---
title: "Is now still a good time to get into the self-storage business?"
description: "**Short answer:** Mark’s view is yes, for people who prepare for today’s conditions. Higher interest rates, construction costs and overbuilding in some markets mean more capital and more careful analysis, but every period has challenges, and waiting for a perfect…"
url: "https://creatingwealththroughselfstorage.com/docs/is-now-a-good-time-to-start-self-storage/"
updated: "2026-10-16"
category: Getting Started in Self Storage
---

# Is now still a good time to get into the self-storage business?

**Short answer:** Mark’s view is yes, for people who prepare for today’s conditions. Higher interest rates, construction costs and overbuilding in some markets mean more capital and more careful analysis, but every period has challenges, and waiting for a perfect time can mean staying on the sidelines indefinitely.

## What has changed

- Lenders now typically require 25–35% down, sized by debt coverage.
- Construction, materials, labor and insurance cost more.
- Some trade areas are overbuilt, and rents can no longer be assumed to grow every year.

## What it takes now

- A trade area with real, unmet demand, confirmed by a good feasibility report.
- Conservative projections that assume slower lease-ups and higher costs.
- More capital than you first expect, or partners to share it.

Mark has been in storage since 1995 and has seen booms, recessions and overbuilding. He got back into storage just before the 2008 recession, and storage income carried him while other commercial real estate stalled. His takeaway: be smart, but get in the game if you can.

Whether it’s right for you depends on your own finances and goals; talk with your own advisors.

## Related answers

- [How much money do you need to get into self-storage today, and how does debt coverage affect it?](/docs/how-much-money-to-start-self-storage/)
- [What are the first steps to getting into self-storage?](/docs/self-storage-startup-checklist/)
- [What are the most common mistakes when buying a first self-storage facility?](/docs/beginner-mistakes-buying-self-storage/)

**Source:** Mark’s posts [How Much Money Do You Really Need to Start in Self-Storage?](/how-much-money-do-you-really-need-to-start-in-self-storage/) and [Make 2026 Your Year in Self-Storage](/make-2026-your-year-in-self-storage/)

**Want Mark’s full system?**Get his free 3-part video series on finding, analyzing and buying self-storage.

[Watch the free series](https://thequickstartacademy.com/p/free-3-part-video-series)