About the 2026 Forecast
The 2026 Radius+ Self-Storage Forecast is a comprehensive, forward-looking report designed to help operators, investors, developers, and advisors navigate the next phase of the self-storage cycle with confidence.
Built on full-year 2025 data and reinforced by more than four decades of historical insight (1984-2025), this 80+ page report combines proprietary Radius+ analytics with expert commentary from across the industry.
The result is a clear, grounded outlook on where the self-storage market stands today and what lies ahead in 2026.
To ensure the integrity of the analysis, the report is independently produced. Radius+ does not accept sponsorships, paid placements, or promotional considerations in the development of the Annual Forecast, allowing the findings and conclusions to remain neutral and solely driven by data.
Why This Report Matters Now
The self-storage industry entered 2025 under conditions rarely seen in its modern history.
After years of elevated development activity, new supply slowed dramatically. Capital markets tightened. Transaction volume declined. At the same time, demand fundamentals remained resilient, shaped by demographic trends, constrained housing mobility, and uneven economic recovery across regions.
These dynamics created a moment of uncertainty and opportunity. They also raised critical questions that the industry must now confront:
- Is the current slowdown cyclical, structural, or both?
- Which markets are positioned to recover first, and why?
- How long will constrained development persist?
- What does long-term historical performance reveal about the next phase of the cycle?
- Where are risks being overstated, and where are they still under-appreciated?
This report exists to answer those questions.
By pairing long-term historical data with present-day market signals and expert interpretation, the 2026 Radius+ Forecast moves beyond surface-level narratives to provide a clearer understanding of what comes next.
What This Report Includes
The 2026 Radius+ Self-Storage Forecast spans more than 80 pages and delivers a detailed examination of the U.S. self-storage market, including:
- Full-year 2025 market performance analysis
- Historic supply, demand, and pricing trends from 1984-2025
- Forecasts for 2026 supply growth, demand dynamics, and rental rate performance
- Market-level insights highlighting divergence across regions
- Analysis of development pipelines, capital markets, and operational performance
- Long-term context to help distinguish structural shifts from cyclical patterns
This is not a snapshot or a short-term outlook. It is a reference document designed to support strategic planning throughout 2026 and beyond.
Download the 2026 Radius+ Self-Storage Forecast
Gain access to:
Four decades of historical context
Full-year 2025 market analysis
A forward-looking 2026 outlook grounded in data and expert insight
A strategic framework for navigating the next phase of the self-storage cycle
Informed by Industry Experts
This forecast is shaped not only by data, but by the voices of experienced professionals actively operating in today's environment. Throughout the report, subject matter experts provide commentary and perspective on:
- Market conditions and recovery timelines
- Underwriting assumptions and development risk
- Operational performance and pricing power
- Capital deployment and investment discipline
These expert contributions ensure the data is interpreted through a real-world lens, helping readers connect analytical insight with on-the-ground decision-making.
Advisory Committee
The 2026 Radius+ Self-Storage Forecast was developed with guidance and input from an advisory committee of industry leaders. Their experience helps ensure the report reflects both analytical rigor and practical relevance.
Advisory Committee Members:
Who This Report Is For
This report is designed for professionals who need more than headlines to guide their decisions, including:
Self-storage operators
Investors and developers
Lenders and capital partners
Advisors, brokers, and consultants
Whether evaluating individual markets, underwriting new opportunities, or setting portfolio-wide strategy, the 2026 Radius+ Forecast provides the clarity needed to act with confidence in a changing environment.
Press & Media Resources
Press Release
A downloadable press release announcing the 2026 Radius+ Self-Storage Forecast is available below.
Download Press ReleaseMedia Inquiries
For media requests, interviews, or additional information about the 2026 Radius+ Self-Storage Forecast, please contact:
Stacey Moellering
Chief Marketing Officer, Radius+
Email: stacey@unionrealtime.com
