storage facility takes a significant amount of capital, but the cash requirement doesn't end when escrow closes. One mistake investors can make is putting nearly all of their available capital into the acquisition and leaving too little liquidity for what happens next. A healthy operating reserve can help an owner handle unexpected expenses, execute the business plan, and avoid being forced to inject additional cash into the property. So, how much should you kee

Maintaining strong occupancy is one of the most important goals for any self-storage operator. But when vacancies begin to increase, lowering rental rates isn't necessarily the best—or only—solution. Often, the opportunity lies in improving how customers discover the facility, what they see when they arrive, and how easily they can complete a rental. Here are six practical strategies operators can use to generate more leads and convert them into tenants. 1. Make Your Facility

By Brandon Robinson, National Director of Investment Sales, Calvary Realty The national self-storage market is sending mixed signals in 2026. New development is moderating from the elevated levels of recent years, population continues to grow in several major self-storage markets, and rental rates have shown some month-to-month improvement. But those national trends don't tell the entire story. The bigger story may be the growing divide between individual markets. Some metrop

Successful self-storage investing begins long before closing day. While attractive listings and strong occupancy numbers may grab attention, experienced investors know that a thorough analysis is essential before making an acquisition decision. Evaluating a self-storage facility involves more than reviewing financial statements. It requires understanding the property's operations, market position, growth potential, and long-term risks. Here are ten key areas every investor sh

Many first-time investors assume that the buyer with the biggest down payment always wins. In reality, sellers often evaluate much more than the purchase price or the amount of cash a buyer brings to the table. Whether you're using traditional financing, seller financing, or creative acquisition strategies, becoming a well-prepared buyer can dramatically improve your chances of getting a deal under contract. Here are five ways to strengthen your position before making an offe

Every self-storage customer eventually moves out. Some departures are unavoidable, while others result from issues that operators can influence. Understanding the most common reasons tenants end their rentals can help owners improve customer satisfaction, reduce turnover, and protect long-term revenue. Although every market is different, several trends consistently appear across the industry. 1. The Storage Need Has Ended The most common reason customers move out is simple—th

Every self-storage owner tracks occupancy, rental rates, and collections—but one area that's often overlooked is unit mix. The types and sizes of units your facility offers can have a significant impact on occupancy, customer demand, and long-term profitability. Understanding which unit sizes are most popular can help you make smarter operational decisions and strengthen your property's performance. 1. Know What's Renting the Fastest Not all unit sizes perform equally. Some f