HOME LIFTS I 02 JULY 2025

Everything You Need to Know About Home Lifts in the UK

As more UK homeowners look to future-proof their properties and improve daily accessibility, home lifts are becoming a sought after solution for safe, stylish and practical vertical mobility. Whether you're planning for long term comfort, adapting to mobility needs, or simply enhancing your lifestyle, a home lift could be a smart and elegant upgrade. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about home lifts in the UK; from available types and installation expectations to design benefits and how to make the right choice for your property.

What Is a Home Lift?

A home lift is a compact lift system designed to transport people (and sometimes goods) between floors within a residential property. Unlike traditional stairlifts, home lifts travel vertically and integrate seamlessly into your living space, offering improved accessibility without compromising aesthetics or practicality.

Modern home lifts can be installed in existing homes or planned into new builds and they offer a reliable solution for users with reduced mobility, growing families, or anyone looking to add long term value and convenience to their home.

Why Choose a Home Lift?

1. Accessibility and Independence

Home lifts help individuals with limited mobility move between floors easily and safely, removing the physical barrier of stairs. This allows for continued independence in multi-storey homes and future-proofs the property as you age.

2. Property Value and Desirability

With the rising demand for accessible homes, especially in the luxury and retirement property markets, a well installed home lift can add significant value to your property. It also broadens your market when it comes time to sell.

3. Safety

Stairs are a common cause of household accidents, particularly for elderly people or young children. Home lifts offer a safer alternative and reduce the risk of falls.

4. Style and Customisation

Today’s home lifts aren’t bulky or clinical. Instead, they can be fully customised to suit the interior design of your home - from sleek glass cabins to minimal, space saving footprints that blend right in.

Outside lift for the home in a glass structure

Types of Home Lifts in the UK

Through-Floor Lifts

A compact and space efficient option, these lifts travel between two floors via a cut-out in the floor. They’re ideal for homes with limited space and often don’t require a lift shaft or major structural changes.

Traction or Electric Lifts

Using a motor and counterweight system, traction lifts are energy-efficient and operate smoothly. Some models require a small pit or lift shaft but offer flexible installation options.

Platform Lifts

Often open-style and enclosed with safety features, platform lifts are an accessible and compliant solution, especially for wheelchair users. They can be installed indoors or outdoors and often require minimal structural adjustment.



What to Expect During a Home Lift Installation

Installation times and procedures vary depending on the type of lift and the structure of your home, but here’s a general overview:

Survey and Planning

A professional site survey will assess your home’s layout, structure and your personal needs to recommend the best lift solution. Measurements and planning permissions (if needed) are reviewed during this stage.

Design and Customisation

You’ll have the chance to choose finishes, cabin size, doors and features to match your interior style and preferences. At Premier Lifts, we work with you to tailor the lift’s design to your home.

Installation

Installation typically takes around 5 days, depending on the complexity and location of the lift. Minimal disruption is ensured, and our experienced engineers carry out work with attention to detail and full compliance with safety standards.

Testing and Handover

Once installed, the lift is tested rigorously to ensure performance, safety and functionality. You’ll be shown how to operate it and receive support and documentation.



Maintenance and Aftercare

To keep your home lift running smoothly, we recommend regular servicing - usually once or twice a year depending on usage. At Premier Lifts, our ongoing maintenance plans ensure your lift remains safe, compliant and reliable.

We also offer full support, emergency callouts and technical advice to provide complete peace of mind.


Are Home Lifts Just for the Elderly?

Absolutely not! While home lifts are a practical choice for elderly users or those with mobility issues, they are increasingly popular among homeowners looking to:

i.   Increase comfort and luxury
ii.  Improve long-term accessibility
iii.  Support multigenerational living
iv.  Transport heavy or bulky items easily between floors


How to Choose the Right Home Lift

When selecting the best home lift for your property, we can help you consider:

Space availability - do you have the space for a lift shaft or would a through-floor model work better?

Aesthetics - does the lift blend with your interiors?

Budget - while we don’t discuss prices here, we can provide quotes based on your specific needs.

Usage - will the lift be used daily or occasionally? Who will be using it?

Compliance - all our lifts meet UK safety and accessibility standards.

We recommend speaking with our team to carry out a free assessment and help you compare options.

Final Thoughts

A home lift is no longer a niche luxury - it’s a smart investment that supports both accessibility and convenience. Whether you’re renovating, planning for future mobility needs, or simply want to elevate your living space (literally and figuratively), a home lift could be the perfect addition.


Home lift at night showing warm lighting by a wood staircase.


FAQs About Home Lifts in the UK

Q: What is the difference between a home lift and a stairlift?
A: A stairlift travels along the side of a staircase and carries a person while seated, while a home lift transports you vertically between floors and allows for standing or wheelchair access.

Q: Do I need planning permission to install a home lift?
A: In most cases, no planning permission is required for internal lifts - but we always carry out a full assessment to confirm local requirements.

Q: What is the best home lift for a small house?
A: Through-floor lifts or compact platform lifts are ideal for small homes with limited space.

Q: Are home lifts safe?
A: Yes - modern home lifts are equipped with safety sensors, emergency lowering systems, and comply with strict UK regulations.

At Premier Lifts, we offer fully customised home lift solutions with expert guidance, installation and aftercare. Let us help you find the right fit for your home.

Ready to explore your options? Contact our team today for a free consultation.

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