A stairlift can cost between £1,000 and £12,000. The price depends on the type of staircase, whether the unit is new or reconditioned, and the features you choose. VAT relief and grants can reduce the cost significantly. Most people who qualify do not know they do.
A 2025 Which? survey put the average cost of a stairlift at £3,867. That figure covers all types and conditions. This guide breaks it down further, by stairlift type, staircase, and funding options, so you can plan an accurate budget before booking a survey.
Stairlift costs at a glance
| Stairlift type | Typical price range |
| Straight stairlift (new) | £1,500–£3,500 |
| Straight stairlift (reconditioned) | £1,000–£2,500 |
| Curved stairlift | £3,800–£12,000 |
| Outdoor stairlift | £3,000–£6,500 |
| Standing stairlift | £2,000–£8,000 |
| Heavy-duty stairlift | £2,500–£12,000 |
| Platform stairlift | £7,000–£12,000 |
Prices shown are typical ranges for 2026. Your exact cost depends on a home survey. Simply Stairlifts carries out a free home survey with no obligation to proceed.
What determines the price of a stairlift?
Your staircase type
The staircase type has the biggest effect on cost. A straight staircase takes a standard rail. A curved stairlift requires a custom-made rail, measured and manufactured after a home survey. That is why curved stairlifts cost significantly more. The rail is unique to your home and cannot be reused elsewhere.
New, reconditioned, or rental
Three routes are available: buying new, buying reconditioned, or renting. Each suits a different situation.
| New | Reconditioned | Rental | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | First choice of model and full warranty | Straight staircases, value for money | Short-term recovery or uncertain timescales |
| Typical cost | Higher end of range | Lower end of range | Monthly fee plus installation |
| Warranty | Full manufacturer warranty | Warranty included | Covered for the rental period |
| Available for | Straight and curved | Straight staircases only | Straight staircases only |
A reconditioned stairlift is a fully refurbished unit fitted to a new rail. For a straight staircase, the quality of a reconditioned unit is comparable to new. The price is not.
Rental suits short-term needs, such as recovery from a hip or knee operation. Simply Stairlifts can advise on which option fits your situation at the survey stage.
Staircase length, layout, and features
A longer staircase needs a longer rail, which adds to the cost. Narrow stairs may limit the models available. Powered features such as a swivel seat or folding footrest sit at the upper end of a price range. Standard models cover the requirements of most households.
Cost by stairlift type
Straight stairlifts
A new straight stairlift costs between £1,500 and £3,500 fully fitted. A reconditioned straight stairlift costs between £1,000 and £2,500. The price includes the unit, the rail, and installation. At Simply Stairlifts, we fit a new rail on every reconditioned stairlift.
A straight stairlift serviced annually should last between 10 and 12 years.
Curved stairlifts
A curved stairlift costs between £3,800 and £12,000. The rail is custom-manufactured to fit the exact geometry of your staircase. No two curved rails are the same, so an accurate price requires a home survey. At Simply Stairlift, we carry out curved stairlift surveys free of charge and with no obligation.
Outdoor stairlifts
An outdoor stairlift costs between £3,000 and £6,500. It is designed for external steps such as a garden entrance or sloped path. The unit is weatherproofed for year-round use.
Specialist models
Some households need a model designed for specific requirements:
| Model type | Best for | Typical price range |
|---|---|---|
| Standing stairlift | Those who cannot bend their knees comfortably | £2,000–£8,000 |
| Heavy-duty stairlift | Higher weight capacity requirements | £2,500–£12,000 |
| Platform stairlift | Wheelchair users | £7,000–£12,000 |
If you are not sure which type fits the situation, a home survey will identify the right model before any cost is committed. Contact us today to find out which stairlift is right for your home.
Installation and ongoing costs
Installation
Straight stairlift installation costs between £500 and £1,000. Curved stairlift installation costs £2,000 or more, because the custom rail takes longer to fit correctly.
At Simply Stairlifts, the cost of stairlift installation is included in the purchase price, and every installation includes a full demonstration and handover. Our engineers Jack and Brian will stay with you until you are confident in the controls.
Servicing and battery replacement
An annual service from Simply Stairlifts costs £95. The service checks all mechanical and electrical components. Battery replacement is typically needed every three to five years and costs between £100 and £200.
Simply Stairlifts services all brands, not only models it has installed. If your stairlift was fitted by another company, we can still maintain and repair it.
How to pay less: VAT relief, grants, and funding
VAT relief and grant funding are available to a wide range of buyers. The criteria are broader than many people assume, and most routes are worth exploring before committing to a purchase price.
Government grants
Disabled Facilities Grant
The Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) is the main government funding route for stairlift purchases in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It covers home adaptations that improve accessibility, including stairlifts.
The maximum award varies by country:
| Country | Maximum DFG award |
|---|---|
| England | £30,000 |
| Wales | £36,000 |
| Northern Ireland | £25,000 |
The DFG is means-tested. Your income, savings, and household circumstances are assessed to determine the amount awarded. The maximum figures above are ceilings, not guaranteed amounts.
To apply, you need two written estimates from stairlift companies. Simply Stairlifts can provide one as part of a free home survey. Once submitted to your local council, the application is reviewed and, if approved, the grant can cover a substantial portion of the cost.
Scotland: Scheme of Assistance
In Scotland, the Scheme of Assistance replaces the DFG. For qualifying households, it covers a minimum of 80% of the eligible cost. Application is through your local council.
NHS occupational therapy pathway
The NHS does not supply stairlifts directly. However, a GP or healthcare professional can arrange an Occupational Therapist (OT) assessment. The OT identifies the medical need formally, which can support grant applications and referrals for funded adaptations. If you or your relative is under the care of a GP or hospital team, requesting an OT assessment early in the process is worthwhile.
Charitable support
Charities can bridge the gap for those who do not qualify for government funding, or who need support beyond what a grant covers. While a funded stairlift is not guaranteed, some charities can cover the full cost or provide a significant contribution.
| Charity | Who it supports | How to apply |
|---|---|---|
| RABI | Farming families with demonstrated financial need | Apply directly via RABI |
| SSAFA | Current and former armed forces members and their families | Apply via SSAFA; proof of service connection required |
| Independence at Home | People with health or social care needs requiring home adaptations | Apply via a health or social care worker. |
| Margaret’s Fund | Women with TB or other lung conditions | Apply via a health or social care worker |
This list covers the most established routes. Other local and specialist charities may be relevant depending on your circumstances. Your local council, GP, or social care team can often identify funding sources that are not widely advertised.
For a full breakdown of how to apply, eligibility criteria, and what to expect at each stage, read our guide to stairlift grants and funding.
Zero-rated VAT (0%) for disabled individuals
Disabled individuals pay no VAT on a stairlift. To qualify, two conditions must be met:
- The buyer must be chronically sick or disabled: defined as having a long-term physical or mental impairment that substantially affects daily life. You do not need to receive disability benefits to qualify. Temporary conditions, such as a short-term injury, do not meet the threshold.
- The stairlift must be for personal, domestic use, not for commercial or business purposes.
Example saving. On a stairlift priced at £3,000, a 0% VAT rate saves £600 compared to the standard 20% rate.
VAT relief must be confirmed before the purchase is completed. Once a transaction is finalised, VAT cannot be refunded. At the survey stage, Simply Stairlifts confirms eligibility and completes the written declaration on your behalf.
Reduced-rate VAT (5%) for people aged 60+
If you are 60 or over and the stairlift is supplied and installed in your home, you pay 5% VAT rather than 20%. This applies regardless of disability status. Many people over 60 are unaware it exists.
Example saving. On a stairlift priced at £3,000, a 5% rate saves £450 compared to the standard 20% rate.
Where both rates could apply, for example, a disabled individual who is also over 60, the 0% rate takes precedence. Simply Stairlifts will confirm which rate applies at the survey stage. The difference between 0% and 5% on a typical purchase is worth establishing before any quote is agreed.
Grant funding does not cover all costs in every case, and awards are not guaranteed. For a full breakdown of how to apply, eligibility criteria, and what to expect at each stage, read our guide to stairlift grants and funding.
What to expect from Simply Stairlifts
Simply Stairlifts is a family business based in Malmesbury, Wiltshire. Brian and Jack Pinchbeck carry out every survey, installation, and service call themselves.
We hold a 5-star Google rating from our customers, who frequently mention fast turnaround in urgent situations as a reason for recommending us.
How the survey process works
The survey is free and carries no obligation to proceed.
- Request a survey. Call, email, or use the contact form on this page.
- Home visit. Brian or Jack visits the property, measures the staircase, and discusses requirements and options.
- Written quote. You receive a written quote for the recommended solution before any decision is required.
- Your decision, your timeline. There is no follow-up pressure. You proceed when, and if, you choose to.
Honest quotes, no pressure
At Simply Stairlifts, we do not operate on a commission or hard-sell basis. Our survey is an assessment, not a sales appointment, and if a reconditioned model fits the situation better than a new one, we will tell you.
Local coverage across the South West
Simply Stairlifts covers Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Oxfordshire, Bristol, Bath, and surrounding areas. If you are looking for stairlifts in Bristol, stairlifts in Swindon, stairlifts in Bath, or stairlifts in Cheltenham, we cover your area.
Aftercare and emergency support
Simply Stairlifts operates a 24-hour emergency helpline. If the stairlift stops working, you can call us at any time of day or night. We also service any brand of stairlift, and you do not need to be an existing customer to use our servicing and repair services.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a straight stairlift cost in the UK?
A new straight stairlift costs between £1,500 and £3,500 fully fitted. A reconditioned straight stairlift costs between £1,000 and £2,500. The price includes the unit, the rail, and installation.
How much does a curved stairlift cost?
A curved stairlift costs between £3,800 and £12,000. The rail is custom-manufactured for each staircase, so an accurate price requires a home survey. Simply Stairlifts carries out curved stairlift surveys free of charge.
Are stairlifts VAT-free?
Disabled individuals pay 0% VAT. People aged 60 or over pay 5% VAT. Standard 20% VAT applies to everyone else. Simply Stairlifts confirms eligibility and handles the paperwork at the survey stage.
Can I get a grant towards a stairlift?
The Disabled Facilities Grant provides up to £30,000 for home adaptations in England, including stairlifts. It is administered by your local council and is means-tested. Our stairlift grants guide covers all available options and how to apply.
How much does stairlift installation cost?
At Simply Stairlifts, the cost of stairlift installation is included in the purchase price and carried out by our trained professionals.
What is the cheapest type of stairlift?
A reconditioned straight stairlift is the most affordable option, starting from £1,200. It is fitted to a new rail and carries a warranty.
How long does a stairlift last?
A stairlift serviced annually lasts between 10 and 12 years. Battery replacement is typically needed every three to five years and costs between £100 and £200.
Book your free home survey
If you are interested in a stairlift, the first step is a home survey with Simply Stairlifts.
At Simply Stairlifts, we are experienced electrical and mechanical engineers qualified to install, remove, repair and service any stairlift in South West England.
The survey is free and carries no obligation to proceed. Brian or Jack Pinchbeck will visit the property, measure the staircase, and provide a written quote. You make the decision at a time that suits you.
If you’re interested in buying a new or reconditioned stairlift, you can contact our team today for a free consultation. We cover Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Oxfordshire, Bristol, Bath, and surrounding areas.
Contact our team now
Find out more helpful information about stairlifts on the Simply Stairlifts blog…
Tips on Stairlift Maintenance | What to look for in a Stairlift supplier? | Benefits of a stairlift to the elderly or disabled
* Disclaimer
Prices mentioned in this article are industry average prices (in August 2026, subject to change), and are not Simply Stairlifts’ direct prices. For a clearer understanding of the cost of a stairlift in your home, please arrange a free consultation with our team.
