The Demand for Personal Storage in Europe Remains High, Presenting Lucrative Investment Opportunities in 2025

Investor appetite for the self-storage market remains strong, with annual increases in capital invested since 2020, and a wide range of investors seeking to capitalize on available opportunities. Significant sales this year demonstrate that portfolios with quality products continue to achieve attractive selling prices.

The volume of capital and debt entering the market has resulted in a larger portfolio of developments than in the previous year. A total of 262 projects are either in the planning or construction stages, with a strong portfolio of new facilities, particularly in the countries of Northwestern Europe. Additionally, there is a rise in the number of small micro-storage units from Austria and Germany, bringing personal storage closer to consumers' places of residence.

Despite this growth, there remains an untapped market of people unaware of the potential benefits of personal storage across Europe. In most markets, less than a third of consumers fully understand the concept, representing a significant opportunity. Through public and online marketing campaigns, the industry has the chance to reach those consumers who currently do not consider personal storage as an option.

The report also highlights significant investments in existing facilities, responding to technological changes and sustainability improvements. Operators are modernizing their facilities with new technologies such as electronic locks, advanced monitored security systems, and access control. Simple PIN access systems are being replaced with two-factor authentication via mobile devices, enhancing the security of customers' belongings. Other changes include the installation of LED lighting and solar power generation, reducing energy costs and improving companies' ESG (environmental, social, and governance) credentials.

Approximately 69% of survey respondents expressed their intention to use artificial intelligence (AI) in their businesses in 2024. AI-based analytics are being implemented to analyze large volumes of data, adjust prices in real time based on demand fluctuations, and interact with customers. The share of operators using AI is expected to continue rising, as the ability to access and analyze large amounts of data becomes invaluable, gradually changing the way operators interact with consumers.

With the European personal storage market continuing to grow, demand remains high, and investment opportunities continue to be attractive. Developers, investors, and operators are adapting to new technologies, changing their strategies to respond to customer needs, and aligning with sustainability trends, which will undoubtedly continue to drive the sector towards a prosperous future.

With the implementation of artificial intelligence and ongoing improvements in security technologies, the market is expected to continue evolving and improving the customer experience while offering attractive returns for investors. The year 2025 looks promising for this growing sector with high demand.