ARIZONA · NAICS 531130

    SBA Self-Storage Feasibility Study in Arizona

    Arizona self-storage projects pencil on supply analysis within a three to five mile radius, absorption pace, and rent benchmarks, and in Phoenix the pipeline is the analysis. Studies translate competitor square footage per capita, climate-controlled mix, and rent trends into projections, and reconcile site economics against ramp and refinance.

    FEASIBILITY TRIGGER

    Self-storage is special-purpose under SOP 50 10 8; studies analyze supply within a three to five mile radius, absorption, and rent benchmarks, and in Phoenix the pipeline is the analysis.

    SBA Lending Data: Self-Storage in Arizona

    Arizona generated 73 SBA-disbursed self-storage loans between FY2010 and FY2026, worth $111.8 million in approved 7(a) and 504 financing at an average of $1.5 million per deal. Ranked #14 of 38 states for self-storage SBA volume, the state captures 3.2% of national self-storage dollars. 67.1% of the loans ran through 7(a) with 504 covering the remainder; 8 approvals have posted since FY2024.

    Disbursed loans (FY2010–FY2026)73
    Approved volume$111.8 million
    Average loan size$1.5 million
    7(a) share67.1%
    Approvals since FY20248
    State rank by loan count#14 of 38

    Among the 47 seasoned loans in this segment (approvals FY2010–FY2021), 2.1% reached adverse resolution — purchased, liquidated, or charged off. The national benchmark for self-storage is 1.1%, against 7.3% across all industries. That performance runs above the national benchmark for this asset class, which is a factor lenders weigh in their credit decision.

    Source: SBA 7(a) and 504 FOIA loan-level data, as of March 31, 2026. Disbursed loans only. See data methodology.

    What this means for your loan application

    A 2.1% adverse-resolution rate against the national self-storage benchmark of 1.1% tells credit committees to scrutinize revenue projections and coverage assumptions closely on Arizona deals in this class. A rigorous third-party feasibility study — built on documented demand, defensible pricing, and stressed coverage — carries meaningful weight in that underwriting conversation, particularly at an average loan size of $1.5 million across 73 loans.

    Work with SBA feasibility study consultants

    Every Arizona self-storage project we underwrite follows the same lender ready process: independent market analysis, site and technical review, and financial projections tested against SBA SOP 50 10 8 standards. Our SBA feasibility study consultants guide explains scope, timing, deliverables, and what lenders and CDCs expect in the report.

    Program fit

    Arizona projects most often pencil under SBA 504 because the 50/40/10 structure delivers up to 90 percent financing on owner-occupied real estate at a fixed debenture rate, which is decisive in a state where Sun Belt growth has pushed land and improvement costs higher each cycle. SBA 7(a) covers acquisitions, working capital, and equipment, and from July 4, 2026 eligible borrowers can combine 7(a) and 504 for up to $10 million in total program credit.

    Arizona evidence

    Phoenix carries 163 facilities and 11.24 million square feet at 5.6 square feet per resident, already above the national average, and held the number two construction pipeline in the country through late 2025 at 6.5 to 6.8 percent of existing inventory per Yardi Matrix, with 260,232 square feet delivered in 2025 and 306,143 more projected for 2026; Live Oak Bank's dedicated national vertical closed $111.7 million in calendar 2025.

    For a national view of this asset class, see our self-storage SBA feasibility overview, and read our related analysis in the self-storage lending research on our blog. The SBA self-storage feasibility study tests pipeline supply, verified competitor occupancy and the monthly lease-up reserve.

    Compare neighboring markets: California, Texas.

    Frequently asked questions

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