New ways to combat stock shortages
While the vacancy rate for traditional apartments in Switzerland is falling to historic lows, many small storage spaces remain unused. Inefficient administrative processes and high costs are blocking their letting. A digital solution could unlock this potential.
With a vacancy rate of around one percent for apartments, free space in the Swiss real estate market is extremely scarce. Away from the housing market, however, other problems arise with storage space. Storage spaces of less than 100 square meters in particular are often vacant because the effort involved in viewings, fixed price negotiations and physical contracts is disproportionate to the return. Neither owners nor administrators find the time-consuming letting process worthwhile, as fees and monthly rents are low and resources would be better spent on high-margin properties.
Digital innovation for the management of small storage spaces
Since the beginning of 2025, the Swiss start-up storabble has been using fully automated processes to solve this problem. The company offers outsourcing solutions for renting out vacant storage space and takes care of all administrative tasks. This includes tenant search, identification, verification, contract processing, key management and debt collection. Even risks such as debt collection claims or damage are outsourced, reducing the burden on owners and administrators.
Automated processes for greater efficiency
The business model is based on specially developed software and a digital marketplace where around 12,000 people across Switzerland can find potential rental properties every month. Full automation reduces costs and effort and also makes it possible to rent out low-value space profitably. Owners of well-known portfolios are already processing vacancies with the company.
Economic relevance and outlook
The rental income missed due to vacant warehouse space corresponds to around 0.02 percent of the total portfolio value on the Swiss real estate market each year. In view of a market value of CHF 6 trillion, this results in economically relevant potential for digitally efficient solutions. The outsourcing model opens up new economic benefits for very small spaces and is an example of digitalization and increased efficiency in the real estate sector. At the same time, the smart management creates relief in the sector and can serve as a blueprint for other special properties.