I checked repo storage buildings (repo buildings) for sale in 16 states to find out how to get the best deal and how much you can save. The results were very surprising. In this market, a “repo” storage building is typically a pre-owned unit sold as-is, and may only be available for a short time.
The states I checked for repo storage buildings are Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.
In many cases, repo listings show only a small gap between the original price and the discounted price, which limits the value of buying used.
- Discounts on repo buildings were often smaller than expected.
- Most repo storage buildings cost more than a comparable new storage solution.
- Inventory was limited, and many options were smaller than what most buyers need.
Here’s what else I found:
Finding 1: Discounts on Repo Storage Buildings Are Tiny
Some companies listed an original price and a discounted price for their repossessed storage buildings, garages, and repo sheds. The discounts ranged from 2% to 32%. The average discount was only 12%.
That isn’t much of a discount for a used storage building that usually comes with defects. In fact, it’s hardly enough to cover the cost of transporting the storage building to your house. In many cases, these portable buildings are listed by the companies themselves or local lots, and the posted price may not include delivery, setup, or any site work required at your property.
Finding 2: Most Repo Buildings Cost More Than a New Building
Here at Alan’s Factory Outlet, we sell prefab storage buildings at factory-direct prices, so I know what metal storage buildings should cost. Almost all the repossessed storage buildings I found cost a lot more than the brand-new, custom storage buildings we sell.
Of the 29 used storage buildings I compared, only one was cheaper than a comparable storage building that we sell–and the savings were only 6%.
The other 28 buildings I compared were all more expensive than the building we sell. In fact, on average, the repo storage buildings were 42% more expensive than a new metal storage building of the same size!
Why such a big difference? I have a few guesses. For one, most of the used storage buildings I found were wood storage sheds and garages, and many were listed in styles like a utility shed, lofted barn, side lofted barn, side utility, or cottage shed, sometimes with a gabled roof and extra loft space (a lofted building). Some were even marketed as a tiny home shell, or described as a lofted cabin or lofted barn cabin.
Since wood buildings cost more than prefabricated metal buildings, the repo storage sheds were naturally more expensive than a comparable metal building. We also have some of the lowest prices you can find for storage buildings, so even the used metal buildings I found were more expensive than the new metal storage buildings we sell.
Finding 3: Repo Storage Buildings Are Hard to Find
In several states I checked, I didn’t find any repossessed storage buildings for sale at all. Many times, I clicked on websites advertising used or repo storage buildings only to find that they didn’t have any used buildings available.
If you can even find a repo storage building in your state, it’s probably hours away from where you live, and it probably isn’t the right size for your needs. Inventory can also move fast, and some listings show up on social media before they ever make it to a dealer website.
Because of these considerations (and the unreasonably high prices), I think that searching for a repossessed storage building is a waste of time for most people.
Finding 4: Most Repo Storage Buildings Are Very Small
In most states, the largest repossessed storage building I could find was a 12×20 or 12×24 storage shed. The few larger buildings I found didn’t exactly look portable, so I have some doubts about whether they were actually repossessed or not, but I included them in my research anyway.
If you need more than a basic storage solution, it can be hard to find portable buildings in repo inventory that are sized for a larger workshop or garage setup.
Why Repo Buildings Get Repossessed (And What “Repo” Usually Means)
Many repo sheds come from rent-to-own programs, where a pre-owned building is placed on a buyer’s property while payments are being made. Some sellers run a credit check up front, although requirements vary. If payments stop, the building may be recovered and resold as-is, which means condition and included features can vary widely.
Because repo inventory depends on these situations, availability is unpredictable, and the best options may sell quickly.
Methodology
First, I ran Google searches for “repo storage buildings for sale” in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.
I didn’t search for storage buildings in Illinois, but I found a few repo buildings from there in the search results, so I included them in this study.
For each search, I reviewed the first page of results, clicked through relevant listings, and recorded the size, details, and price of each used storage building (12×20 and larger) in a spreadsheet.
If a listing included an original price, I calculated the discount. Finally, I used our 3D Building Designer to calculate the price of a similar building that we sell and compared the difference.
I hope this study has been helpful to you in your search for an affordable storage build. I was a bit surprised to only find one repo storage building that was cheaper than the new buildings we sell. But naturally, I’m glad to know that our storage buildings are a better deal than any of the used repo storage buildings for sale near you.
Buy a New Metal Building With Free Delivery in 21 States
Alan’s Factory Outlet offers free delivery and installation in 21 states. See the map below to confirm availability in your area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can you buy repossessed sheds?
Yes. Repo sheds are often sold as-is, and listings may be in stock only briefly. Conditions can vary, and you may not be able to choose the exact size or features you want. It helps to confirm what is included before you commit.
Is it cheaper to build or buy a storage building?
It depends. Some repo listings show an original price and a discounted price, but the discount is not always enough to make the deal worthwhile. If you want a durable storage solution, comparing the total cost of a used building versus a new one is often the clearest approach.
Can I legally live in my repo shed?
Sometimes, but it depends on local zoning and building codes. Many areas treat sheds as storage buildings, not living spaces. Before you plan anything, check with your local building department and review any permit requirements that apply in your area.
Can an HOA stop you from placing a repo shed?
In some cases, yes. An HOA may restrict shed size, placement, materials, or visibility. The best starting point is your HOA’s governing documents, plus any architectural review rules. If you’re unsure, ask for written guidance before you build.
