Press Release
European Self Storage Sector Shows Resilience Amid Economic Headwinds
October 1, 2025
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A new report from the Federation of European Self Storage Associations (FEDESSA) and global real estate advisor, CBRE, indicates continued strong demand for self storage across Europe.
The 2025 European Self Storage Industry Report reveals strong fundamentals and long-term growth potential. It reveals that industry is showing continued resilience, despite economic and political uncertainty, with 70% of operators anticipating improvements in both occupancy and rental rates within the next year.
Rental rates saw a notable 5.4% increase, reaching an average of €312.56 per square metre per annum, albeit partly offset by a small drop in occupancy rates with growth fuelled by strategic investments in technology and evolving customer preferences. A significant 90% of operators are now utilising AI tools for functions like pricing and customer analytics, reflecting a commitment to efficiency. Furthermore, the research notes a shift in usage patterns, with personal self storage usage increasing, reversing a prior trend.
The sector is also innovating its operational models. The rise of remotely managed stores, particularly in Sweden, Austria, and Germany, is being driven by advancements in access control and automation, signalling a move towards greater efficiency and convenience.
Looking ahead, operators have identified key challenges, notably rising land costs and planning constraints. However, the industry remains forward-thinking, with 89% of businesses looking to invest in store or IT improvements, with AI and security upgrades leading the way. Operators are also diversifying revenue streams, with 90% generating income beyond traditional storage, including vehicle hire and retail.
The report also highlights evolving consumer behaviour, with younger demographics preferring digital-first interactions, leading to a doubling of online bookings and app usage year-on-year. CBRE anticipates up to €450m in transactions by year-end, with a potential of €1bn+ volumes in 2026-2027, underscoring the sector's long-term growth potential.
The self storage industry continues to demonstrate its inherent resilience, with operators navigating economic challenges effectively. The increased adoption of AI and focus on ancillary revenue streams highlights the sector's adaptability and its potential for sustained expansion. These attributes are driving ongoing interest in the sector from a broadening investment community.
The self storage market offers attractive opportunities for both investors and operators. Despite the current macroeconomic environment, we see improvement in operational performance in the sector, driven by robust and growing consumer demand and a willingness among operators to innovate and adapt.
About CBRE Group, Inc.
CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE: CBRE), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Dallas, is the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm and a premier provider of critical infrastructure services. The company has more than 155,000 employees serving clients in more than 100 countries. CBRE serves clients through four business segments: Advisory (leasing, sales, debt origination, mortgage servicing, valuations); Building Operations & Experience (facilities management, property management, flex space & experience, critical infrastructure); Project Management (program management, project management, cost consulting); Real Estate Investments (investment management, development). Please visit our website at www.cbre.co.uk.