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Comparing the Costs of Home Lifts

Published on 27th August 2025
by Morgan Ellis

When you first start looking into the cost of a home lift, you’ll find a wide range of figures online and not much clarity. That’s because there’s no single answer. The price depends on everything from the size of your property to the complexity of the lift system. At Morgan Ellis, we’ve installed lifts starting from £14,800, depending on the home’s layout and the level of personalisation needed.

If a lift is on your radar for a future upgrade or renovation, here’s what to know upfront so you can plan realistically.

How much does a home lift cost in the UK?

The cost of a home lift includes more than the lift unit. It covers engineering, installation, structural changes, and the features that suit your lifestyle.

Some costs are predictable, but others depend entirely on your home. Floor count, available space, ceiling height, installation access, and finish preferences all affect pricing. That is why at Morgan Ellis, we visit your property to provide a tailored proposal, drawing on years of experience with new builds, conversions, and listed homes.

What do different types of home lifts cost?

Traction (Stiltz Home Lifts)

Price range: From £14,800 (Stiltz); from £15,500 for wheelchair version

Traction lifts are compact and efficient. Their compact build makes them quicker to install and often cheaper from the outset.

If you're researching the cost of a home lift for a modest or space-limited property, Stiltz offers one of the most affordable and flexible options. Explore the Stiltz Home Lift.

Screw & nut (homelift platform type)

Price range: From around £23,000

Screw-and-nut drives are known for simplicity and reliability, with a self-contained design that works well in a variety of homes. They’re a strong choice when you want platform-lift practicality with clean integration and straightforward servicing.

Pneumatic vacuum lifts: what can you expect to pay?

Price range: From around £29,500

Pneumatic vacuum lifts use air pressure to move between floors. They require no shaft, pit, or machine room, making them ideal for homes with limited space. We’ve fitted these lifts in townhouses and period properties with minimal structural disruption.

They’re quiet, low-energy, and ideal for contemporary interiors. For homeowners focused on running costs and smooth daily use, pneumatic vacuum lifts are a smart investment. Learn more about pneumatic vacuum lifts.

We often compare pneumatic vacuum lifts with hydraulic alternatives. The differences lie in simplicity, energy use, and upkeep. Pneumatic vacuum lifts have fewer moving parts, no fluid leakage risks, and reduced maintenance all important considerations for long-term performance.

Pneumatic vacuum lifts also suit homes with clean, modern interiors. Their transparent vertical tube design integrates well in open plan spaces and avoids major remodelling.

Clients frequently ask us about pricing differences. Pneumatic vacuum lifts typically fall in the middle of the pricing range, offering a balance between ease of fitting and long-term value.

Hydraulic (Altura Platinum)

Price range: From around £25,000

Altura Platinum lifts combine hydraulic strength with design flexibility. They’re well suited to properties with unconventional layouts or narrow staircases.

We’ve installed Altura Platinum lifts in homes with restricted voids and challenging architecture. For clients weighing the cost of a home lift against accessibility and long-term style, this is a proven solution. See the Altura Platinum range.

Comfort Range (Altura Gold / Platinum)

The Comfort Range delivers architectural harmony and aesthetic personalisation. It includes refined finishes and custom lift features that align with both traditional and contemporary interiors.

For clients who want a tailored solution that reflects the overall look and feel of their home, this range offers long-term value. Explore the Comfort Range.

What extra costs come with installing a home lift?

Each home requires its own assessment. Some properties need structural changes, such as reinforced walls, floor preparation, or electrical rerouting. These factors can raise the total cost.

Materials and lift configuration choices such as multiple stops or double-sided entries all impact the price. During planning, our team identifies these early and provides clear breakdowns so clients can budget accurately.

Real-world case: Bespoke home lift in St Ives

We worked on two luxury homes in St Ives, installing Altura Platinum lifts across four floors. The developer, Anthony Curtis of Parc Owles Design, prioritised accessibility and design integrity from the start.

“As both properties are split over four floors, we wanted to ensure they were easily accessible and future-proofed. After speaking to several companies, we took the decision to go with Morgan Ellis and install the Altura home lift. From the first point of contact, we were very impressed with Jeff and the rest of the team as we felt they offered a superb level of service combined with a high-quality product.”

Each property already had a lift shaft, and our team designed a lift to fit seamlessly. We worked closely with the homeowners to deliver a tailored result combining modern access with a discreet finish.

The homeowners told us:

“Since we moved in 18 months ago, we’ve used it more than we expected. When my mother visits or guests who aren’t as mobile stay, it’s a huge help. With the kitchen on the top floor, we send up shopping bags in seconds. Garden access is also from the top level, so moving plants or parcels is effortless.”

For similar four-storey homes with design requirements like these, the cost of a home lift often sits between £25,000 and above, depending on the level of customisation.

What does the process of buying a home lift look like?

Once you’ve explored the cost of a home lift, the next question is usually what the process involves. At Morgan Ellis, we make sure the experience is straightforward and fully supported from the start.

Here’s what to expect:

We begin with a consultation to talk through your needs, property layout, and goals for the lift. From there, our team proposes tailored product options and carries out a full site survey. We handle all technical planning, liaise with builders where needed, and ensure the specification fits both your budget and your space. The installation process is clean and efficient, typically taking less than a week. We then complete a full handover and offer long-term support and servicing options.

The full process is designed to be seamless with expert guidance at every step. Read more about our lift buying process.

How much does it cost to maintain a home lift?

Ongoing servicing typically ranges from £300 to £600 per year. This depends on the lift’s usage and model. Most clients consider this a manageable cost given the long-term convenience and reliability.

Pneumatic vacuum lifts stand out for their minimal servicing needs. Their design avoids oil-based parts and complex machinery, reducing overall maintenance and energy bills.

Is a home lift a good investment?

Home lifts support independence, long-term accessibility, and ease daily routines.

In some markets, a home lift adds real value particularly where accessibility is high on a buyer’s checklist. The cost of a home lift can often be reflected in resale interest.

Why choose Morgan Ellis?

Our team has years of experience fitting lifts in everything from compact terraces to coastal new builds. We offer practical advice based on what works not what sells.

Every project is customised from layout planning to finish choices. That way we ensure all your needs are met.

Talk to a specialist about your lift project

Want to understand the cost of a home lift in your property? Our advisors are ready to help. We offer detailed quotes, in-person visits, and a clear explanation of every step.

Contact Morgan Ellis to get started.