OUT NOW: MAY/JUNE ’26 ISSUE #180
News and insights from the movers and storers industry
Annual SSA UK self-storage industry report published
16th July 2026
Editorial Team
2 mins read
Storage | Sustainability
Cushman & Wakefield’s Self Storage Annual Industry Report provides a definitive view of the UK self-storage sector, drawing on 2025 market data and produced in collaboration with the Self Storage Association UK.
Over the last year, the self-storage sector has continued to grow, with stock increasing by 5%, taking the total floorspace to 67.5 million square feet. All-store occupancy remains robust at 74.5%, while new stores are being delivered across the UK and operators rebalance pricing strategies to sustain demand and protect fill levels.
Looking ahead, the industry continues to evolve across multiple fronts. Operational models are becoming leaner, with an average of just 2.6 staff per store, while technology adoption is accelerating, with AI usage rising from 9% to 23% of operators year-on-year. Investor interest remains strong, with increasing levels of institutional capital targeting the sector, underpinned by its long-term growth fundamentals.
Key findings
- Annual turnover: The industry has continued to scale, reaching an annual turnover of £1.3bn.
- Occupancy rates: Overall occupancy sits at 74.5%, with mature stores achieving a higher average of 79.6%.
- Churn rate: The churn rate remains high at 96.6%, reflecting the sector’s inherently transient customer base.
- Rental returns: Revenue per square foot stands at £27.40 (ex-VAT), indicating continued pressure on pricing compared to prior peak levels.
- Operational efficiency: Stores are operating with lean teams, averaging just 2.6 staff per site, highlighting ongoing efficiency gains.
- Customer behaviour: Repeat customers account for 45.1% of users, underlining the importance of customer retention within the sector.
- Digital adoption: Digital capability continues to strengthen, with 94.2% of stores offering online bookings.
- Security measures: The vast majority of facilities (90.8%) now utilise monitored CCTV, reinforcing a strong focus on customer and asset security.
- Technological integration: 54% of operators are actively using AI, demonstrating early but growing adoption of advanced technologies.
