Table of Contents
Your Home’s Next Upgrade Might Not Be a Renovation
You have painted the walls. You have changed the tiles. You may have even considered removing a wall or two. But, what if the smartest upgrade to your home is not a cosmetic upgrade at all, it is a vertical one?
Installing a home lift is not just for mansions and luxury builds anymore. Today’s house lifts are compact, modern, and surprisingly affordable. They fit into the average home, add comfort, and provide decades of flexibility in your space – no grand staircase required.
But here is the rub. Not all home elevators are created equal. There is an abundance of options from vacuum-powered pods, to extremely quiet screw-driven lifts, and everywhere in between. This is what this guide is intended to help you with.
Let us compare your options to help you avoid the jargon and make the right decision based on your home, budget, and lifestyle.
Why Consider a Home Elevator?
A home lift is no longer just a luxury item for the wealthy — it’s a reasonable and cost-effective decision for contemporary living. If you’re renovating your home, wish to plan ahead for your aging needs, or simply want to elevate your life style, a residential lift is exactly what your home has been missing.
Below outlines why Australians are increasingly saying yes to vertical mobility.
1. Everyday Convenience
Let’s be honest, the stairs can be a strain whether you’re tired or not, like when you’re carrying in the groceries or suffering from joint pain. Home lifts eradicate the stress of day-to-day living. They provide a quiet and smooth ride between floors, allowing for an easier, safer method of traveling through the house for everyone – from kids, grandparents to even the family pet! It’s comfort and convenience that you use every day.
2. Future-Proof Living
As we get older, stairs can become more of a hurdle than a help. Installing home elevators is one of the smartest ways to age in place. It allows you to stay in the home you love without sacrificing safety or independence. Think of it as preparing for tomorrow, while enjoying the benefits today.
3. Adds Value to Your Property
A home with a lift isn’t just easier to live in — it’s easier to sell. Property buyers are increasingly looking for homes with future-ready features. A stylish, fully functional house elevator can significantly increase your property’s value and appeal, especially in competitive markets.
4. Looks as Good as It Works
Gone are the days when home lifts were bulky eyesores. Today’s compact home lifts are sleek, elegant, and built to blend right in. You can choose from modern designs, transparent glass cabins, and custom finishes that match your home’s style. It’s functionality wrapped in beauty.
Types of House Lifts: What Are Your Options?
Choosing the right home lift isn’t just about price — it’s about fit. Your home, your needs, and your lifestyle all play a role in finding the perfect match. Let’s break down the most popular types of residential lifts in Australia, so you can see what each one offers.
1. Hydraulic Home Lifts
Hydraulic lifts work using a piston and fluid pressure to move the lift car. They’ve been around for years and are known for a smooth, powerful ride.
Why people choose them:
- Great for higher loads and multiple floors
- Smooth and steady movement
- Safe and reliable technology
Things to keep in mind:
- Usually needs a machine room and pit
- Takes more space and civil work
- May cost more to install and maintain
Hydraulic lifts are best suited for bigger homes or when you want heavy-duty performance with a traditional elevator feel.
2. Stairlifts
Not technically a home elevator, but often considered when people explore vertical mobility options. Stair lifts are motorized chairs that travel along a rail fixed to your staircase.
Why some homeowners choose them:
- Lower upfront cost compared to full house lifts
- Quick installation, often within a day
- No structural changes needed — just attach to existing stairs
Things to think about:
- Not suitable for wheelchair users
- Only carries one person at a time, seated
- Can make stairs harder to use for others in the house
Stairlifts are great as a short-term solution for seniors or anyone with mild mobility issues. But for long-term use, especially in multi-person households or for future-proofing, residential lifts offer more flexibility and comfort.
3. Traction Lifts
Traction lifts use steel ropes or belts, pulled by a motor. “MRL” stands for Machine Room-Less — so you get traction power without needing a big space.
Why it works:
- Very energy-efficient
- No need for a separate machine room
- Smooth ride and low operating noise
Keep in mind:
- Installation may cost more upfront
- Slightly slower ride in compact versions
- Needs regular professional servicing
Traction lifts are ideal if you want a green, reliable option that blends tech and comfort — especially for 2 to 3-storey homes.
4. Shaft-less Lifts
These home elevators run on a vertical screw and nut system — often without a traditional shaft. They’re great for retrofits and homes with minimal renovation space.
Why it’s a win:
- Easy to install in existing homes
- No pit, machine room, or overhead space needed
- Simple and space-saving
What to consider:
- Slower than other lift types
- Basic design (though some models look stylish)
- Best for short travel distances (2 levels)
This is a go-to solution if you want a house lift that’s practical, safe, and fits into existing floor plans — no major rebuild needed.
Cost Comparison: What’s the Price Tag?
Let’s be honest — cost is one of the first things most homeowners think about when choosing between a house lift and a chair lift. But it’s not just about the sticker price. It’s about what you get in return for your investment, both now and years down the line.
While stairlift prices may seem like the cheaper choice, they often fall short when it comes to comfort, accessibility, and long-term value. You’re buying a seat that moves up the stairs — not a full, flexible mobility solution.
On the other hand, home lifts may cost more initially, but they provide:
- More comfort and space
- A better experience for multiple users
- A real boost to your home’s resale value
It’s about matching your budget with your long-term needs.
Final Thoughts: Which Lift Is Right for You?
If you are weighing the decision between a stair lift and a home lift, think about what you value most — budget, space, comfort, or longevity.
If you want a temporary fix for the stairs consider a stair lift — particularly if you’re looking to spend a little less money. However, if you have some investment in your future intended use, would like the convenience of daily comfort, or simply want to better the value of your home, a residential lift will always be the more wise long-term option.
From desirable, space-saving domestic lifts to full-size home elevators, there are options that will fit with your personal space, lifestyle, and budget. Furthermore, while home lift pricing may be a step higher at the onset, with consideration given to long-term safety, use, comfort and resale potential the benefits will surpass the costs.
Ready to Explore the Best Lift for Your Home?
Elite Elevators is Australia’s trusted name in premium, certified home lifts. Our expert team is here to help you find a solution that fits your space — and your budget. Whether you’re comparing lifts, looking into lift models, or just want clear info on stairlift prices, we’ll walk you through it all.
👉 Get your free consultation today. Call us on and discover how easy life at home can be.
