The 2025 CSTA Container Self-Storage Census paints a picture of a thriving, adaptive sector that is balancing growth with operational efficiency.
The UK container self-storage sector entered 2025 with remarkable momentum – and this has continued throughout the year.
According to the CSTA Container Self-Storage Census 2025 (Container Self-Storage & Traders Association), at mid-year, the industry counted 652 operators running 1,212 sites and housing a total of 111,500 containers – all serving a customer base that is staying longer, demanding more, and driving steady year-on-year growth.
This year’s data - collected between April and June 2025 from CSTA members, non-members, and independent research - provides a clear benchmark for operators and investors alike.
The picture is one of a sector that has matured significantly over the past 25 years – evolving from small opportunistic plots of containers into a professional, structured, service-oriented industry.
A market on the rise
The Census confirms that container self-storage remains one of the UK’s most resilient and adaptive property-based sectors. After a period of pandemic-driven acceleration in 2020–21, growth has continued at a steady pace: +9.5% between 2023 and 2024, and a projected +10.4% in 2025.
The surge has been driven by both new entrants as well as expansion from existing operators. Some are adding to their container stock on established sites; others are launching entirely new facilities. In total, over 50 new sites are being added each year.
Prime locations, however, remain the sector’s biggest bottleneck. While demand is strong across the country, suitable plots – with good road access and at an economic price – are increasingly difficult to secure. This is particularly true in London, the South East, and other high-density logistics corridors, which together account for 33% of sites. By contrast, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland remain under-represented, offering potential opportunities for strategic expansion.
The container count – and capacity pressures
With 111,500 containers in circulation, the UK’s container self-storage footprint now represents over 16.6 million square feet of rentable space. The majority of these are standard ISO 20-foot units – typically marketed as “160 sq ft” – although many operators also offer 10ft, 40ft, and even 8ft options.
High occupancy is the norm. In 2025, most sites report 90–99% utilisation, indicating both strong demand and a sector that is running close to capacity. This in turn fuels container procurement – and here, operators face challenges beyond their control ...
Photo: The CSTA Container Self-Storage Census 2025.
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