Europe’s Self-Storage Market: A Rising Star for Institutional Investors
In recent years, the European self-storage market has transitioned from a niche segment of the real estate industry into a key focus for institutional investors. With urbanization, limited housing space, and the growing appeal of flexible storage solutions driving demand, the sector has demonstrated impressive resilience and growth, even amid broader economic uncertainty.
The Evolution and Future of the European Self-Storage Industry
The self-storage industry in Europe traces its roots back to the 1980s, significantly lagging behind its U.S. counterpart, which began in the 1960s. Early adoption was slow, with the first facilities emerging in the United Kingdom and Scandinavia. Unlike in the U.S., where suburban sprawl and ample land facilitated rapid growth, Europe's densely populated cities, limited urban space, and stricter zoning regulations hindered development.