Home Lifts UK: Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about domestic lifts — types, costs, brands, grants and installation. Whether you need a through-floor platform lift or a full cabin elevator, we cover every option for UK homes.
types of home lifts
There are four main types of domestic lift available in the UK, each with different space requirements, costs, and suitability. The right choice depends on your home layout, budget, and mobility needs.
| Type | How It Works | Typical Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Through-floor lift | Platform rises through a ceiling opening between two floors | £8,000–£20,000 | Wheelchair users, tight spaces, budget-friendly |
| Hydraulic home lift | Piston and oil pump system lifts a cabin up a shaft | £23,000–£28,000 | Smooth ride, heavier loads, multi-storey |
| Traction home lift | Cable and counterweight system, like a commercial elevator | £28,000–£33,000 | Multi-storey homes, premium feel |
| Pneumatic (vacuum) lift | Air pressure difference raises and lowers a tube cabin | £28,000–£40,000 | Design statement, no shaft needed, panoramic |
| Non-hydraulic (self-supporting) | Motor-driven rails, no shaft or pit required | £15,000–£25,000 | Retrofit, minimal building work, compact homes |
How Much Does a Home Lift Cost?
A domestic lift in the UK typically costs between £8,000 and £50,000 depending on the type, cabin size, number of floors, and level of customisation. Through-floor platform lifts sit at the affordable end, while full cabin elevators with custom finishes are at the premium end.
On top of the purchase price, budget for installation (£2,000–£5,000 for building work), an annual service (£200–£500), and electricity running costs of roughly £30–50 per year. If you have a qualifying disability, VAT relief removes 20% from the total price.
Top home lift brands in the UK
| Brand | Type | Starting Price | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stiltz | Non-hydraulic, self-supporting | £15,000 | Compact, no shaft needed, fits in a wardrobe space |
| Lifton | Non-hydraulic | £17,500 | Stylish design, quiet operation, panoramic options |
| Aritco | Screw-driven | £20,000 | Scandinavian design, highly customisable, energy-efficient |
| Terry Lifts | Through-floor platform | £8,000 | Budget-friendly, wheelchair accessible, proven UK brand |
| Stannah | Multiple types | £20,000 | UK market leader, wide range, excellent aftercare |
Home Lift vs Stairlift: Which Do You Need?
| Factor | Stairlift | Home Lift |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | £2,000–£10,000 | £8,000–£50,000 |
| Wheelchair access | No (user must transfer to seat) | Yes (platform or cabin models) |
| Building work | None — rail fixes to stair treads | Ceiling opening or shaft required |
| Installation time | 2–4 hours | 1–5 days depending on type |
| Property value | Minimal impact | Can increase value (future-proofing) |
| Best for | Ambulant users who can sit and stand | Wheelchair users, heavy items, long-term planning |
If you can manage a seated stairlift, it’s the most affordable option. For wheelchair users, anyone planning ahead for future mobility needs, or homeowners who want to move heavy items between floors, a home lift is the better long-term investment. See our stairlifts guide for more on that option.
Grants and Funding for Home Lifts
The Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) covers home lifts as well as stairlifts. The maximum grant is £30,000 in England, £36,000 in Wales, and £25,000 in Northern Ireland. Given that many through-floor lifts fall within this range, the DFG can cover the entire cost for eligible applicants.
You must apply before any work starts. An occupational therapist will need to confirm that a home lift (rather than a stairlift) is necessary for your needs — this is usually the case for wheelchair users or people who cannot safely transfer to a stairlift seat.
VAT relief: If you have a qualifying disability or long-term illness, home lifts are zero-rated for VAT. This saves 20% on the purchase price — a significant saving on items costing tens of thousands of pounds.
planning permission and Building Regulations
Most internal home lift installations do not require planning permission. However, you will almost always need building control approval, especially if the installation involves cutting through a floor. You’ll need to submit a building notice to your local authority before work begins.
Planning permission may be required if you live in a listed building or conservation area, or if an external lift shaft is being constructed. Your lift supplier should advise on this during the survey.
All domestic lifts in the UK must comply with the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC (or its UK equivalent) and carry a UKCA or CE mark. Through-floor lifts must also meet BS 6440, while cabin-style home lifts fall under EN 81-41.
Home Lift Guides & Advice
In-depth guides covering costs, brands, grants and installation for every type of home lift.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much space does a home lift need?
The most compact home lifts (like Stiltz) need a footprint of roughly 1m² — about the size of a small wardrobe. Cabin-style lifts need more space, typically 1.5–2m² plus room for the shaft structure. Your supplier will assess available space during the survey.
Can a home lift be installed in any house?
In most cases, yes. Through-floor lifts and non-hydraulic lifts can be retrofitted into existing homes with minimal structural work. The key requirement is a suitable position where the lift can travel between floors — often a corner of a room, a large cupboard, or next to an existing staircase.
How long does installation take?
A through-floor platform lift can be installed in 1–2 days. Self-supporting lifts like Stiltz take 1–3 days. Cabin lifts with a shaft typically take 3–5 days. Add time for any preparatory building work such as creating the ceiling opening.
Do home lifts add value to a property?
Yes, particularly in multi-storey homes and for buyers looking to future-proof. A well-installed home lift can make a property more attractive to older buyers and those with disabilities. It also opens up the full house to all occupants, regardless of mobility.
What happens during a power cut?
Most home lifts have a battery backup or manual lowering system that safely brings the cabin to the ground floor during a power cut. You won’t be trapped inside. Some premium models have full UPS (uninterruptible power supply) that allows several more journeys.