Which Asset Class Is Outperforming Almost All Others?
LADERA RANCH, CA—This property sector has become a better-known asset class that has recently attracted more capital, consequently driving up prices and causing cap rates to compress, SmartStop’s Michael McClure tells GlobeSt.com.
March 15, 2017 | by CARRIE ROSSENFELD | GlobeSt.com
LADERA RANCH, CA—The self-storage sector has become a better-known asset class that has recently attracted more capital, consequently driving up prices and causing cap rates to compress, SmartStop Asset Management LLC’s Michael McClure tells GlobeSt.com. McClure was recently appointed by the firm’s board to serve as the company’s president, in addition to president of its various affiliates including Strategic Storage Trust II Inc., Strategic Storage Growth Trust Inc., Strategic Storage Trust IV Inc. and Strategic Student Senior and Storage Trust Inc. He replaces H. Michael Schwartz, who continues in his capacity as chief executive officer.
We spoke with McClure about his new role with the firm and trends in the self-storage sector.
GlobeSt.com: What are your goals in your new role at SmartStop and Strategic?
McClure: SmartStop Asset Management is a diversified real estate company that has grown tremendously over the past two years and now has more than $1 billion in assets under management. Our portfolio currently includes self-storage and student housing properties, as well as a sports complex. Our mission here is to increase shareholder value. The question is, how do we do that? We try to acquire real estate with strong demographics in high-growth areas, as well as real estate that we believe we can add value to, which is frequently done by implementing property-management expertise. In student housing, strong demographics will typically include properties that are on- or near campus.