Sell your self-storage business, anywhere in North America.

Who this is for

Owners of single facilities and small portfolios, including drive-up, climate-controlled, boat and RV storage and mixed-use sites, whether owner-operated or run by a third-party manager. Typical deals range from $250K to $10M in enterprise value.

What buyers look at in a self-storage business

• The business and the real estate. Most self-storage sales involve both the operating business and the property. Buyers look at what the facility earns, through net operating income (NOI), SDE or EBITDA, and at the land and buildings themselves. Whether you own the real estate or lease it changes the deal, and the valuation should reflect both pieces.
• Occupancy. Physical occupancy (units rented) and economic occupancy (rent actually collected compared with what a fully rented facility at current rates would bring in), plus how stable those numbers have been over time.
• Rates. In-place rents compared with current street rates, rate-increase history, concessions and delinquency. Room to bring rents to market is something buyers will pay for, if your records support it.
• Management and operations. Owner-managed or third-party managed, staffing, office hours, the management software and online rental, and how much of your own time the facility really takes.
• Property and growth. Unit mix, condition, security and access systems, deferred maintenance, and any land or permitting for expansion.
• Other income. Tenant protection or insurance, truck or trailer rental, retail supplies and other ancillary revenue, and how well it's documented.

A confidential sale, start to finish

Tenants, staff and nearby competitors shouldn't learn about a sale before you're ready. Your facility goes to market under a blind profile, financials and rent rolls are released only after a signed NDA, and buyers are screened for financial capacity before they tour the site or meet you.

Aneil negotiates price, terms and contingencies at the letter-of-intent stage, before diligence starts, and coordinates with your attorney, CPA and any real estate professionals through closing. For buyers who need financing, he can introduce SBA 7(a) and conventional acquisition lenders.

Who buys self-storage facilities

Buyers include investors and operators adding facilities, individuals who want a business with straightforward, largely passive operations, and international buyers, including E-2 treaty investors who need an operating business to qualify. A broker's job is to reach those buyers without exposing the sale, and to tell the serious ones from the curious.

Where we work

Trinmakk represents owners and buyers anywhere in the U.S. and Canada, including suburban and growing markets in Georgia, Texas, South Florida, the Carolinas, the Midwest and Long Island. See how a sale runs, or go back to the Trinmakk Business Brokers home page.

Frequently asked questions

How is a self-storage business valued?

Buyers look at both what the facility earns and the real estate it sits on. The earnings side is measured on net operating income, SDE or EBITDA, adjusted for real add-backs; occupancy, in-place rents compared with street rates, management costs and expansion potential all affect the price. Aneil gives you a free, confidential valuation that covers both the business and the property.

Can I sell the business if I lease the land or buildings?

Yes, but it changes what a buyer is paying for. With a lease, buyers focus on the remaining term, renewal options, rent and whether the lease can be assigned. Aneil reviews the lease early so it doesn't become a surprise in diligence.

Will my tenants or staff find out I'm selling?

Not from us. The facility is marketed under a blind profile, and financials, rent rolls and the location are shared only with buyers who have signed an NDA and shown they can finance the deal. Site visits are arranged discreetly.

What records should I have ready?

Profit and loss statements and tax returns for recent years, a current rent roll, occupancy and rate history, a list of any concessions or delinquent accounts, management and vendor agreements, property details and any lease. Cleaner records make for a faster sale and a stronger price.

Do you work with self-storage owners in Canada?

Yes. Trinmakk represents sellers and buyers anywhere in the U.S. and Canada. The process is the same wherever the facility is: confidential valuation, NDA-gated marketing, qualified buyers and negotiation through closing.