UK Annual Industry Report 2026

The Self Storage Association UK Annual Industry Report 2026 includes data collected from industry operators, customers currently using self storage and the general public.
This is the 19th year the Self Storage Association UK has been surveying its members and producing an annual industry report. The report covers all viewpoints of the industry, collecting data from operators, customers and the general public.
The report has been produced in conjunction with Cushman & Wakefield. Their extensive experience in valuing self storage properties around the world, as well as knowledge of the broader property market has further added to the valuable information in this report. The economic overview provided by Cushman & Wakefield included in the report also gives context to the achievements of the industry.

2026 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.

Whether you’re an industry veteran or new to the market, the 2026 report is a crucial reference point to stay ahead in this dynamic landscape.

Source: SSA UK/ Cushman & Wakefield