The land, building and business associated with a modern purpose-built self-storage facility in Ōtaki is for sale providing opportunity for an existing operator to acquire a well-performing asset, or for hands-off investors to continue with the proven management structure.

The 84-unit storage complex at 53 Riverbank Road, in an established industrial precinct, was constructed in 2022 and is known as Safe Guard Storage, Ōtaki. It has enjoyed strong occupancy levels since opening and is currently 87 percent leased, returning annual net income of circa-$170,000 plus GST under full-time management by longstanding storage specialists, Safe Guard Storage.

Safe Guard is 100% New Zealand-owned and operated, runs more than 20 facilities throughout the country, and is a member of the Self-Storage Association of Australasia (SSAA).

The 2,756sqm site is zoned Industrial and lies just off State Highway 1, parallel to the Ōtaki River. The high-spec 1,329sqm storage facility has a functional, regular layout and offers units of varying size from 2.25sqm to 18sqm, with the majority larger than 9sqm, to suit a wide range of storage needs.

The complex has a fully automated entry/exit system for seamless and secure access, a wide internal driveway with drive-around capability for easy vehicle circulation, and a 24/7 monitored electronic security system with all units individually alarmed.

The property is being sold through a tender process closing 21st May, via Fraser Press and Simon Butler of Bayleys Wellington Commercial.

Given current land and construction costs, Press says it would be impossible to replicate and build such a facility affordably today and with further rental upside to be unlocked by getting the complex fully leased, it’s a strong offering in today’s industrial market.

“The nature of the self-storage industry is that occupancy levels fluctuate, but this facility has competitive rental rates which has supported occupancy since it opened.

“Safe Guard is a proven, responsive management company that handles everything from marketing, viewings, lease agreements, rent collection and day-to-day enquiry so for a passive investor, it’s a simple, low-risk investment option.

“Storage is in high demand and will only increase as the Ōtaki area grows.” Self-storage is a key alternative asset class according to Bayleys global real estate partner, Knight Frank. In its latest Asia-Pacific Outlook Charting New Horizons 2025: 25 Trends Shaping 2025, self-storage is identified as an investment class with strong fundamentals and returns, says Press.

“There are many drivers for self-storage demand including a reactivated housing market off the back of lower interest rates, homeowners downsizing to properties with minimal storage capacity, more intensive residential development with a lack of garaging, and the growth of e-commerce businesses requiring secure inventory storage.

“Others require storage for personal belongings when travelling overseas, or to store recreational equipment in the off season like ski and water sports gear.

“Out-sourcing storage is big business today, and self-storage facilities are generating sound income streams across market cycles.”

The growth of the Wellington region’s northern corridor and infrastructure improvements like Transmission Gully and the expressway from McKay's Crossing to Ōtaki have made commuting both faster and safer which has led to northwards population drift, says Butler.

“The Kāpiti Coast’s population is predicted to grow by 40 percent by 2050, and Ōtaki will see a good proportion of this growth given the relative affordability of existing housing stock and planned new developments.

“There’s a new multi-stage residential subdivision unfolding in Mill Road within five-minutes’ drive of the subject self-storage facility and that’s just one example of growth that will change the face of Ōtaki in coming years.”