ver the last few weeks, I have listened to several self-storage experts talk about what 2025 has in store for the industry. And I have heard repeatedly that for the coming year, the one thing that will have the most impact on our industry is the uncertain climate.

With a new administration in place in Washington D.C., there seems to be more uncertainty than ever. For one, the Tax Reform Act of 2014, an ambitious plan for broadening the tax base and simplifying both the corporate and personal income taxes, will expire on Dec. 31, 2025. This potentially means that marginal rates will revert to their permanent pre-Tax Cut Jobs Act (TCJA) levels of 10 percent, 15 percent, 25 percent, 28 percent, 33 percent, 35 percent, and 39.6 percent.

There is also a lot of uncertainty about interest rates, which analysts say may decline in 2025—but not by much. The 30-year fixed rate is expected to stay in the mid-6 percent range into 2026, but even that is uncertain. Many experts predicted that rates would be in the 4.5 percent range by the end of 2024, which did not happen.

Insurance is another big uncertainty for 2025, especially given the recent string of natural disasters, from hurricanes and flooding on the East Coast to raging wildfires on the West Coast. How high will rates go? Will there be areas where coverage is unavailable altogether? Indeed, this instability and the challenges it has created has caused a lot of investors to put the brakes on making any deal decisions until after the dust settles.

The good news is this: For investors who are cash-ready to buy or develop in the self-storage sector, this uncertainty has created opportunities. If you have done your homework and are prepared to forge ahead while others wait on the sidelines, there are incredible prospects for success. You just have to look for them!