When clients reach out to us, they’re often deciding between different ways to move safely between floors. A common question we hear: stairlift or residential lift?
Stairlifts may seem practical at first glance. They’re often cheaper and quicker to install. But based on hundreds of home visits and follow-up calls over the years, we’ve seen that residential lifts tend to be the long-term choice for safety, usability, and comfort.
What’s the practical difference between stairlifts and residential lifts?
Clients often begin with a stairlift because it's a familiar option. Perhaps a family member had one, or they’ve seen one installed in a neighbour’s home. Stairlifts move a seated person up or down a rail fixed to the stairs.
In practice, though, they create a few obstacles. They block the staircase for others. They can feel unsteady in motion. And many clients especially those with joint or muscle issues find the sit-and-swivel motion awkward or even painful.
Residential lifts allow upright travel. You walk in, press a button, and travel between floors naturally. There’s no twisting, balancing, or waiting for the seat to align. It’s easier for people who carry shopping, use walking aids, or want a future-proof solution that doesn’t feel restrictive.
What makes people change their mind about stairlifts?
The cost of stairlifts can look attractive. Some start at under £3,000, and for that reason alone, they’re often chosen quickly. But several clients have told us they regretted rushing the decision.
What tends to matter more is how the system feels day after day. When equipment becomes difficult to use, people avoid it and that defeats the purpose entirely.
How do residential lifts make day-to-day life easier?
With a residential lift, movement feels natural. You remain upright, and your hands are free to carry items. You’re not stuck juggling bags or calling someone every time you need help upstairs.
In family homes, the benefit is immediate. Caregivers also benefit. It’s far easier to assist someone in a residential lift than on a stairlift, which typically only fits one person and doesn’t allow for standing support.
Which is more cost-effective in the long run?
While stairlifts may seem cost-effective initially, they often have a shorter lifespan around 5 to 8 years depending on usage. Maintenance issues like battery replacement and rail wear are also common.
Compare that to a residential lift like the Stiltz Duo+, which, with scheduled servicing, can last two decades or more. Many of our clients have told us the reliability and ease of use more than justify the upfront cost.
There’s also the impact on property value. Stairlifts are often removed before selling a home because they feel temporary. Lifts, on the other hand, are increasingly seen as premium features in future-proofed or multi-generational homes.
Which fits better with your home’s design?
Stairlifts attach directly to your staircase. While functional, they often look bulky and clinical. One client said he removed his stairlift before family came to visit because he didn’t like how it changed the feel of the house.
Residential lifts can be discreet or bold, depending on your space and style. We’ve installed glass capsule lifts in contemporary extensions, and wood-panelled models in listed cottages.
In the right setting, a lift doesn’t just support mobility. It adds character.
How flexible are they for future needs?
Residential lifts are modular. That means we can upgrade panels, reposition them as homes are extended, and even install smart features like voice activation or automated lighting. These systems are designed to grow with you.
Stairlifts, by contrast, are harder to adapt. Once installed, they stay where they are, and their function remains limited.
How do I know which one’s right for us?
Choosing between stairlifts and residential lifts depends on how the equipment will be used not just now, but five or ten years from now. If you’re caring for ageing parents, recovering from surgery, or thinking about future mobility, it's worth considering how your home should support those changes.
Why more families choose Morgan Ellis
We’ve spent years working with families, architects, and developers to fit residential lifts that improve daily life without disrupting it. Our experience means we understand the structural, emotional, and financial sides of this decision.
We understand this is a personal decision. Our team has worked with families across the UK to help find the right option that supports safety, comfort, and everyday living.
If you’d like to explore what might work best for your home, we’re happy to help.
Talk to the Morgan Ellis team today and get practical, pressure-free advice from people who understand what works and what doesn’t first-hand.
FAQs: What should you know before installing a residential lift?
Is a residential lift difficult to install?
Not at all. Most models are built for minimal disruption. Stiltz and PVE lifts, for example, require no lift shaft and can be installed in days.
Can I install a lift in a smaller home?
Absolutely. Many clients live in terraces or semis. Compact models like the Stiltz Duo+ work well in homes with limited space.
Will a lift increase my home’s value?
Yes, especially in homes being adapted for long-term living or where futureproofing is a selling point.
Is a stairlift ever the better option?
Sometimes, yes. If budget is limited or the need is temporary such as after surgery a stairlift might work. But for long-term comfort, a residential lift usually fits better.
How much does a residential lift cost?
Prices typically start at around £14,800 depending on the model and layout. We can advise on cost planning and finance options.