Home lifts are often seen purely through the lens of mobility betterment for older people or those with medical needs. And while they remain a lifeline for those navigating disability or reduced mobility, modern lifts now offer far more.
They offer smart home convenience, stylish integration, and practical value for households planning.
Home lifts: from mobility aid to lifestyle upgrade
Home lifts were once installed only to address mobility concerns. But that has changed. Today, more homeowners are proactively installing lifts for ease, comfort, and long-term planning.
These are not only reactive solutions. Home lifts have become a smart investment in long-term comfort, independence, and day-to-day convenience.
Some of our clients reach out not because they urgently need a lift, but because they want the freedom and ease that comes with having one installed:
- To eliminate daily strain and improve quality of life
- To avoid future disruption or forced home moves
- To support guests, carers, or aging parents
- To preserve their home’s open layout and timeless comfort
How do architects design around residential lifts?
Home lifts are now part of the conversation from the very beginning of a project. Architects and designers now see lifts as tools to unlock layout flexibility, solve accessibility issues, and futureproof the home for long-term use.
Lift-friendly design benefits include:
- No need to sacrifice open-plan layouts
- Void spaces, stairwells or underused areas can be repurposed
- Compact models mean less disruption to walls or structure
- Premium models add visual interest as well as function
By integrating lifts early, architects preserve design freedom and help homeowners avoid costly retrofits down the line.
What lifestyle advantages do home lifts offer?
A lift solves practical problems while making your home easier to navigate and more comfortable to live in. It gives you full access to your home at every stage of life. For many people, the decision to install a lift is about protecting independence and removing the physical stress and mental load that stairs can cause.
The real-life benefits include:
- Confidence and comfort moving between floors daily
- No need to limit living to the ground floor
- Safer access for visitors or carers
- Less reliance on temporary or invasive stairlifts
People often tell us they felt relief once the lift was in place — and that they wish they’d made the move earlier. Once the lift is in place, life becomes smoother, safer, and less physically demanding.
Are home lifts energy-efficient and eco-friendly?
One of the most common concerns for homeowners is energy use. Fortunately, residential lifts have come a long way in efficiency. Many modern systems are designed to consume minimal electricity and include power-saving features.
Key advantages include:
- Some lifts use less energy than a kettle during operation
- Pneumatic models use air pressure and consume power only on ascent
- No need for oil, hydraulics, or high-energy machinery
- Standby modes reduce electricity use when idle
You can enjoy freedom of movement throughout your home without worrying about inflated energy bills.
Should you install a home lift now or wait?
Timing matters. Waiting to install a lift often leads to rushed decisions, structural limitations, and design compromises. Installing early gives you more flexibility, better integration, and greater value over time.
Installing now means you can:
- Select a lift that suits your lifestyle and supports your daily routine
- Avoid patchwork solutions like temporary stairlifts or retrofits
- Reduce long-term costs by building it into renovation plans
Proactive planning preserves your home's design, protects your comfort, and supports your ability to live fully in your space.
What types of residential lifts are available?
Not all residential lifts are the same and the right model depends on your space, style, and priorities. Popular options include:
- Through-the-floor lifts: Compact, discreet, and perfect for two-storey homes.
- Shaft-based lifts: Larger models with more capacity and a classic look.
- Pneumatic lifts: Stylish, self-contained and energy-efficient.
- Platform lifts: Great for short distances or open-plan layouts.
Each type of home lift offers unique benefits, from compact footprints to quiet operation and fully customisable finishes. We’ll help you find a model that fits your layout without compromise.
How much does a home lift cost in 2025?
In 2025, most UK homeowners can expect to spend upwards of £15,000 on a professionally installed home lift a competitive range when considering the long-term benefits residential lifts deliver. The final price depends on:
- Type of lift
- Number of floors served
- Custom finishes and cabin design
- Site preparation and structural needs
While premium lifts with panoramic glass or shaft builds may cost more, compact models can often be installed with minimal disruption at a lower cost. Our team can provide a tailored quote and help you compare residential lifts that match your layout, budget, and style preferences.
Are residential lifts better than stairlifts?
People often ask us how residential lifts stack up against stairlifts when planning their accessibility upgrades. While stairlifts can offer a temporary fix, they often come with limitations in both design and day-to-day use.
Home lifts provide a safer and more comfortable solution that fits naturally into your living space and supports long-term accessibility.
Here’s how residential lifts compare to stairlifts:
- Comfort: Lifts accommodate the user in a standing or seated position without needing transfers
- Safety: Enclosed cabins reduce fall risks and offer greater stability
- Design: Home lifts blend into interiors; stairlifts can feel clinical or intrusive
- Long-term use: Lifts make it easier to move between floors with items like shopping bags or when assistance is needed
For those planning to stay in their home long-term or wanting a solution that adds convenience without compromise, residential lifts are a more holistic and lasting investment.
Real installation, real impact: Poppinghole Farm case study
At Poppinghole Farm in East Sussex, the homeowners wanted a solution that could support mobility needs while complementing the unique character of their rural property. Morgan Ellis installed an Aritco Home Lift that delivered both form and function integrating with the home’s design without sacrificing comfort or quality.
The result was a lift that not only made the home more accessible but added a sense of ease and confidence to daily life. It’s a strong example of how a well-chosen lift can fit into any home without compromise.
Take the strain out of stairs and the guesswork out of planning
If climbing stairs is starting to feel like a strain or you're thinking ahead to a time when it might be the best time to act is before it becomes a barrier.
At Morgan Ellis, we understand that home lifts represent feeling of serenity in movement. more than just a product. It’s about peace of mind. It’s about comfort that lasts. And it’s about staying in the home you love, without compromise.
Let’s make it happen. Contact our team today to explore which home lift is right for you and feel the difference every day after.