Introduction
As we approach 2026, astute investors are increasingly looking for passive income opportunities outside of typical equities and bonds. Real estate remains a compelling option — and within that, self-storage is emerging as one of the more resilient and high-return niches. In this context, the Badger Road Self Storage development at 20130 Badger Road, Bend, OR 97702, under Signal Ventures, stands out as an ideal anchor for your passive investment portfolio.
Why Self-Storage Still Makes Sense in U.S. Real Estate
Market size & growth:
- The U.S. self-storage market generated approximately USD $23.35 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach around USD $31.34 billion by 2030, reflecting a CAGR of ~5.3 % between 2025–2030. (Grand View Research)
- Globally, the self-storage market is estimated at USD $62.87 billion in 2025, with growth driven by urbanisation, rental households, and business usage of storage space. (WK Information)
- According to the national “Matrix National Self Storage Report” (Jan–Mar 2025), the sector is stabilising after the pandemic surge, transaction volumes remain solid, and fundamentals are intact (e.g., ~2.9 % of existing national stock under construction as of Feb 2025) (The Storage Acquisition Group)
Key demand drivers:
- Mobility: As more people relocate (especially remote-work enabled moves) and downsizing continues in many markets, demand for storage grows.
- Urban/high-density living: Smaller living spaces often translate into need for storage outside the home.
- Supply constraints & market inefficiencies: Many markets have limited new high-quality supply of climate-controlled, well-located facilities, opening opportunities for new-build assets in underserved areas.
- Portfolio diversification: Compared to traditional office/retail real estate (which faces structural headwinds), self-storage tends to hold up better in downturns thanks to stable occupancy and tenant mix.
Why Bend, OR, Is a High-Quality Location for This Project
Location matters — and Signal Ventures has picked a strong spot.
Demographics & growth:
- The site at 20130 Badger Road enjoys excellent highway visibility along U.S. Route 97 (traffic count ~24,826 AADT at this location).
- Within a 3-mile radius: ~60,000 people, with an average household income of ~$124,000.
- The market: Bend has seen remarkable growth — one highlight: 91 % population increase since 2000 in the broader metro region.
Supply-demand gap:
- Within 3 miles of the site, there is ~656,046 square feet of competing self-storage space (~11.5 sq ft per person), yet only ~35,000 sq ft of climate-controlled storage available — highlighting a clear niche.
- This indicates a strong underserved market for high-quality self-storage, especially climate-controlled units, which are typically higher-yielding.
Deal Structure & Investment Highlights
Here’s how the project stacks up:
- Project type: Ground-Up development of 877 units on ~1.87 acres at 20130 Badger Road.
- Key metrics (as per Signal Ventures): 90% of Common Equity Funded; Expected IRR ~28%; Equity Multiple ~3.5 ×; Holding Period: 5 years; Equity Contribution: ~$6.293 million; Stabilized Yield on Cost: ~10.0%.
- Additional context: These numbers reflect a strong return profile for passive investors seeking yield plus value-growth over a defined timeframe.
Why This Makes for a Great Passive Investment Starting 2026
Passive income + defined holding period: With a 5-year planned hold, the structure suits investors who prefer a horizon rather than indefinite ownership.
High return profile: A ~28 % IRR and ~3.5 × equity multiple are compelling in today’s market.
Experiential team: Signal Ventures emphasises data-driven analytics, transparency, and a proven track record in self-storage and other real-asset sectors. Using their dashboards, investors gain a view into performance and risk.
Inflation hedge & asset class diversification: Real assets like storage offer a partial hedge to inflation (rents can increase) and help diversify from traditional equities or bonds.
Location & supply advantage: As noted above, the Bend market presents a strong demographic tailwind and a supply-side gap — this kind of “first-mover” development in an underserved location is often advantageous.
Structural support for self-storage: Despite market moderation in 2025 (transaction volumes stabilising, cap rates moderating) (InsideSelfStorage), the longer-term growth drivers remain intact.
Considerations & Why You Should Act Early
While the opportunity is strong, here are a few considerations (and why acting earlier may be beneficial):
- New developments face the risk of absorption/time-to-stabilise. But Signal Ventures’ analysis suggests unmet demand, which may accelerate occupancy.
- Interest rates and construction cost inflation remain headwinds — locked-in yields and disciplined underwriting help mitigate this.
- The self-storage sector is moving from a “boom” phase into a more stabilised environment; early entry into a well-positioned project gives an advantage.
- Given the equity is 90% committed, availability may get tight — early participation may secure better terms.
How to Get Started
If you’re looking to allocate capital into a passive income vehicle and wish to participate in the Badger Road Self Storage project with Signal Ventures.
Conclusion
For investors seeking a passive, well-structured real-asset investment to start 2026, the Badger Road Self Storage development checks many key boxes: strong market fundamentals, high-return structure, defined horizon, and an experienced sponsor. With the U.S. self-storage market poised for continued growth and Bend, Oregon, offering a favourable location with supply/demand imbalance, this is a compelling opportunity. If you are ready to move beyond traditional asset classes and capture future income with upside potential, this may well be the right time to invest.
Invest Now with Signal Ventures or call (541) 323-4847 to reserve your position before funding closes.