Midwest · Illinois · Self-Storage · First lien
Self-storage hard money loans in Chicago, IL.
First-position self-storage loans in Chicago, Illinois (IL) — typically $1M–$5M, larger considered — for acquisitions, maturities, bridge and value-add plans. Reviewed and decided directly by the principals.
Stokley Intelligence · Updated September 2026
Self-Storage Market Data 2026
A sourced view of U.S. self-storage fundamentals—occupancy, rents, new supply and capital markets—and the situations they may create for owners, lenders and investors.
Chicago market context
The Chicago economy behind the collateral.
Chicago is a national hub for freight rail, finance, and corporate headquarters, supported by O'Hare International Airport and an extensive intermodal rail network.
Stokley Capital considers funding for industrial, office repositioning, and mixed-use projects across Chicago and its collar counties.
Economic anchors
- O'Hare International Airport
- Chicago rail intermodal terminals
- University of Chicago
- Willis Tower corporate district
Self-Storage underwriting
What we look at first.
- Physical and economic occupancy
- Street rates, in-place rates and discounting
- Management platform and revenue systems
- New supply within the trade area
- Expansion land and conversion costs
Situations
Self-storage loans we see in Chicago.
- Lease-up after a new build or conversion
- Acquisitions from mom-and-pop owners
- Expansion capital on existing facilities
- Maturities on facilities still stabilizing
Selling a self-storage property in Illinois? Stokley also buys real estate as a principal. Submit it for acquisition.
Hard money lending guidelines
Asset-based financing. We focus on the property's value and the owner's equity, not a credit score. Low credit does not rule out a request. Every deal is subject to underwriting.
- Annual rate
- From 11.5%
- Origination
- From 2% of the loan amount
- Term
- 6 to 12 months
- Payments
- Interest only
- Loan-to-value
- Up to 70%
- Lien position
- First position only
Third party closing costs are separate.
Every term sheet is different. Every deal goes through underwriting and has specific terms. These are guidelines, not a commitment to lend.
Request loan terms
Chicago, IL self-storage loan request.
Questions
Chicago, IL self-storage loans, answered.
- Does Stokley Capital make self-storage loans in Chicago, IL?
- Yes. We make first-position self-storage hard money and bridge loans in Chicago, Illinois (IL), typically $1M–$5M, with larger loans considered.
- What drives the Chicago market?
- Chicago is a national hub for freight rail, finance, and corporate headquarters, supported by O'Hare International Airport and an extensive intermodal rail network.
- What should a Chicago self-storage loan request include?
- Property address, loan amount and purpose, current income and occupancy, existing debt, the business plan and the deadline. Rent rolls and operating statements help but are not needed for a first read.
- Are you a broker?
- No. Stokley Capital is a private real estate owner-operator that provides business-purpose loans. Decisions are made by the principals.
Nothing on this website is an offer to lend or a commitment of capital. All loans are subject to underwriting, due diligence, documentation and approval. Published lending guidelines are for general guidance only. Every deal goes through underwriting and has specific terms.
Next step
Financing self-storage in Chicago?
Send the property, amount and deadline. A principal will respond directly.