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Insights from the US Self-Storage Market

Jun 4, 2025

What Can We Learn from the US Storage Market?

Introduction

  • Post-pandemic surge in the self-storage market in Australia & New Zealand (ANZ) with increased storage fees, occupancy rates, and development activity.
  • Similar trends in the US, with demand cooling after a significant increase during and post-pandemic.

US Storage Market Overview

  • Growth Trends:
    • Significant increase in self-storage demand post-pandemic.
    • New facilities increased from 439/year (2010-2019) to 735/year (2020-2023).
    • Recent cooling of the market despite earlier growth.
  • Challenges:
    • 245 projects abandoned in the previous year, indicating demand-supply risk.
    • Highlights need for understanding demand and supply dynamics.

Comparison: US vs ANZ Storage Market

Size and Maturity

  • US Market:
    • Largest globally, with 52,300 facilities.
    • Supply rate: 6.2 sq ft per capita.
    • Revenue: ~$40 billion.
  • ANZ Market:
    • 3,300 facilities.
    • Supply rate: 2.5 sq ft per capita.
    • Revenue: ~$2 billion.
  • Disparity:
    • US market is 2.5 times larger per capita.
    • More mature and developed than ANZ market.
    • ANZ market is still emerging, with recent sharp increase in development.

Market Performance

  • Fee Rates:
    • ANZ: Average fee $383 AUD.
    • US: Average fee $258 AUD (33% lower).
  • Supply Influence:
    • Potential for more supply to lower fee rates in ANZ.
    • Importance of matching supply with demand.

Challenges and Considerations

  • Supply Dynamics:
    • Considered Supply: Meets market demand, increases awareness.
    • Unconsidered Supply: Can lead to oversupply and market issues.
  • Construction and Financing:
    • Rising costs, risky revenue projections can threaten project viability.
  • Market Analysis:
    • Understanding demand and supply critical for project success.
    • Importance of demographic insights for tailoring storage solutions.

Conclusion

  • Developers must understand demand and supply dynamics to avoid market saturation.
  • Comprehensive supply and demand studies are essential for healthy market longevity.
  • Assistance available from companies like Four Leaves for conducting such studies.

  • Contact: Four Leaves for more information on supply and demand studies.