How much does a stairlift cost?

Unfortunately, there is no one simple answer to this question. Straight stairlifts tend to be cheaper than those that are curved. Prices for a brand new basic, straight stairlift start at around £2,000, but the cost can be triple that if the stairlift needs to follow a particularly unusual route to the top of the stairs!

While this may sound expensive, having a stairlift installed can allow you to stay in the home you love for longer and can prove much cheaper than moving to a bungalow.

It’s important to remember that although a certain stairlift may seem like an absolute bargain, it’s something that will be in your home for a long time, so it’s vital to make sure it’s the right product for you. Many mobility retailers have showrooms where you can go and ‘test drive’ different makes and models, helping you to decide which one suits you best.

There are options available to help you reduce the cost of your stairlift, including:

Buying a reconditioned stairlift

This method can be particularly effective if you have a straight stairlift, as you’re more likely to be able to find a reconditioned stairlift that will fit your staircase.

Manufacturers will usually service any stairlifts after reconditioning them and provide you with at least 1 year’s Manufacturer’s Warranty when you purchase from them.

Buying a second-hand stairlift is slightly different from buying a new one, as you’ll need to check whether the stairlift has been serviced in the past in an attempt to work out whether or not it has been well looked after.

Securing funding from a grant

Quite a few different grants are available that could potentially help you to fund your stairlift purchase.  Age UK offer a great guide that talks through different grants that are available and how to apply for funding.

Hiring a stairlift

If you’ll only need a stairlift for a few months, maybe while you’re recovering from a hip operation or have a less-mobile family member staying with you, hiring a stairlift could be the most affordable option. You’ll have to pay an installation cost and then usually a monthly rental cost, but this may be the best option if you only need the lift for a short period of time. It’s important to note that it’s usually cheaper to hire a straight stairlift than a curved one, as the installation costs are often less.

Purchasing your stairlift on a payment plan

While this doesn’t strictly reduce the cost of your stairlift and may in fact increase the overall cost when any interest is considered, it does reduce any initial outlay of spend. Many retailers offer payment plans, which allow you to spread the cost of your purchase over a longer period.

This could make the purchase of your stairlift more affordable, as you can pay a set monthly amount rather than a large lump sum.

Checking what’s included in the purchase of your stairlift

While the initial cost for your stairlift may seem expensive, if the package includes things like extended warranty cover or maintenance, you could end up saving money in the long run.

Some manufacturers may price the installation separately, or only offer aftercare for an additional cost. All these extras can add up, so be sure to make a list of everything you want to purchase and get in included in every quote you receive. This will ensure you’re well informed about the total cost of every stairlift on your shortlist and can make an informed decision.