SSSE’s core values are Fun, Integrity, Drive, and Others-First. As part of our commitment to Others-First, we strive to educate our investors, partners, and the general public about self storage. The Roman philosopher Seneca once said, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity”. This Frequently Asked Questions page is to serve as preparation for anyone interested in learning more about self storage and SSSE. The opportunities come when you sign up for SSSE’s investors list or buyers list by clicking the links in our menu bar. We hope to be lucky enough to work together.
If there are any questions that you have that are not answered below, please contact info@ssse.com
Are self storage rental rates recovering?
The rate story is not all bad, but it is not a straight-line recovery either.
From Q4 2024 to Q2 2025, rental rates increased across all unit sizes and climate types. That suggests some pricing power may be returning. But year over year, the data still showed rental rates down 1.61 percent for non-climate-controlled units and down 2.63 percent for climate-controlled units. The key takeaway: near-term improvement does not erase the broader reset from pandemic-era pricing. In some markets- primary markets for the most part- rental rates increased 7% month over month during the pandemic. That meteoric increase in rates was never going to be sustainable no matter the inflationary conditions. Buyers that bought based on those financials are now in the midst of a rude awakening as interest rates maintain elevated levels and expenses continue to rise. Investors should model modest growth, monitor concessions, and understand whether a market is improving because demand is returning or because operators finally stopped cutting rates.