Self-storage glossary

This glossary defines the terms self-storage investors, brokers, and developers use daily when sourcing and underwriting deals, from trade area and by-right zoning through street rate, occupancy rate, RevPAF, and cap rate. Each entry gives a precise definition first, then links to the Beacon data or comparison page most relevant to researching that concept further.

Deal Sourcing & Site Selection Terms

Terms that shape where a self-storage site gets sourced and screened before an offer goes out.

Trade Area The geography a facility draws its customers from. Read the definition → By-Right Zoning Whether a parcel allows self storage without a rezoning or variance. Read the definition →

Rates & Underwriting Terms

Terms that shape how a self-storage deal gets priced and modeled once diligence starts.

Street Rate The advertised walk-in price before any promotion or discount is applied. Read the definition → Self-Storage Occupancy Rate What physical and economic occupancy mean when leases run month-to-month. Read the definition → RevPAF Revenue per available square foot, which folds rate and occupancy into one number. Read the definition → Self-Storage Cap Rate Why the same storage income prices differently from one trade area to the next. Read the definition →

Looking for Buy Box?

Buy box is a cross-asset-class underwriting term that already has a home on PropRise's Primer glossary, so Beacon's glossary links out instead of duplicating the definition.

Primer Glossary Buy Box The investment criteria a firm uses to screen deals fast. Read on Primer's glossary →

Glossary FAQ

What terms are covered in Beacon's self-storage glossary?

Six terms: street rate, trade area, and by-right zoning for sourcing and site selection, plus occupancy rate, RevPAF, and cap rate for underwriting.

Where can I find a definition of "buy box"?

Buy box is defined on PropRise's Primer glossary; Beacon's glossary links there rather than duplicating the definition, since buy box is a cross-asset-class underwriting term Primer already owns.

Are these definitions specific to self-storage?

Yes. Every entry is written in a self-storage investing and development context, not a generic commercial real estate definition.

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