Manchester-based start-up BNKer is growing its presence across the North West, rolling out a fully managed, in-building self-storage solution that converts underutilised areas into secure storage for residents while creating an additional income stream for landlords.
As flats become more compact and urban areas increasingly dense, residents are expecting more functionality from their living spaces. One persistent issue remains the same for renters: where to store items that are not needed on a daily basis. With space at a premium, storage has become one of the most sought-after resources.
A company founded in Manchester believes the solution lies within the building itself, rather than relying on off-site storage facilities located miles away.
BNKer has introduced what it describes as the UK’s first fully managed self-storage system designed exclusively for residential developments, repurposing unused internal areas into secure, resident-only storage facilities at no cost to property owners.
Many residential buildings contain overlooked spaces such as unused storerooms, partially occupied cycle storage areas, basement sections or car park corners. While these spaces often provide no financial return, they still require upkeep. BNKer converts these areas into functional storage solutions, enabling residents to safely store belongings without reducing their living space.
Central to BNKer’s expansion is a model that requires no financial outlay from landlords. The company installs and manages storage units within residential developments, handling all aspects including marketing, tenant onboarding, billing, maintenance, insurance and customer support. In return, landlords receive a share of the generated revenue, without upfront investment, ongoing costs or long-term restrictions on space usage.
For residents, the benefit is immediate and practical. With storage located within their own building, there is no need to travel elsewhere or compromise on valuable living space. The units are securely installed on-site, accessible around the clock, and designed to meet changing storage needs. Their integration into residential settings ensures they feel like a natural part of the building.
The concept draws inspiration from Switzerland’s approach to residential design, where secure storage units are commonly included as standard within apartment living. In contrast, the UK has yet to widely adopt this model, and BNKer aims to bridge that gap while delivering benefits for both residents and landlords.
David Fricker, Founder of BNKer, says:
“For landlords and building operators who already have so much to manage, BNKer takes care of everything, all while turning unused areas into something genuinely valuable for residents and financially beneficial for owners. We’re seeing fantastic results across our sites, with high resident uptake and meaningful new income being generated from spaces that previously sat idle and was costing landlords.”
Flexibility is a key feature of the system. Storage units can be moved, resized or removed entirely if building requirements evolve, whether due to redevelopment, repurposing communal areas or changing resident demand. This ensures landlords retain full control over their assets while making productive use of otherwise redundant space.
As urban living continues to intensify across the UK, with apartment living becoming increasingly common, BNKer is positioning itself at the forefront of property innovation and practical living solutions.
By reimagining how space is utilised within residential buildings, BNKer is setting a new standard for self-storage tailored to modern lifestyles.
