How we work these out

Where the figures come from

Every rate in the instrument is drawn from published North East commercial and open-storage listings, farm-diversification case studies in the farming press, and what local caravan, container and storage sites actually advertise. We deliberately anchor to the low and typical end of what those sources show, not the top. If you end up earning more than the range suggests, that is the outcome we want.

Every annual figure has a three-quarters occupancy haircut baked in, in line with the Self Storage Association UK 2024 average of 75.1%. Space that sits empty part of the year is normal, the instrument assumes it.

Our comparable rates are strongest in the North East, where we are active. For sites elsewhere in the North the ranges are wider, and we say so in the Passport.

What raises and lowers a rate

Dry, watertight, powered, good access, secure and near a main road earns more. Bare, remote, earth-floored or awkward to get in and out of earns less. The site toggles in the instrument reflect the adjustments we see most often in real lettings. We cap the total uplift so a full set of boxes never produces a fantasy number.

The plain-words note on deductions

The range is gross, before your costs. A few things worth knowing:

• Storing goods for a customer is normally VAT-able. If you are VAT-registered you will charge it on top; if you are not, you keep the full rent but check your registration threshold.
• Business rates may apply, but many small owners pay none thanks to Small Business Rate Relief where the rateable value is below £12,000.
• The first £1,000 of property income is tax-free under the UK property allowance.
• Insurance, upkeep and any works you carry out come off the top. Your Passport calls these out where they matter for the routes you want to consider.

We’d always suggest checking with a local land agent before you commit.