How to choose between stairlifts, platform lifts and home lifts
How do you choose from multiple lift types?
Vertical transport in the form of stairlifts, platform lifts and other types of home lifts have revolutionised senior living, allowing an ageing population a chance to stay in their own home without having to move. From stairlift costs to wheelchair accessible platform lifts and full home elevators, here is what you need to know before adapting your home for better mobility.
A home lift that is well integrated in to the design can increase property value and make the entire home more accessible
The choice one makes on which type of vertical transport would depend on multiple factors. One crucial consideration is the existing layout of your home. If there are level differences or tight spaces, platform lifts could be used internally and externally. Home lifts are suited more to homes with at least two floors and more. Stair lifts can also be used in these situations.
It is worth noting that certain platform lift manufacturers like Aritco now also provide lifts that can connect multiple floors and not just short level differences.
Whether you are adapting your home for a disability, recovering from an injury, or planning for senior living, navigating the world of chair lift companies and accessible lifts can be daunting. Stairlifts, platform lifts, and full home lifts each are modelled and designed for varying uses hence the variation in the price tag.
Typical costs of stair lifts, platform lifts and home lifts
Stairlift
From £3,000 up to ~£5,000
Platform lift
£9,000–£25,000 + building works
Home lift
£12,000–£60,000
(most spend £20,000–£35,000)
It is also important to consider long-term maintenance, servicing requirements, and warranties when comparing different lift options.
Home lifts have surged in popularity in recent years enabling independent living
Stairlifts: an affordable option for constricted spaces
For many households, a stairlift is the natural first choice due to cost and space restrictions. Stairlift costs typically start from around £3,000 and can reach up to £5,000 or more, though prices vary widely depending on the stairlift company and the complexity of the staircase.
Unlike a platform lift or home elevator, a stairlift requires no structural work to your home. The rail is mounted directly onto the staircase treads, not the walls, making installation comparatively swift and affordable.
VAT exemptions may be available on stairlifts for people with a chronic illness or disability. It is worth checking with your stairlift company before purchasing.
Stair lifts may be required for retrofitting very restricted spaces
One misconception is that stairlifts are only for the elderly. In reality, an indoor stair lift suits anyone with reduced mobility, whether due to age, injury, or a long-term disability. Modern units are far more compact than many people imagine: foldable seats, arms, and footrests mean the rest of the family can still use the stairs easily.
There are also solutions for straight, curved, narrow, and outdoor staircases — including a chair lift for a spiral staircase, long thought to be a problematic design for lift installation.
Most run on a rechargeable battery system, meaning they continue to function even during a power cut.
Maintenance is usually with a service visit typically required once a year. The main carriage and rails can last well over 20 years, though the overall product lifespan is generally 7 to 12 years.
Platform lifts: the wheelchair-accessible middle ground
If you use a wheelchair or require a mobility scooter or passenger, a platform lift is worth serious consideration.
Platform lifts have historically suffered from a reputation for being bulky and industrial-looking, but newer models are far more customisable and can be designed to blend with domestic interiors.
They are also easier to use than many people expect.
Unlike a full home elevator, a platform lift does not always require a shaft or pit, though some building work is typically needed for installation.
Platform lifts like this one by Aritco come in a range of finishes and can make the entire home accessible. Image courtesy of Aritco
Servicing should take place every six to twelve months. Although the strict six-month LOLER regulations that apply to public passenger lifts do not legally bind domestic platform lifts, biannual servicing is strongly recommended by industry experts.
With proper maintenance, a platform lift can last 15 to 30 years.
Home lifts: a long-term investment in independent living
A full home lift — sometimes called a residential elevator or handicap elevator — is the most comprehensive solution.
Newer technologies such as Pneumatic Vacuum Elevators (PVE) and belt-driven traction lifts keep running costs low, meaning that the day-to-day cost of electricity is often surprisingly small.
Traditionally home lifts were technically through-floor lifts, but certain platform lifts now function as home lifts with the same functionality.
A common misconception is that a home lift is the exclusive preserve of the very wealthy. But companies like Aritco are changing that perception by offering affordable solutions with a range of price points that can be integrated seamlessly with any internal home modification.
Ongoing running costs are also lower than many expect: most manufacturers include a service agreement within the warranty, and modern drive systems are highly energy efficient.
A well-maintained home lift can last 20 to 30 years, making it a genuine long-term solution for wheelchair accessibility and senior living.
Making the right choice
The right elevator for your home depends on the confidence you have in your movement, your budget, and the architecture of your property.
A stairlift is the most cost-effective starting point for those who can still transfer to a seat; a platform lift bridges the gap for wheelchair users indoors and outdoors; and a full home elevator offers the greatest flexibility and longevity for those investing in a permanent adaptation.
Whichever route you take, we can help navigate the sector to find the best solution for your home.
Make sure to ask specifically about VAT relief if you have a qualifying condition, and always budget for ongoing servicing from the outset.
References
Stairlift Guru (no date)
Stairlift prices in the UK: How much does a stairlift cost?
Available at: https://stairliftguru.co.uk/stairlift-prices/
(Accessed: 15 April 2026)SD Lifts (no date)
How much does a platform lift cost?
Available at: https://www.sdlifts.co.uk/how-much-does-a-platform-lift-cost/
(Accessed: 15 April 2026)Which? (2024)
Home lifts: costs and considerations
Available at: https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/stairlifts/article/home-lifts-costs
(Accessed: 15 April 2026)