Home lifts and residential elevators are no longer seen as a little luxury reserved for large houses. Since around 2015, and especially after Covid-19, more UK homeowners have started viewing the home elevator as a practical way to improve safety, comfort and long term value. Multicare Home Lifts supplies and installs compact through floor home lifts across the UK, with minimal building work, clear advice and professional installation.
In short, why home elevators are growing in popularity comes down to a few practical reasons:
- Older adults want to stay independent at home for longer.
- Moving house is expensive and disruptive.
- Hybrid working has changed how people use their homes.
- Modern lift models are compact, quiet and attractive.
- Lifts improve safety and everyday convenience.
- A good residential lift can support property value and future proof a home.
1. Ageing in place and changing mobility needs
The biggest reason for the rise in domestic lifts is simple: people want to remain in the homes they know. Some UK surveys into later-life care suggest around nine in ten older adults would prefer to stay in their own home rather than move to a care facility, while a recent Stiltz survey found that 78.4% of adults aged 60+ would prefer to remain in their current home as they age.
Home lifts significantly enhance mobility within the home, allowing individuals to move between floors with ease, which is particularly beneficial for elderly or disabled individuals. For people in their 60s, 70s or 80s, stairs can turn bedrooms, bathrooms or hobby rooms into difficult spaces to reach.
Elevators are future proofing adaptations that eliminate the danger of staircases for seniors and individuals with mobility issues. Installing a home lift can improve the overall safety of a home by reducing the risk of falls associated with using stairs, especially for those with mobility challenges.
The surge in home elevator installations stems from an ageing population wanting to live independently and the increase of multi generational households. A through-floor wheelchair lift or wheelchair friendly lift can also support wheelchair users, a walking frame, a carer or a standard wheelchair, making it more future proof than many stair based alternatives.
Many homeowners now plan ahead instead of waiting for a fall, hospital discharge or diagnosis. Multicare Home Lifts helps families do this with a home survey, practical advice and home lift solutions matched to the home’s layout, existing space and likely future needs.
2. Rising house prices and the cost of moving versus a home lift
UK house prices have risen significantly since around 2013, and the cost of moving can be steep. Stamp duty, legal fees, estate agent fees, removals and basic refurbishment can easily reach £15,000 to £25,000 for many homeowners before any difference in property price is considered.
In the UK, the cost of installing a home lift varies significantly, with prices ranging from £15,000 to £40,000 depending on the model, size, and features. Traditional lifts, which resemble commercial elevators, typically cost between £20,000 and £40,000, while platform lifts are generally less expensive, ranging from £15,000 to £30,000.
A simple comparison often helps:
- Move to a more accessible home: higher overall price, months of searching, legal delays, removals, emotional disruption and loss of familiar neighbours.
- Install a domestic lift: clearer home lift cost, shorter installation process, less disruption, and the chance to keep the same house.
Home lift installation costs can be influenced by several factors, including the type of lift, size, materials, and additional features. Costs also vary depending on the number of floors, whether the lift travels one floor or multiple floors, the cabin size, site preparation, custom finishes and any extra building work.
A well chosen lifestyle home lift can turn a current property into a “forever home”. Home lifts can add value to a property by making it more accessible and appealing to potential buyers, particularly families with elderly members or individuals with disabilities. Contemporary residential lifts broaden the pool of potential buyers and can command higher resale values.
3. Working from home and lifestyle driven upgrades
Since 2020, homes have had to work harder. ONS data shows hybrid working remains a normal pattern for many people in Great Britain, with 28% of working adults using hybrid working in early 2025. That has changed how people think about space, comfort and convenience.
A loft office, garden level studio, upstairs guest room or basement gym can make stairs feel like a daily obstacle. Elevators make day to day life easier for busy families by transporting heavy items between multiple floors, including laptops, printers, laundry baskets, shopping, suitcases and sports equipment.
This is where the lifestyle home lift has become more appealing. It is not always installed because someone has severe limited mobility. Sometimes it is chosen because the household wants quiet travel, a smooth ride and easier movement through a busy home.
Modern residential elevators are compact, visually customisable, and require less space than traditional staircases. With low energy use, neat cabin finishes and strong aesthetic appeal, many new lifts fit seamlessly into open plan living, contemporary refurbishments and private homes where design matters as much as access.
4. Improved design, technology and choice in modern home lifts
Older residential lifts often needed a lift shaft, deep pit or machine room. Modern design has changed that. Many compact through floor domestic lifts use a small opening in the floor and can be installed with minimal building work.
Through floor lifts utilise self supporting rails, allowing for installation in various locations without the need for load bearing walls, making them a versatile option for homes. This self supporting approach makes installation possible in tight spaces, cupboard to cupboard positions, stairwell voids and other limited space areas.
Multicare Home Lifts offers a broad range of space saving lift models for typical UK semis, terraces, bungalows and larger homes. Compact home lifts are designed for movement between two floors and can carry up to two people, making them ideal for smaller spaces. Executive home lifts provide movement over two or more floors and can accommodate up to five people or a wheelchair, enhancing both accessibility and home value.
Platform lifts are specifically designed to transport wheelchair users safely between different levels of a home, offering a practical solution for accessibility. Some buyers also compare hydraulic lifts, pneumatic options that use air pressure, Stiltz style models and terry lifts before choosing the ideal solution.
Homeowners now expect advanced technology as standard: soft start and stop, simple controls, battery backup, obstruction sensors and advanced safety features. Better engineering has also made most installations more reliable, more discreet and easier to live with than older systems.
5. Safety, independence and everyday convenience
For many Multicare Home Lifts customers, safety is the turning point. A near miss on the stairs, joint pain, breathlessness or a fall can make the family reassess how safe the home really is.
A home lift reduces the strain of moving everyday items between floors. Laundry, vacuum cleaners, shopping bags, suitcases and mobility equipment no longer need to be carried on the stairs, which helps both the user and the people supporting them.
Independence matters too. A person can reach a bedroom, bathroom, study or hobby room without waiting for help. That supports dignity, routine and confidence, especially for older adults and people with limited mobility.
Important safety features include emergency lowering, an alarm or telephone, obstruction sensors, safety edges, door interlocks and compliance with relevant UK safety standards. In a power cut, modern lifts commonly use battery backup or emergency lowering so the user can return safely to a floor.
Stair lifts are a specialised type of lift that runs along a rail fitted to the staircase, providing an affordable option for those needing assistance with stairs. However, a domestic lift may be better for wheelchair users, people with joint pain, or households where several people need the same solution.
6. Planning, regulations and how easy installation has become
Another reason why home elevators are growing in popularity is that easy installation is now more realistic than many people expect. Most home lift installations require only minor adjustments to existing spaces, minimising disruption and extensive renovations.
Many internal through floor lifts do not require planning permission when there are no external changes. Planning permission may be needed for listed buildings, homes in a conservation area, external shafts or visible changes to the building, so advice from qualified professionals is always sensible.
The installation process generally includes an initial consultation, a home visit for a detailed assessment, and a technical survey to ensure proper measurements and modifications are made before installation. Multicare Home Lifts then coordinates technical checks, building work, professional installation and handover.
Typical work includes cutting the aperture, making good surrounding finishes, checking electrics and confirming the lift is working correctly. The installation of a home lift typically takes between 2 to 5 days, depending on the complexity of the project and the specific model of the lift; once site preparation is complete, a standard domestic model may be fitted in one to two days.
7. Home lift costs, value and long term investment
Home lifts cost less than many people assume, but there is no single price because every home and specification is different. The overall price depends on travel distance, number of floors, whether the lift must be wheelchair accessible, the chosen model, cabin finishes and any extra building work.
Multicare Home Lifts provides a clear written quotation after a free home survey, so you can see what is included: the lift, installation, building allowances, warranty and aftercare. That helps you compare installing a home lift with moving, remodelling the house or buying several separate mobility products.
Regular maintenance is important to ensuring the longevity and optimal performance of your home lift, as many issues can be prevented with routine check ups. Annual inspections for home lifts typically cost between £200 to £500 per year, helping to identify and rectify potential issues early.
Routine cleaning of both the interior and exterior of the lift is essential, as dust and debris can cause mechanical issues over time. Ensuring that all moving parts are adequately lubricated is crucial to reduce friction and wear, which can extend the lifespan of the lift. For battery operated lifts, routine checks and replacements of the batteries are necessary to avoid unexpected breakdowns, with costs around £50 to £100.
There is also an environmental impact to consider. Adapting an existing home can avoid the waste, transport and refurbishment often involved in moving, while a low energy lift can support practical access without excessive daily running costs.
8. Frequently asked questions about home lifts
Here are short home lift faqs for anyone researching domestic lifts in the UK.
Can a home lift be installed in an existing house?
Yes. Most installations are designed around an existing space, and the smallest footprints can suit tight spaces where a major extension would not be practical.
How much space do I need?
It depends on the range of lift models. Some compact lifts need only a small opening, while larger wheelchair-accessible options need more space.
Is planning permission required?
Straightforward internal lifts usually do not require planning permission, but listed buildings, a conservation area or external changes may require planning permission.
How long does installation take?
Most projects involve consultation, survey, site preparation and fitting. The practical installation stage is commonly completed within 2 to 5 days, depending on complexity.
What maintenance is needed?
Annual servicing, cleaning, lubrication, battery checks where relevant, and safety inspections help keep the lift safe and working correctly.
What happens during a power cut?
Modern lifts usually include battery backup, emergency lowering or manual release features so the user is not left stranded.
Can a lift go cupboard to cupboard?
Yes, some compact through floor lifts can travel discreetly between cupboards or small rooms, preserving living space.
Can I choose custom finishes?
Yes. Colours, glazing, flooring, lighting and other cabin finishes can be tailored, although custom finishes may affect lead times and price.
9. Is a home elevator right for your home? Next steps with Multicare Home Lifts
Home elevators are gaining popularity because they solve real problems: ageing in place, high moving costs, safer stairs, multi generational living, modern design and changing lifestyles. The best next step is to think about the next 5 to 15 years, not just how your home works today.
When you contact Multicare Home Lifts, you can expect a friendly discussion, a free no obligation survey in many parts of the UK, and a clear written proposal. Solutions range from compact domestic lifts for smaller homes to larger wheelchair accessible models for families, carers and long term access planning.
To find out whether a home lift is right for your property, request a consultation with Multicare Home Lifts and get tailored advice before making a decision.
About Multicare Home Lifts
Multicare Home Lifts supplies and installs domestic home lifts across the UK, specialising in compact through floor lifts, Stiltz lifts and other accessibility solutions. We support private homes, care environments and small commercial settings that need reliable residential style access.
Our focus is safety, reliability, minimal disruption and aftercare, including a 12 month guarantee and support beyond installation. Get in touch by phone or online form for clear, no obligation guidance.