How Much Does a Stairlift Cost in the UK? 2026 Price Guide
Key points
- A reconditioned straight stairlift costs from £1,595 fully fitted. New straight lifts cost £2,495 to £3,295.
- Curved stairlifts cost from £3,395 reconditioned and £4,995 to £7,195 new, because the rail is made for your stairs.
- If you have a disability or long-term illness you can buy a stairlift VAT-free, which takes a sixth off the price.
- A Disabled Facilities Grant from your council can help with the cost if you are eligible.
The short answer
A stairlift costs from £1,595 for a reconditioned straight lift, fully fitted and including VAT. A new straight stairlift costs between £2,495 and £3,295. Curved stairlifts cost more, from £3,395 reconditioned and from £4,995 to £7,195 new.
Those are the ranges our customers typically pay. Your own price depends on the shape of your stairs, the model, and the options you choose. That is why every quote we give is fixed and written, after a free survey of your staircase.
Stairlift prices at a glance
All prices are starting prices, fully installed, including VAT at 20% and a parts and labour warranty (3 years on new, 2 years on reconditioned).
| Type of stairlift | Reconditioned | New |
|---|---|---|
| Straight | £1,595 to £1,995 | £2,495 to £3,295 |
| Curved | £3,395 to £5,495 | £4,995 to £7,195 |
| Narrow straight | from £1,695 | from £2,495 |
| Perch (stand-up) | from £1,795 | from £3,195 |
| Outdoor | Not usually available | £2,995 to £3,995 |
| Heavy duty straight (up to 31.5 stone) | Not usually available | £2,995 to £4,195 |
| Heavy duty curved (up to 30 stone) | Not usually available | from £8,995 |
For model by model prices, see our stairlift comparison.
Why curved stairlifts cost more
A straight stairlift runs on a standard rail that is cut to the length of your stairs. That keeps the cost down, and fitting can often be finished in a few hours.
A curved stairlift is different. Its rail is designed and manufactured for one staircase only, following every bend, landing and winder step. That means a detailed survey, manufacturing time and a longer installation, which is why curved lifts start at around twice the price of straight ones.
Read more in straight vs curved stairlifts: which do you need?
Compare prices for your stairsTell us about your staircase and we will call you with a guide price.
What affects the price
These are the things that move a quote up or down:
- New or reconditioned. A reconditioned lift costs considerably less, and ours still carry a 2-year parts and labour warranty.
- The shape of the stairs. Every bend, landing and winder step on a curved staircase adds to the rail.
- The width of the stairs. Narrow staircases may need a slim model such as the Handicare 1100.
- A door at the bottom. A hinged rail folds out of the way so the rail does not block the doorway.
- The user’s weight. Heavy duty models for users from 25 to 31.5 stone cost more. See our heavy duty stairlifts.
- Seat options. Powered swivel seats and powered footrests cost more than manual versions.
- Standing users. A perch seat suits people who find bending their knees difficult.
Prices by model
These are starting prices for the models we compare most often.
| Model | Type | From |
|---|---|---|
| Acorn 130 | Straight | £1,595 reconditioned |
| Handicare 1100 | Straight, narrow stairs | £1,695 reconditioned, £2,495 new |
| Platinum Ergo | Straight | £1,695 reconditioned, £2,595 new |
| Handicare 1000 | Straight | £1,795 reconditioned, £2,995 new |
| Access BDD Flow X | Curved | £4,995 reconditioned, £7,195 new |
| Handicare Freecurve | Curved | £5,295 new |
| Platinum Ultimate | Curved | £5,495 reconditioned, £6,995 new |
What the price should include
When you compare quotes, check that each one covers the same things. Our prices include:
- The stairlift and rail
- Installation by our own engineers
- A safety demonstration once it is fitted
- A parts and labour warranty: 3 years on new, 2 years on reconditioned
- VAT at 20%, or a VAT-free price if you qualify
Ask any supplier whether the price is fixed, whether it includes VAT and fitting, and what the warranty covers after the first year.
How to pay less
VAT relief
Stairlifts are on the government’s list of products you can buy without VAT if you have a disability or a long-term illness and the lift is for your own use at home. You confirm in writing that you qualify, and we complete the declaration with you as part of your order. On a stairlift priced at £2,495 including VAT, a qualifying customer pays £2,079.17. The rules are on GOV.UK.
Disabled Facilities Grant
Your local council may contribute towards a stairlift through a Disabled Facilities Grant. The grant is up to £30,000 in England and up to £36,000 in Wales. It usually depends on household income and savings, although disabled children under 18 can get a grant without their parents’ income being counted. Apply to your council before you order, and we can provide the written quote the council asks for. Details are on GOV.UK, and our stairlift grants guide explains how to apply.
Choose reconditioned
A reconditioned stairlift is the simplest saving, often several hundred pounds or more on a straight lift. See new vs reconditioned stairlifts for a full comparison.
Running costs after fitting
Most stairlifts run on batteries that charge from a normal socket, so the electricity cost is small. We recommend a service at least once a year, or more often if the lift gets heavy use. A service visit usually takes 60 to 90 minutes and covers the rail, safety sensors, seatbelt, batteries and controls. Call us for a servicing price for your model.
To see which models give the best value for your stairs, read our top 5 stairlifts compared.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a stairlift for a straight staircase?
A reconditioned straight stairlift costs from £1,595 fully fitted, and a new one costs from £2,495 to £3,295, including VAT.
How much is a curved stairlift?
Curved stairlifts cost from £3,395 reconditioned and from £4,995 to £7,195 new, fully fitted and including VAT. The rail is made to measure for your staircase.
Are stairlift prices fully fitted?
Ours are. The price includes the stairlift, installation, a safety demonstration and a warranty of 3 years on new or 2 years on reconditioned. Your written quote is fixed.
Can I buy a stairlift without paying VAT?
Yes, if you have a disability or long-term illness and the stairlift is for your own use. You confirm this in writing when you order, and we help you complete the declaration.
Will the council pay for a stairlift?
Your council may contribute through a Disabled Facilities Grant of up to £30,000 in England or £36,000 in Wales, depending on your circumstances. Apply before you order.
Is a reconditioned stairlift cheaper?
Yes. A reconditioned straight stairlift starts at £1,595 compared with £2,495 new, and ours carry a 2-year parts and labour warranty.
Get a fixed price for your stairsBook a free home survey. We measure your staircase, compare the models that fit and give you a fixed written price, with no obligation.
Prefer to talk? Call us on 07534 654944.