Self storage in the DACH region.
Three neighbouring countries, three very different markets: Germany with a lot of space but low penetration, Austria with many small, digital sites, and Switzerland with the highest rents in Europe.
| Metric | Germany | Austria | Switzerland | Europe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Self storage space | around 2.4 million m² | around 350,000 m² | around 200,000 m² | around 18 million m² |
| Space per capita | approx. 0.03 m² | approx. 0.04 m² | approx. 0.02 m² | approx. 0.02 m² |
| Avg. occupancy | around three quarters | around three quarters | around three quarters | just under 80% |
| Avg. net rent / m² / year | just under €300 | just over €300 | over €500 | just over €300 |
| Share of European space | approx. 14% (rank 3) | approx. 2% | approx. 1% | 100% |
Rounded individual figures based on FEDESSA/CBRE European Self Storage Industry Report 2025. Not affiliated with FEDESSA or CBRE; full data and methodology in the original report. Per-capita figures and shares are our own calculation using population data from Eurostat and BFS. Together, the DACH region accounts for just under 3 million m², roughly one sixth of Europe's total space.
The largest market in the DACH region, with room to catch up.
After the United Kingdom and France, Germany is the third-largest self storage market in Europe. Per capita, however, it has only around a third of the UK's storage space.
- Major cities first: Indoor sites are found mainly in large cities such as Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Cologne and Frankfurt.
- Medium-sized towns catching up: Storage container and drive-up parks are opening up towns with little or no existing supply.
- Long rental periods: Tenants in Germany stay more than a year on average, much longer than the European average.
- Growing awareness: Within a year, the share of people who have never heard of self storage fell from almost half to just under a third.
self storage space – no. 3 in Europe after the UK and France
- Germany2.4
- Austria0.35
- Switzerland0.2
- Per capita~0.03 m²
- Occupancy~75%
- Length of stay> 12 months
Many small sites, high density in Vienna.
Austria has more self storage space per capita than Germany. The market is shaped by small, unstaffed micro sites, often in ground-floor units in Vienna. Some are even located on the same street.
- High awareness: Thanks to the many visible sites, an above-average share of people know about self storage.
- Digitally operated: According to FEDESSA, Austria is one of the drivers of remotely operated sites.
- Under pressure in 2025: Occupancy and revenue fell, partly because many young sites are still in their lease-up phase.
more storage space per inhabitant than Germany or Switzerland
- Austria0.04
- Germany0.03
- Switzerland0.02
- Europe0.02
- Space~350k m²
- Occupancy~74%
- Rent> €300/m²/year
A small market with Europe's highest rents.
At over €500 per m² per year, Switzerland achieves the highest self storage rents in Europe according to FEDESSA. Space per capita, on the other hand, is fairly low, and land is scarce and expensive.
- Price over occupancy: In 2025, Swiss operators raised rents significantly and gave up some occupancy in return.
- Urban locations: Zurich, Geneva, Basel and Bern combine high purchasing power with scarce housing.
- High hurdles: Land prices and permit procedures make new builds challenging, which makes conversions all the more attractive.
average net rent – the top value in Europe
- Switzerlandover 500
- Austriajust over 300
- Europejust over 300
- Germanyjust under 300
- Space~200k m²
- Per capita~0.02 m²
- Occupancy~76%
What the DACH region means for investors and landowners.
Germany as a growth market
A large population, a high renter rate and low penetration: the demand drivers are in place, but many regions still lack supply.
Austria's operating model
Small, digital sites show how self storage can be run profitably on just a few hundred square metres.
Swiss price levels
Switzerland shows what rents are achievable in tight markets with strong purchasing power, albeit with high land and construction costs.
Self storage in the DACH region.
How big is the self storage market in Germany?
According to the FEDESSA 2025 report, Germany has around 2.4 million m² of self storage space. That is about 14% of European space and ranks third behind the United Kingdom and France.
How much does self storage cost in Germany, Austria and Switzerland?
According to FEDESSA, the average net rent per occupied square metre per year is just under €300 in Germany, slightly more in Austria and over €500 in Switzerland. The monthly rent for a specific unit depends heavily on size, location and storage type.
Why is there so little self storage per capita in Germany?
Many flats have cellars or attics, and self storage is still relatively unknown. At the same time, urban rents are rising, new flats are getting smaller and awareness is growing significantly.
Which storage type suits the DACH region?
In city centres, indoor facilities in converted buildings dominate. On the urban fringe and in medium-sized towns, storage container, drive-up and garage parks are growing. The decision guide gives you a first direction.