Why Maintenance Backlogs Are Driving Owners to Sell Their Self-Storage Facilities in 2025

If you've owned a self-storage facility for several years, you know that maintenance never really ends—it only adds up. From roof repairs to door replacements, aging facilities require more upkeep each year. In 2025, these growing maintenance costs are one of the top reasons many owners across Virginia and Pennsylvania are choosing to sell.

The combination of rising repair expenses, labor shortages, and investor demand for turnkey properties has created a perfect moment for owners to exit profitably—before deferred maintenance starts cutting into their property's value.

Maintenance Costs Are Rising Faster Than Ever

The self-storage industry is feeling the same inflationary pressures as the broader construction market. According to Inside Self-Storage, material and labor costs have risen more than 30% since 2020, and contractors remain booked months in advance.

Even smaller issues—like painting doors, resurfacing driveways, or replacing aging HVAC systems—can quickly add up to thousands of dollars. For many independent operators, keeping up with these costs is becoming unsustainable.

Facilities that were built 15–20 years ago are now reaching the point where roofs, security systems, and roll-up doors all need replacement at once. If you've postponed repairs to save cash, that backlog can now impact your property's valuation.

Buyers Are Paying Premiums for Well-Maintained Facilities

In 2025, investors are still paying top dollar for properties that are "clean, secure, and ready to operate." Many are looking for facilities that won't require immediate capital expenditures after purchase.

That means properties with updated roofs, lighting, gate systems, and curb appeal are commanding higher offers—sometimes 10–20% more than comparable facilities in need of repairs.

For sellers, this dynamic creates a crossroads:

• Spend money on deferred maintenance and hold the property longer, or

• Sell now, while buyer demand is high and valuations are still strong.

In many cases, owners are finding it more profitable to sell than to invest heavily in costly repairs they may never fully recover.

The Hidden Cost of Doing Nothing

Putting off maintenance doesn't just create visual issues—it can hurt revenue. Leaking roofs can damage tenant belongings, security lapses can lead to liability claims, and poor lighting or curb appeal can deter new renters.

Buyers recognize these risks during due diligence, and they'll either reduce their offer or walk away if they see too many unresolved issues. Selling before those problems grow can protect your return and make for a smoother transaction.

How Institutional Buyers Are Changing the Game

Large buyers—especially national and regional self-storage operators—are actively seeking facilities in Virginia, Pennsylvania, and nearby Mid-Atlantic states. Their goal is to modernize older facilities, add technology, and create scalable portfolios.

This means sellers can often secure competitive offers for as-is properties, without having to invest in major upgrades first. Many investors now budget for capital improvements post-closing and prefer to purchase facilities where they can add value themselves.

If you're tired of patching roofs or replacing locks, this environment gives you an opportunity to sell without tackling another round of costly projects.

When Maintenance Becomes a Selling Signal

If you find yourself spending more time scheduling repairs than managing tenants, it might be time to ask a few key questions:

• Are maintenance costs eating into your profits each year?

• Do you have the time and capital to modernize the facility?

• Would selling now provide better long-term returns?

If you answered "yes" to any of these, the current market conditions may make selling the smartest financial move.

To learn more about timing your sale, read:
Why 2025 Is the Perfect Year to Sell Your Self-Storage Facility.

Moving Forward: Turn Repairs Into Returns

You've worked hard to build your business. Selling before maintenance overwhelms your profits allows you to capture your equity and transition on your terms.

At Sell Self Storage Now, we help facility owners across Virginia and Pennsylvania connect with serious buyers who understand the value of established, income-producing properties. Whether your facility needs updates or is move-in ready, our team can help you evaluate offers, streamline the sale, and maximize your return.

✨ Ready to explore your options? Request your free facility consultation and see what your property could be worth in today's strong 2025 market.