Stairlift Cost and Installation Prices UK 2024

The Definitive Guide to Stairlift Prices

Stairlifts are a great solution for those struggling with mobility. These efficient lifts can allow you or a loved one to travel up and down the stairs without having to worry about pain or exhaustion. You get complete freedom in the places you need it most.

In order to get the best out of your stairlift, it’s essential that you choose a product that suits your needs. The right stairlift will give you peace of mind in knowing that you can get to where you need to go with ease. You’ll also need to ensure that you select a lift that’s suitable for your budget.

In this guide, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to find a suitable stairlift that will keep you or your loved one empowered and mobile in your space for years to come.

How Much Does A Stairlift Cost?

A Stairlift costs you on average £7.26 per year to run using electricity. To install a new stairlift the from costs tend to be as follows:

• Straight Stairlifts cost from £1,900

• Curved Stairlifts cost from £4,000

• Outdoor Stairlifts cost from £2,500

• Reconditioned stairlifts cost from £1,000

There are a variety of factors that need to be considered to accurately understand how much a stairlift will cost which we run through in this guide.

• Firstly is the staircase straight or curved? Stairlifts for straight staircases are much cheaper than curved staircases as they have much more complex parts.

• The length of the staircase and or number of steps also helps determine the cost. Quite simply the longer the stairlift has to travel the higher the cost.

• The greater the number of corners on the staircase the higher the price.

• Obstructions at either the top and / or bottom of the staircase can increase the cost due to additional parts being required or remedial work having to be done at the time of installation.

• Whether the stairlift is new, reconditioned or a rental will be a major factor on the overall cost.

• The warranty length and any maintenance contracts.

What is the average cost of a stairlift?

On average, stairlifts can cost between £2,000 to £6,000 upwards to install. The cost of getting a new stairlift will depend on your individual requirements and the structure of the area in which the lift is to be fitted. For example, if you require additional functions to get the most out of your stairlift, these are likely to increase the installation price. Likewise, if the installer has to account for any obstructions in the way of the stairlift path, this can also raise the price.

Straight Stairlift Prices

These are stairlifts designed specifically for staircases that don’t feature any turns. Straight stairlifts are the most straight forward option and therefore normally the cheapest option. Prices start from £1,000 and vary depending on the brand and length, but on average should be from about £2,000 including installation. These costs should cover a standard staircase (tend to be about 13 steps) with an easy installation and a standard off the shelf rail with no modifications and no remedial work required.

Curved Stairlift Prices

These stairlifts will curve around with the stairs to match its trajectory. Curved stairlifts are more complicated and therefore more expensive. They require more complex parts to navigate the corners the average price will tend to be more like £5,000 including installation. Curved stairlifts are almost always made bespokely for the staircase they are fitted to, although pre-made rails are available  but they usually only fit simple curved staircases.

Obviously the major element that dictates the price of curved staircases is the number of curves required with each curve adding an incremental £1,000 to £2,000 on the cost of the stairlift.

Outdoor Stairlift Prices

Outdoor stairlifts allow users with reduced mobility to get to locations outdoors without using the stairs. They are built to withstand outside conditions. Outdoor stairlifts are essentially water and weather proof versions of indoor stairlifts so the price again depends on curved or straight. Due to the durability required the average cost is around £2,500 with installation.

Reconditioned Stairlift Prices

These are second-hand stairlifts which have been reworked where needed to make them good as new for a different user. They usually come at a much lower price. They do tend to only be available for straight staircases as curved are normally bespoke fitted to the individual staircase, but they can be very cost effective. Average price including installation is about £1,500.

Stairlift Rental Prices

Just like many other items stairlifts can be rented rather than purchased which may be beneficial from a cost perspective and or more convenient depending on the time duration the stairlift is required. You should be looking at some upfront costs (typically from £300 for a straight stair lift and from £900 for a curved one) and then a rental price of from £12 a week (straight) and from £17 a week (curved).

Which type of stairlift is right for you or your loved one?

Now that you’re aware of the different types of stairlifts available to you, you can move forward in determining which option is best for you or your loved one.

To do this, there are a few other factors that you’ll need to consider. For example, do you need a straight or curved stairlift? Are there any obstacles on your staircase that could impact the stairlift installation? And is your stairlift particularly wide or narrow? All of these aspects will impact the type of stairlift you need. For example, if your staircase has turns, you’re likely to need a curved stairlift; and any obstacles on your staircase such as radiators, handrails and immovable furniture will need to be considered during the installation. Additionally, many staircase manufacturers, such as Stannah design stairlifts specifically for narrow stairs.

Choose the right Stairlift layout

Furthermore, you’ll also need to think about how you’d like your stairlift to work. You should determine the entry and departure locations for the stairlift, most users tend to choose between the hall or first step in their home. Also, do you require an additional run to be placed across the landing to just outside the bedroom door? This will depend on the mobility levels of the person in need.

Stairlifts can be personalised to match decor but will impact the cost

Although stairlifts are mainly used for practical purposes, you don’t need to compromise on style and disregard your home décor. Modern stairlifts are available in a range of different styles and colours and you’re sure to find one that fits in with your home’s interior design. Stairlifts also come in sitting and standing options, suitable for a range of mobility levels. Be sure to consider the user’s weight when deciding on a stairlift, as this will impact the options available. Many manufacturers offer heavy duty stairlifts for heavier individuals.

Additional functions will increase your Stairlifts cost

Next, you’ll need to consider whether you need any additional functions such as a powered footrest or seat turn. These features can improve the quality and ease-of-use of the stairlift for the user, however they are likely to come at an additional price. Also, is the stairlift for an inside or outside space, or both? While inside stairlifts are great for improving mobility around the home, outside stairlifts are durable solutions designed to help users get to where they need to be while outside.

Compare Stairlift Quotes

Last but certainly not least, you should consider your budget when looking for a new stairlift. A stairlift is quite a big investment, so you’ll need to consider the costs of getting one installed. There are plenty of stairlift brands on the market, some offer more premiums stairlifts while some provide more basic, economy options. Consider your budget when choosing your stairlift, but bear in mind that products with more convenient and high-tech features are likely to be more expensive. If you’re not looking to spend over the odds for your stairlift, there are a few options you can take to help you save. For example, you could choose to get a reconditioned stairlift installed. This is a second-hand stairlift that has been reworked and adapted to meet your specific needs, all at a lower price. You could also decide to rent a stairlift and pay a monthly fee for its use – this is a particularly suitable option for those who only need to use the lift temporarily.

Are Stairlift grants available?

There are grants available to help people with reduced mobility purchase a new stairlift. This includes the Disabled Facilities Grant. 

Are stairlfts VAT exempt?

In many cases, stairlift users are eligible for zero-rated VAT when purchasing a new stairlift. You could be eligible for 0% VAT if you are considered to be chronically ill or disabled. This includes those with physical or mental impairments, chronic sicknesses and individuals who are terminally ill. 5% VAT relief is typically provided to those over 60 years old who are not eligible for the 0% VAT. The 5% VAT is only applicable to stairlifts placed in domestic locations.

To find out if you’re eligible for VAT relief, take a look at notice 701/7 VAT Relief for disabled people on the government website.

Stairlift Companies

There are plenty of stairlift companies that manufacture high quality stairlifts for homes throughout the UK. These include:

Stairlift Cost Conclusion

In conclusion there are many elements which drive the cost of a stairlift installation so it pays to understand the main cost drivers and gather competitive quotes. That being said the main cost driver for the price of a stairlift installation is whether it is for a straight staircase (cheaper) or a curved staircase (more expensive) and how many turns the curved staircase has (each turn will add roughly £1,000 - £2,000 onto the cost). So do your research, decide what you want and find the best value deal to suit your needs.

Stairlift Cost FAQs

How much does a straight stairlift cost?

A straight stairlift should cost from about £2,000 including installation.Of course the price increases as the complexity of the install increases and more options are added to the stairlift.

How much does a curved stairlift cost?

Curved stairlifts tend to start from about £5,000 including full installation for a one curve staircase. The price will increase roughly by £1,000 - £2,000 for each additional staircase curve plus any other extras or complexities included in the job.

Why do curved stairlifts cost more than straight stairlifts?

Curved stairlifts are more expensive than straight ones due to the extra manufacturing and installing they require. Modular curved stairlifts are available but many are completely bespoke to ensure they fit perfectly to the staircase.

Can I get a stairlift quote without a home survey?

Yes, it is possible to get a stairlift quote without a home survey, but many of these quotes will be subject to survey, i.e. if the installer finds an obstacle or modification needed then they reserve the right to amend the quote with the new information.

Is VAT payable on stairlifts?

Stairlifts may be VAT exempt if the user needed a stairlift is registered disabled or chronically ill. However this is only for domestic or personal use. Businesses, such as care homes, would be liable to pay VAT on stairlifts under the current legislation.

How much does a stairlift maintenance contract cost?

Stairlift extended warranties or maintenance contracts start from around £250 per year and increase in cost based on the type of stairlift you have installed (curved are typically more expensive than staright). Although you can usually get a discount per year if you opt for a longer term contract such as 5 years.

How much does it cost to repair a stairlift?

The best way to cover repair costs is via extened warranty or a maintenance contract to ensure you are fully covered and give peace of mind make sure to check teh details of what is and what isn't covered.

What is my used stairlift worth if I resell it?

The resale value of stairlifts is unfortunately quite low and straight stairlifts are worth more than curved on the resale market purely beacasue they are easier to retro fit into a new customers home. Used stairlifts tend to be worth a couple of hundred pounds on the resale market.