We often hear the same question from homeowners: “Is now the right time to install a lift?” Most of the homeowners we speak to aren't only thinking about the present but rather for how their home will continue to support them over the next decade. More clients are now choosing to invest early before it’s urgent so they can enjoy the benefits straight away, not just prepare for the future.
Home elevators make daily living more manageable by carrying heavy shopping, moving laundry, or preparing for visiting family. And over time, they offer long-term confidence that the home will remain a place to stay, not a place to leave.
How do home elevators support ageing in place?
In our experience, one of the most common reasons clients install a home elevator is a desire to remain in their property for life. Many approach us after a relative experiences a fall or when they begin planning proactively for ageing in place. After one recent installation in Surrey, a homeowner told us she used the lift twice as much as expected often just to carry shopping or avoid the stairs in the evening. Now she says it’s hard to imagine the house without it.
We see lifts shift from being ‘future insurance’ to part of a daily routine. Unlike a stairlift which often looks out of place and restricts stair access home elevators fit naturally into the home’s design and support dignity and ease of movement.
How long do home elevators last with proper servicing?
Every model we install features manufacturer-backed engineering designed for 20–30 years of reliable use. We advise clients from the start to invest in annual servicing. A well-maintained elevator delivers consistent performance. Most faults we encounter do not come from structural defects but rather result from skipped maintenance or incorrect use.
Our team services internal drive units, controls, and lift mechanisms using modular parts. When components wear like rollers or belts, we replace them quickly.
Are home elevators more affordable than moving or care homes?
Moving to a bungalow or adapting a home after injury often costs more than installing a lift. Add in stamp duty, legal fees and removals, and the cost of moving often passes £25,000. That’s before you even factor in the emotional toll of leaving a home you’ve lived in for years.
Home elevators, especially through-floor models like the Stiltz Duo+, often cost half as much. We’ve installed dozens in older properties with minimal disruption. When we break down the cost over time with clients, many say it simply makes more sense than uprooting their lives for a one-floor home they may not even prefer.
Do home elevators increase property value?
Many people assume home elevators are niche features. But estate agents increasingly highlight them as differentiators in high-end listings. During a recent resale in Cheshire, our team provided lift specifications to an interested buyer’s surveyor. The presence of a high-spec lift helped the property stand out in a competitive market.
A vacuum lift or glass-panelled Altura cabin solves a practical challenge but also elevates the overall look and feel of the space. In a recent London townhouse project, the architect redesigned the entire entrance atrium around the visual impact of a PVE vacuum elevator. Our team coordinated with theirs to align lighting, glass clarity and ceiling dimensions to their design brief. The result added value and character to the space. A well-integrated lift complements a home’s layout instead of feeling like an afterthought.
Can home elevators be customised or upgraded later?
Home layouts evolve, extensions go up, interiors get updated. Clients often ask: “What happens if I redesign the space later?” We explain that lifts from Aritco, Altura and PVE can adapt over time. We’ve relocated lifts during renovations and upgraded finishes to match newly styled interiors.
These systems accommodate smart control upgrades, lighting improvements, and material swaps. Planning the installation with service access and structure in mind ensures flexibility later.
Why choose a home elevator over a stairlift?
Many clients first consider stairlifts because of perceived affordability. But once installed, stairlifts often frustrate users. They can be noisy, block access for others, and prove difficult to operate for those with limited mobility or joint issues.
Home elevators allow upright movement and offer smooth stops and intuitive controls. We regularly install models with internal lighting, custom flooring and subtle control panels to match interior design schemes. It becomes part of the home, rather than something that stands out as a mobility aid.
What’s cheaper in the long run: a lift or a care home?
We regularly speak with homeowners who are weighing up whether to install a lift or explore assisted living. We guide them through the options and offer honest, practical advice.
UK care homes often cost between £4,000 and £10,000 per month. Several of our clients faced annual care costs exceeding £100,000. Installing a home elevator allowed them to remain at home and delay or avoid that expense entirely.
A £14,000 to £20,000 home lift, combined with manageable service costs, often provides two decades or more of benefit. Viewed purely financially, the lift usually offers better value. Add the emotional comfort of staying in familiar surroundings, and the case becomes even stronger.
Which home elevator fits your space and aesthetic?
We’ve installed lifts in Georgian townhouses, new-builds, barn conversions and even listed properties. Each project has unique constraints and opportunities. That’s why we start with a site visit to review layout, structure, and access.
Some clients request subtle, near-invisible installations. Others prefer bold, architectural showpieces. During a recent project a couple renovating a farmhouse who wanted something discreet. We guided them toward an Altura model with timber-effect finishes that felt purpose-built within their oak-panelled hallway. Stiltz offers compact functionality, Altura delivers full customisation, and PVE stands out with striking visibility. We work closely with homeowners, architects, and designers to select the right model for each setting.
Are home elevators worth it?
After completing hundreds of installations across the UK, we see home elevators as a practical improvement many clients wish they'd made sooner. They make daily movement easier, help you plan with confidence, and let you improve your home without compromising on style.
They make life simpler straight away and over time, they offer the freedom to live independently in your home for longer. Clients often begin with future planning in mind, only to tell us later that the lift became second nature used for everyday tasks like carrying shopping, hosting visitors, or avoiding the stairs late at night. With an experienced team guiding design, installation, and aftercare, there’s no need to compromise on performance, layout, or aesthetics.
Thinking about your long-term needs?
Speak to the Morgan Ellis team or call us at 01702 780002 to explore how a bespoke home elevator can support your home design and your lifestyle.