GEORGIA · NAICS 531130
Georgia self-storage projects turn on metro Atlanta's construction dominance and South-region occupancy trends. Studies analyze supply within a three to five mile radius, build absorption and lease-up curves, and benchmark rent against documented comparables.
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 elevated equity applies.
SBA 7(a) and 504 lenders funded 137 self-storage projects across Georgia between FY2010 and FY2026, moving $162.7 million in approved capital at an average ticket of $1.2 million. That volume places Georgia at #4 of 38 states measured for self-storage SBA activity, or 4.6% of national self-storage dollars. The 7(a) program carried 65.7% of the loan count, with 504 taking the balance, and 14 approvals have hit the pipeline since FY2024.
| Disbursed loans (FY2010–FY2026) | 137 |
| Approved volume | $162.7 million |
| Average loan size | $1.2 million |
| 7(a) share | 65.7% |
| Approvals since FY2024 | 14 |
| State rank by loan count | #4 of 38 |
Among the 104 seasoned loans in this segment (approvals FY2010–FY2021), 1.9% 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.
A 1.9% adverse-resolution rate against the national self-storage benchmark of 1.1% tells credit committees to scrutinize revenue projections and coverage assumptions closely on Georgia 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 $1.2 million across 137 loans.
Every Georgia 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.
Georgia projects most often fit SBA 504 where owner-occupied real estate anchors the deal, with the 50/40/10 structure delivering up to 90 percent financing at a fixed debenture rate. 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.
Metro Atlanta led every U.S. market in new self-storage construction in 2025 with roughly 2.4 million square feet delivered while South-region stabilized occupancy ran 75.0 percent in late 2025, exactly the supply-wave condition where a credible study protects the borrower as much as the lender; Live Oak Bank runs a dedicated national vertical.
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.
Fifteen-minute scoping call, written proposal inside one business day, firm fixed fee before you sign.
Book a MeetingOur SBA feasibility study consultants prepare storage and vehicle storage studies for lenders, CDCs and sponsors. See pricing, methodology or request a fixed fee quote.
California, Texas, Florida, New York, Illinois, Georgia, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Arizona, Colorado, Washington, Virginia, Minnesota, Maryland, Wisconsin, Missouri, Indiana, South Carolina, Oregon, Connecticut, Nevada, North Carolina, Tennessee, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Mexico, West Virginia, Idaho, Montana, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Delaware, Iowa, Kansas, Wyoming.