Signal Ventures

Signal Ventures
Investor Portal
Book A Call
Book A Call

Blog

Why Self-Storage Is Poised for a Strategic Comeback in 2025

by

The self-storage sector is entering 2025 with mounting evidence of a cyclical upswing. After a period of pandemic-driven highs followed by a modest correction, key indicators now signal that a rebound is underway. For both high-net-worth accredited investors and newcomers exploring their first real estate syndication, self-storage presents a confident, data-supported case for renewed growth. This article from Signal Ventures breaks down why smart capital is moving into self-storage now – before the broader market catches on – and why early positioning could be strategic. From Boom to Slowdown: A Resilient Sector Finds Its Floor Self-storage enjoyed unprecedented demand during the 2020–2021 period, but by 2023 the market faced headwinds. Elevated supply growth and a cooldown in moving activity (a primary demand driver) led to softer fundamentals. Property values pulled back roughly 20% from their 2021 peak, according to Green Street data. Occupancies, which had been in the mid-90% range at the pandemic peak, dipped back toward historical norms around the low 90s. National average occupancy in 2023 was about 91–92%, down a couple of percentage points from the prior year. Rental rates also retreated: industry-wide, street rents fell approximately 10% in 2023 after the COVID surge. Heavily supplied Sunbelt markets saw sharper rent declines (often in the 10–15% range), while dense coastal cities held steadier. In short, by late 2024 the sector had undergone a healthy correction, digesting new supply and reverting from unsustainably high COVID-era demand. Crucially, even during this slowdown, self-storage proved its resilience relative to other property types. Investors continued to view storage as a “safe haven” in a volatile CRE environment, transacting $3 billion in U.S. self-storage property sales during 2024 (over 800 facilities traded). The asset class maintained consistent cash flows despite rising interest rates and inflation. Cap rates (initial yields) stayed roughly flat through 2024 even as values dipped, reflecting investor belief in the sector’s long-term stability. In other words, the foundation held firm: occupancy levels, though off their highs, remained healthy, and savvy investors quietly started to accumulate assets at discounted prices. Early Signs of Stabilization in 2024 By late 2024 and early 2025, data began to show that the self-storage market had found its footing. The downward trend in rents is losing steam and even starting to reverse. In January 2025, the national average self-storage rent was only 0.7% lower than a year prior, a far smaller year-over-year drop than earlier in 2024 7 . More significantly, rents rose about 0.8% month-over-month in January – an unusual feat in what is typically the slow season. Likewise, April 2025 figures show national self-storage rents down a mere 0.4% year-over-year, essentially flat, with a return to sequential monthly growth heading into spring. In fact, 27 of the top 30 metro markets saw rents increase between March and April 2025. Markets like Chicago, Tampa, and Washington D.C. are now posting annual rent gains of 2–3%, reflecting constrained supply and sustained demand in those areas . The worst-performing cities (e.g. Austin, San Diego) are still seeing declines, but even those are moderating to single-digit percentages. This broad-based stabilization suggests the sector is at an inflection point. Occupancy rates tell a similar story. After ticking down from record highs, occupancies have largely plateaued at healthy levels, rather than spiraling further down. By Q4 2024, average occupancy at major self-storage REITs hovered around 91%, only slightly below the prior year. Essentially, facilities on the whole stopped losing tenants – a clear sign that demand has caught up to the new supply delivered in recent years. Industry observers note that “flat occupancy trends suggest the worst may be over”. Many operators used aggressive promotions in 2023–24 to keep occupancy up, accepting a temporary dip in revenue growth to retain customers. That strategy appears to have paid off: the customer base has largely stabilized, and now rental rates can be inched back up. Net operating income (NOI) trends, which were slightly negative in 2024, are expected to turn positive again in 2025 as the combination of steady occupancy and improving rents kicks in. National average street rates (per square foot) for self-storage units trended downward through 2023 but began rebounding modestly in 2024–2025, as shown above. Both climate-controlled (blue) and non-climate (gray) unit rates have firmed up after a period of decline (data through May 2025). The inflection in this rent curve is a key marker of the sector’s stabilization. The macroeconomic backdrop is also becoming more favorable. The Federal Reserve’s aggressive rate hikes in 2022–2023 – which had cooled the housing market and self-storage demand – have given way to a more stable outlook. By early 2025, interest rates have plateaued, with the Fed even signaling potential rate cuts on the horizon 15 . While high borrowing costs in 2024 put a damper on self-storage development and transactions, the mere expectation of easing rates has improved investor sentiment. Consumer price inflation, which was running hot in 2022, has moderated in 2024, restoring some consumer confidence. Self-storage operators report improved leasing velocity as renters adjust to the new normal and feel more secure in their finances 15 . In short, the clouds are parting: with the economy on a stable footing (no recession materialized in 2024) and interest rate pressure likely past its peak, the stage is set for self- storage fundamentals to strengthen. Demand Drivers: Mobility, Housing, and Lifestyle Shifts One of the strongest indicators for self-storage demand is housing mobility – people moving households. Over the past two years, the U.S. saw an unusually low level of moving activity, which directly dampened storage usage. Why the slowdown? One factor is the housing market lockdown effect: roughly 56% of U.S. mortgage holders have interest rates below 4%, a byproduct of the ultra-low rates in 2020–21. With market mortgage rates now around 6–7%, homeowners have been reluctant to sell and lose their cheap loans. Fewer home sales means fewer moves, which in turn meant less demand for storage units (moves typically account for about 50% of self-storage usage). … Read more

Why Private Assets Are No Longer Just for Institutions — And Why That Matters for Your Wealth

by

For decades, the world of private investments — real estate, infrastructure, private loans — was reserved for institutional giants: pension funds, endowments, and ultra-wealthy investors. But change is coming. And if you’re serious about growing and preserving wealth in the next decade, you’ll want to be part of it. In his 2025 annual letter to shareholders, Larry Fink, CEO of BlackRock (the world’s largest asset manager), issued a powerful call to action: “The U.S. needs to put just as much effort into helping people climb to the ceiling—through investing.” Fink is pushing for broader access to private assets, arguing that they should be a core part of retirement strategies for everyday investors — not just the elite. At Signal Ventures, we couldn’t agree more. The Future of Investing: Beyond Stocks and Bonds The traditional 60/40 stock-and-bond portfolio? It’s becoming a relic. Fink envisions a new model: 50% stocks, 30% bonds, 20% private assets. Why? Because private markets — think data centers, self-storage facilities, modern ports, renewable energy grids — offer: Higher potential returns Lower portfolio volatility Real diversification beyond public market swings And they represent the critical infrastructure of tomorrow’s economy. Yet, most investors today still can’t access them easily — a gap that needs urgent closing. Signal Ventures: Giving Investors Access to Tomorrow’s Opportunities At Signal Ventures, we’re ahead of this curve.  We specialize in sourcing and developing data-driven real estate investments — projects that historically have been accessible primarily to large institutions. Our mission? To bring these high-potential private opportunities to qualified individual investors who want more than the limitations of public markets. We believe: Transparency should be the norm. Smart technology should simplify investing, not complicate it. Private market access should be a tool for broader wealth creation, not a gated secret. When you invest with Signal Ventures, you’re not just investing in real estate — you’re positioning yourself for the future economy Larry Fink is describing. Capital Markets = Opportunity for All As Fink put it, the answer is simple: “More investment. More investors.” The retirement-savings gap, the wealth divide, the future of financial security — none of these problems will be solved by playing it safe with outdated investment models. They will be solved by opening doors, broadening access, and empowering individuals to invest like institutions. That’s the future Signal Ventures is building — one opportunity at a time.  Ready to be part of it? Learn more about our latest offerings or Schedule a call to explore how private assets could strengthen your portfolio.

Where the Savvy Are Investing in 2025 (And Why It’s Not Tech Stocks)

by

In uncertain times, many investors instinctively turn to the stock market. But 2025 is shaping up to be a year where the traditional approach may not serve you best. If you’re asking, “Where should I invest in 2025?” or “What’s the best investment right now?” — it may be time to look beyond Wall Street. The answer? Recession-resilient real estate. More specifically: self-storage real estate in Oregon. This under-the-radar asset class offers the kind of consistency, cash flow, and long-term growth the stock market can’t promise—especially when volatility and uncertainty are the new norm. Why It’s Time to Rethink the Stock Market You’ve seen the headlines. Inflation and interest rate concerns continue to shake investor confidence. Market volatility in early 2025 is reminding investors that the “safe” bet isn’t always so safe. For those tired of the emotional swings of Wall Street, real estate offers something different: predictability Why Self-Storage Is Outpacing the Market Self-storage is a uniquely stable asset. It’s not tied to consumer sentiment or discretionary spending. It’s driven by life events—the moments that keep happening no matter what the S&P 500 is doing. People relocate, downsize, go through transitions, or launch new businesses. And when they do, they need space. That demand continues regardless of what’s happening in the stock market. Even during the 2008 crash and the COVID-19 crisis, self-storage maintained strong occupancy rates and revenue. That’s the kind of resilience few stocks can claim. Why Oregon Is a Hotbed for Self-Storage in 2025 If you’re looking for where to invest in 2025, Oregon is a prime target—especially in cities like Bend, Springfield, and Eugene. Here’s why: 🔼 Rising Demand: Oregon ranks among the fastest-growing self-storage markets in the U.S. 👥 Population Growth: Oregon’s inbound migration and urban development continue to drive real estate demand 💼 Economic Diversity: Small business growth and remote work culture increase storage needs. 🌲 Lifestyle-Driven Moves: As people seek more flexible, outdoors-oriented living, transitional storage is in high demand. At Signal Ventures, we’ve been turning underperforming Oregon properties into high-performing self-storage investments—and the data speaks for itself. Real Estate vs. Stocks in 2025: The Choice Is Clear Here’s what self-storage real estate offers that most stock portfolios can’t: ✅ Reliable Monthly Cash Flow – No guesswork, no timing the market✅ Lower Volatility – Less emotional, more data-driven✅ Tax Advantages – Depreciation and equity growth work in your favor✅ Tangible Assets – Real property with real value You don’t have to leave the market entirely. But you can diversify into something more stable, scalable, and consistent. Final Thought: Invest Where It Actually Works You’ve worked hard to build wealth. Now is the time to protect and grow it in ways that won’t keep you up at night. Stocks may rebound—or they may not. But the right real estate investment, in the right market, with the right partner? That’s a strategy that delivers—especially in Oregon’s booming self-storage sector. Ready to Talk Strategy? If you’re looking to shift into real estate that actually performs—even when the stock market doesn’t—we’d love to connect. We specialize in stable, recession-resilient investments for long-term wealth builders. 👉 Schedule a Private CallLet’s explore how this strategy can strengthen your portfolio in 2025—and beyond.

The Future of Real Estate: How Predictive Analytics is Driving Smarter Investments

by

In real estate, timing is everything. The ability to see opportunities before they become obvious to the market can be the difference between an average return and a game-changing investment. At Signal Ventures, we don’t just follow trends—we predict them. By using predictive analytics, we uncover hidden value in undervalued properties, particularly in the booming self-storage sector. What is Predictive Analytics? Think of predictive analytics as a crystal ball backed by data. It uses historical trends, algorithms, and machine learning to forecast future outcomes. In real estate, this means analyzing everything from local population growth and employment trends to consumer habits and market demand. Instead of guessing, we rely on hard data to drive smarter investment decisions. Why It Matters in Real Estate Investing For years, real estate investment relied on experience, gut instinct, and market cycles. But today, we have something better—data-driven insights that give investors a real advantage. With predictive analytics, we can: How Signal Ventures Uses Predictive Analytics to Find Hidden Gold At Signal Ventures, we use technology to make smarter investments. Our data models analyze factors like: Supply & Demand Gaps – Where is storage demand exceeding supply? That’s where we go. Consumer Behavior – How are people moving, working, and living? Their choices shape the future of real estate. Market Competition – Where are the untapped opportunities that others are overlooking? Economic Trends – Job growth, interest rates, and migration patterns help us predict tomorrow’s high-growth markets. Real Success: From Empty Land to Profitable Self-Storage At Signal Ventures, we don’t just invest in existing properties—we build high-performing assets from the ground up. By leveraging predictive analytics, we identify prime locations with high demand for self-storage and transform them into thriving investments. A prime example is our latest project, Badger Road Self Storage in Bend, OR. This ground-up development features 877 storage units at 20130 Badger Road and represents a cutting-edge approach to maximizing property value. Project Type: Ground-Up Development IRR: 30% Equity Multiple: 3.3x Holding Period: 5 Years Equity Contribution: $5,000,000 Stabilized Yield on Cost: 10.0% By using data to pinpoint underserved markets, we ensure our projects meet demand, achieve high occupancy rates, and deliver strong returns for our investors.a commercial property that most investors ignored. On paper, the area looked oversaturated with self-storage, but our data told a different story. Within a five-mile radius, there was an unmet need for modern, secure storage. By transforming the space into a state-of-the-art facility, we hit high occupancy rates within months, delivering strong investor returns. The Future of Real Estate Belongs to Data-Driven Investors Real estate investing isn’t about following the herd—it’s about staying ahead of it. At Signal Ventures, we’re using cutting-edge analytics to help investors make smarter, more profitable decisions with confidence. The question isn’t whether predictive analytics works—it’s whether you’re ready to use it before your competition does. Are you ready to invest smarter? Let’s talk about how Signal Ventures can help you make strategic, data-backed decisions for maximum returns.