Flex space is a next-generation commercial real estate asset that combines self storage, light industrial, and office features into one high-performance property. It’s built for business users, designed for activity, and offers unmatched adaptability – with roll-up doors, office buildouts, warehousing, and more, all under one roof.
What is
FLEX SPACE?
Key Features of Flex Space Modular Layouts
Clear-span interiors, easily reconfigured
Drive-up Access
Roll-up doors and vehicle access for business operations
Office + Warehouse Hybrid
Usually ~10% office, ~90% operational space
Longer Lease Terms
Typically 1–5 years, often NNN leases
Scalable Design
Easy to replicate and build nationally
High Demand, Low Vacancy
<3.5% average national vacancy
Why Flex Space Matters “Flex space” isn’t just an emerging term – it’s a movement toward clarity, consistency, and opportunity. By unifying the industry around this name, FlexSpace Nation is helping brokers, lenders, developers, and media speak the same language and recognize the emerging power of this asset class.
Flex space is a natural evolution of self storage. It connects you to stable revenue, long-term tenants, and a rapidly growing opportunity. Designed for tenants who are ready to grow, flex space enables you to keep your customers by serving business users who’ve outgrown 10×20 units, offering them space to operate, not just store.
By adding flex space, self storage owners can:
- Retain growing tenants
- Increase lifetime value
- Offer a full-spectrum solution for storage and operations
At FlexSpace Nation, we’re standardizing the term “flex space” and positioning it as a professional, high-demand asset class. Our platform connects brokers, builders, investors, and tenants – driving education, deal flow, and growth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Flex Space
Is flex space a good investment?
Yes – and it’s getting better. Flex space offers:
- Record-low vacancy rates (~3.4% nationally)
- Longer-term leases with responsible tenants
- Stable returns in underserved submarkets
- Insulation from REIT pricing wars seen in self storage
Flex space also adds diversification and upgrades your facility’s income mix. As awareness of this asset’s grows, early adopters are gaining a clear competitive edge.
How does flex space construction work?
Flex space buildings are typically steel-framed, clear-span structures with flexible demising options. Developers can deliver vanilla shells (basic interiors) and offer build-outs funded by tenants—lowering upfront costs and boosting ROI.
The construction approach mirrors self storage – repeatable, scalable, and cost-efficient—but adds higher clearances, utilities, and office elements. It’s an excellent option for owners looking to expand or future-proof existing sites.
Why is FlexSpace Nation leading the naming shift?
Legacy terms like “small bay industrial” and “business parks” are fragmenting market awareness. By standardizing the label “flex space,” we:
- Improve consistency in listings and financing
- Educate brokers, bankers, and the media
- Help buyers and sellers recognize value faster
- Generate higher quality deal flow for developers and investors
FlexSpace Nation exists to unify the category, serve as the central hub for flex space education and opportunity, and elevate the professionalism of this high-potential asset.
What is Flex Space?
Flex space is a professionally designed real estate product that blends office, storage, and industrial utility in a single, adaptable unit. It’s optimized for business operations – not just storage – and gives tenants the flexibility to run, scale, and streamline their enterprises.
We are proud to lead the industry in promoting “flex space” as the standard term for this emerging asset class.
How does flex space differ from self storage?
Unlike self storage, which is designed simply for storage, flex space is built for business activity. It includes:
- Office buildouts
- Warehousing or workshops
- Vehicle access via roll-up doors
- Utility infrastructure (power, HVAC, plumbing)
- Leases ranging from 1–5 years (often triple-net)
Flex space tenants actively use their units as operating hubs – not just for storage.
Who uses flex space?
Flex space attracts long-term commercial tenants such as:
- Contractors and tradespeople
- E-commerce sellers and fulfillment teams
- Fitness studios and training facilities
- Local service providers (e.g., HVAC, plumbers)
- Creators, artisans, and small manufacturers
These users value flexibility, affordability, and efficiency – making flex space an ideal solution.
Ready to build, learn, invest, or co-develop flex space?
Join the movement and grow with us at FlexSpaceNation.com
