Home Lift vs Stairlift: Which is best for me?
If you’re considering purchasing a stairlift for your home, you have most likely also come across a product called a home lift, also called a home elevator.
You might be wondering, which type of lift is best for me? In this article, we compare the home lift vs stairlift, to help you in your decision.
Home lifts vs stairlifts: Cost
An important factor for most buyers is cost, which is why we’re starting with this.
Due to the more complex nature of a home lift and its installation, home lifts are significantly more expensive than stairlifts.
In the UK, stairlifts cost between £1800 and £7000 including installation, depending on whether you require a straight or curved model.
By comparison, home elevators typically start around £15,000, and can cost upwards of £30,000 including installation.
Related article: How much does a stairlift cost in the UK? (Straight & Curved stairlift prices)
When is a stairlift the best option?
If you are looking for a relatively unobtrusive and cost-effective solution, we recommend you choose a stairlift over a home lift.
Compared to home lifts, stairlifts can be fitted quickly and with little impact on your home. Stairlifts are fitted directly to the stair treads, rather than the wall, minimising the . They can also be removed easily should that be required.
Stairlift Pros
- Less costly than home lifts
- Quicker and simpler installation, with minimal impact on your home
- Less bulky than a home lift
- Folds away when not in use
- Quiet and easy to use
- Can be removed easily if required
Stairlift Cons
- Less ‘glamorous’ than a home lift
- Not likely to add value to your home
- No choice on where to install it (must be fitted to your staircase)
- Not suitable for wheelchair users who are unable to mobilise
When is a home lift the best option?
Home lifts are ideal for users looking to install a modern lift that is suitable for the majority of users, and is also likely to add value to your house. Home lifts are suitable for users in wheelchairs or powerchairs, and can often carry more than one person at a time.
While home lifts are more ‘glamorous’ than stair lifts, they do require building work to install, and are much more costly, as we’ve already touched on.
Home Lift/Elevator Pros
- Suitable for wheelchair/powerchair users
- Likely to add value to your home
- Can be fitted almost anywhere in your home
Home Lift/Elevator Cons
- More expensive than stairlifts
- More bulky than stairlifts
- Installation requires building work
- Can’t be removed easily
Comparison table: Home Lift vs Stairlift
| Stairlift | Home Lift/Elevator | |
| Description | A motorised chair fitted to your stairs via a rail, to carry you upstairs | An elevator fitted in your home to take you upstairs |
| Approx. price range | £1,800-£7,000 | £15,000-£30,000+ |
| Suitable for carrying a wheelchair? | No | Yes |
| Requires modification to your home to install? | No | Yes |
| How long does installation take? | Less than a day | 1-3 weeks |
| Likely to add value to your house? | Not likely | Likely |
| How many people can be lifted in one go? | 1 | 1-2 |
Related articles
How much does a stairlift cost in the UK? (Straight & Curved stairlift prices)
How quickly can you get a stairlift fitted in 2024? | UK stairlift delivery & installation times
How much does a riser recliner chair cost?
Get in touch
Got a question or want to send us a message? Let’s talk.
Terry Smith
