Capital allowances for self storage

We're the only capital allowances advisor accredited by the Self Storage Association. From new sites and conversions to container units and existing portfolios, we identify what qualifies and manage self storage capital allowances claims from start to finish.

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Approved industry supplier
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Our results

We identify where tax relief opportunities sit and make sure they're carried through to real outcomes.

£283M+

Relief secured

Allowances identified and claimed

165+

Transactions and projects advised

With timely input to ensure relief is not missed

30+

Expertise

Years of combined experience

Work with us

A partner across the self storage sector

Self storage assets, from container units to mezzanines and fit-outs, aren't always straightforward to classify for capital allowances. Too often, they're reviewed like any other property, rather than a self storage site. The difference is whether the review reflects how the sector actually operates. We make sure it does.

O1

New build, conversion or acquisition

Whether it's a new self storage site, a self storage conversion, or a self storage acquisition, capital allowances should be considered from the outset. We get involved early so nothing is missed on new builds, conversions, acquisitions or self storage fit outs.

O2

Existing site, never reviewed

Many self storage operators have never had a self storage portfolio review, or have only partially claimed across their sites. We assess what's already been claimed, what's been missed, and what can still be recovered.

O3

Facing an HMRC enquiry

HMRC are increasingly challenging how self storage assets, particularly mezzanines and container units, have been claimed. If you're facing an HMRC enquiry on your capital allowances, or a claim has been queried, get in touch. We'll review the position and help you respond with confidence.

What qualifies for capital allowances in self storage?

Self storage sites include a wide range of qualifying assets, from racking, security and access control systems, to heating, lighting and fire protection. These fixtures are treated differently to the building itself and are often only partially identified in capital allowances for storage units and storage facilities.

Not every asset qualifies at the same rate. Items that count as plant, such as mezzanines and certain internal walls, can attract a significantly higher rate of relief than the surrounding structure. It's one of the more contentious areas of the sector, and we make sure every claim reflects the right position from the outset.

Get in touch

What clients & partners say

“As a family run, self storage business, Tallex recently got us a £47,000 rebate for decontamination works on our latest site. Honest & straight-talking experts who made the process effortless, a real no-brainer for anyone with commercial property.”

James Bonny
Director, Bonnys Self Storage

“Tallex took the time to explain capital allowances and ensured it was a straightforward and simple process to go through. Their proactive approach and attention to detail ensured we achieved significant allowances against our tax liabilities. We highly recommend their services.”

Mark Rees
Director, RM Hotel Management

“I would definitely recommend Tallex, they make our annual claim process extremely simple, generate good results, communicate clearly, understand our business and we genuinely feel we're getting good value for money at all times. ”

Simon Hughes
Finance Director, Formula One Autocentres

“Tallex offers a superb turnkey service, which was invaluable when we purchased our new technology centre. They are extremely knowledgeable, prompt, and clear in all communications, always happy to answer any questions we had. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.”

James West
Co-Founder, Crux Product Design

“Our capital allowances position was greatly improved, and we received back corporation tax we had overpaid in previous years. A great outcome, I would recommend Tallex’s service.”

Oliver Janes
Managing Director, Briarwood

“Tallex are genuine specialists and an authority on capital allowances. Clear communication, practical advice and knowing how to work with us means they are a valuable partner to our practice, and we trust them in dealing with some of our biggest clients.”

Luke Summerford
Head of Tax, Watson Associates

“The claim process was completed with the utmost speed and efficiency by Tallex, without any inconvenience to us. They have a meticulous and professional approach, and we had a very favourable result.”

Howard Parsons
Managing Director, Hereford Storage

“Sean and the Tallex team assisted us on the capital allowances for an office acquisition we completed on recently. They provided great service throughout including the product and result. We look forward to working with Sean and the team on more projects in the future."

Brodie Summerfield
Director, Ashley Moore

“Our clients have found working with Tallex straightforward, they are supportive throughout the process and their reports are comprehensive, well set out and easy to follow. I would be very content to refer Tallex to other clients.”

Edward Richards
Partner, Thorne & Co

FAQs

What to expect, how it works, and what you need to know. If you’re unsure on anything, feel free to contact us.

Are shipping containers plant and machinery for capital allowances?
It depends on how the container units have been built and used on site. HMRC and self storage providers don't always agree, and it's an area under increasing scrutiny. We review your containers in detail to establish a position on shipping container capital allowances that holds up.
What qualifies for capital allowances in a storage facility?
Racking, security systems, access control, lighting, heating and fire protection typically qualify, alongside other fixtures separate from the building's structure. We review every element to establish what qualifies and what it's worth.
Does a self storage refurbishment qualify for capital allowances?
Yes. Refurbishment works, including fit-outs, conversions and upgrades to existing sites, can qualify in the same way as new build or acquisition costs. We review the works to identify what's been spent and what can be claimed.
Can I get a self storage portfolio review if allowances haven't been claimed before?
Yes. If allowances haven't been reviewed, or have only been partially claimed, we assess your existing sites to identify what's been missed and what can still be recovered.
What happens if HMRC opens an enquiry into a self storage capital allowances claim?
If a claim is queried or under enquiry, we review the position and support you through the process. Given the scrutiny around assets like mezzanines and container units, it's worth having a clear, well evidenced position from the outset.
case study

Self storage fit out works

We reviewed £855,000 of expenditure incurred by a PE-backed client on their first self storage facility in London, covering repairs to the base building and the fit out works to bring the site into operation.

Our review identified £745,000 of qualifying allowances, including £125,000 of repair costs that could be expensed through the P&L rather than capitalised. The result was £186,250 of tax savings for the client over time.

get in touch

There's often more to claim than you think. Get in touch for a no-cost consultation on your self storage capital allowances.