New Build vs. Retrofit – When Should You Install A Home Lift?

Not too long ago, a home lift was viewed as a luxury investment for an extravagant villa or a beach mansion. But home lifts are now a smart solution that is functional and stylish, for all types of Australian homes from duplexes to renovated heritage houses.

Whether you’re designing a new home or renovating an existing home, installing a residential lift means much more than ease of movement between floors. A residential lift in Australia is a long-term investment in accessibility, comfort, and value of your property. Is the burning question whether you should install the residential lift when you are building, or whether retrofitting is the best option for you?

This guide will help you understand the fundamental differences between building a new home with a lift in the plans, as opposed to fitting a lift in an existing building. We will assist in understanding which option will best suit your building, your budget, and timeline, while considering safety, design, and ease-of-use.

Why More Australians Are Choosing House Lifts?

The demand for house lifts in Australia is increasing steadily – and not just in luxury properties. From young families to retirees, more and more homeowners are seeing the everyday advantages of vertical mobility solutions.

Some of the reasons behind the shift are:

• Aging in Place: As more Australians are looking to future-proof their homes, residential lifts offer an easy, dignified way to maintain independence as mobility needs change.
• Multigenerational Living: Having parents, grandparents, and kids under the same roof necessitates the need for easy accessibility, especially in homes with multiple levels.
• Small Block Sizes: With land becoming tighter in cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, homes are getting built with multiple stories to get the most efficient use of available space. Compact home lifts will make these small multi-storey homes much more viable to live in.
• Design Freedom: The lifts of today look extraordinary, sound silent, and can easily be made to fit with the contemporary Australian home, and of course, with premium lift companies (like Elite Elevators Australia, for example) the potential for them to be elegant is even greater.

Whether you want comfort, safety, or just the convenience of a lift; the growing popularity of home lifts is underpinned by real lifestyle needs – not merely appearances. 

New Build vs Retrofit: What’s the Difference?

When planning to install a home lift in Australia, timing matters. You’ll typically have two options: include it in a new home build, or retrofit it into an existing structure. Each has its pros, cons, and special considerations, understanding them can help you avoid costly surprises.

New Build Installation

Incorporating a lift into a new home design offers unmatched flexibility. You can plan for it from the start, structurally, aesthetically, and functionally.

Advantages:

• Lift shaft and space can be built into the floorplan
• Lower overall construction disruption
• Easier integration of compact home lifts into tight layouts
• Cost-effective in the long run due to fewer design limitations

Best for: Those building from scratch or undertaking a major architectural design project.

Retrofit Installation

Adding a lift to an existing home is entirely doable, and becoming more common. With advancements in lift technology, domestic lifts today can be installed with minimal structural changes.

Advantages:

• Ideal for homeowners who don’t want to move
• Can be completed with minimal remodelling
• Available in ultra-slim models to suit narrow spaces
• Great option for single or multi-floor access

Best for: Existing homeowners, heritage properties, or homes with evolving accessibility needs.

Key Factors to Consider Before You Decide

Whether you’re building new or upgrading an existing home, choosing between a new build installation or a retrofit for your house lift depends on a mix of practical and lifestyle considerations.

1. Space Availability

• New Build: You can allocate exact dimensions for a lift during planning, including pit depth, headroom, and shaft space.
• Retrofit: You’ll need to work within existing floorplans, but modern compact home lifts are designed to fit even in stairwells or tight corners.

2. Budget

• New Build: Typically more cost-effective since installation is planned into the construction process.
• Retrofit: Can involve structural modifications, so costs may vary based on site complexity. However, lift systems like those from Elite Elevators Australia minimise civil work to keep budgets in check.

3. Timeline

• New Build: Lift installation aligns with the construction timeline.
• Retrofit: Can be completed in just 2-3 weeks, depending on the lift type and site readiness, often with minimal disruption to daily life.

4. Design Flexibility

• New Build: Gives you complete creative control over lift placement, finishes, and functionality.
• Retrofit: Requires smart adaptation, but today’s residential elevators in Australia are highly customisable in cabin size, door types, and aesthetic finishes.

5. Long-Term Needs

• Think about who will be using the lift in 5 or 10 years. Whether it’s aging parents, injury recovery, or daily convenience, planning ahead makes sure your investment adds real value to your lifestyle.

Types of Home Lifts Ideal for Australian Homes

When selecting a lift for your home, the right technology makes all the difference, in performance, safety, and long-term satisfaction. Elite Elevators Australia offers some of the most advanced models in the market, all designed to suit both new builds and existing homes. Here’s a closer look at the most relevant options:

1. Hydraulic Lifts

Hydraulic home lifts models offer unmatched ride comfort and robust engineering, ideal for homes that prioritise stability and load-bearing performance.

• Strong lifting capacity
• Soft start/stop mechanism for safety
• Best for homes with moderate to high usage
• Flexible placement with multiple cabin design options

Hydraulic systems are also excellent in handling uneven load distribution, making them a long-standing favourite in multi-level homes.

2. Gearless Models

These are the quiet achievers of the home lift world, highly efficient, low on vibration, and high on performance.

• Sleek and modern technology
• Energy-efficient with regenerative drive options
• Offers a premium ride experience
• Often chosen for modern and future-forward architectural homes

Gearless lifts are particularly popular in new builds where technology, speed, and minimal sound matter most.

3. Stair Lifts

For homes that don’t require a full elevator, stair lifts in Australia provide a focused and budget-friendly accessibility solution, especially for elderly residents.

• Quick installation on existing staircases
• Ideal for straight or curved stairs
• Foldable, space-saving design
• Smooth operation with secure seating

These lifts offer dignity and independence, especially in single-level transitions or where full shaft construction isn’t viable.

New Build or Retrofit? Either Way, It’s Simpler Than You Think

A few years ago, installing a home lift during construction was considered the only “smart” move. But today? Whether you’re building from the ground up or thinking of upgrading your current home, adding a lift is easier and more seamless than ever.

For new builds, planning for a lift early means you get complete design freedom. You can integrate it beautifully into the architecture, plan the shaft space in advance, and even choose premium models like gearless or hydraulic lifts for a sleek look.

On the other hand, retrofit installations have also come a long way. Thanks to compact lift models like, you don’t need to break down walls or make major structural changes. These systems are designed to work with the layout you already have, even in villas, duplexes, or multi-level townhouses.

Whichever path you’re on, modern lift systems now adapt to your space and your life. The key is choosing a model that suits your home’s footprint and your family’s long-term needs.

Why Elite Elevators in Australia Is the Preferred Choice?

Choosing the right home lift is not just about travelling between floors, it’s about safety, style and seamless integration into your space. This is where Elite Elevators Australia really excels. 

Our lift systems, engineered in Europe, are built to the highest international standards, whilst tailored to Australian homes and regulations. We have hydraulic lifts, screw & nut drive systems, gearless lift systems & stair lifts, all with great power and space saving performance, that make them ideal for new builds or retrofits. 

Every Elite lift is fully compliant with Australian standards and has globally recognised certifications, including EN 81-41, which is one of the highest safety certifications in the industry. You can expect technology that will be reliable, precise in control, and above all, will integrate and enhance your lifestyle.

Whether it’s tailored consultation, precision installation or local after sales support, we will ensure your experience is stress free, from planning to handover. Whether its a luxury villa or multi level townhouse, we will design a lift that improves your home – and lifestyle, and gives you peace of mind.

Final Word: Build Smart or Upgrade Wisely

Whether you’re constructing a new home or remodelling the home you love, installing a lift is one of the best investments you can make. Lifts future-proof your home, it adds comfort and value while allowing your home to be accessible for every stage of life.

With the modern compact models available, and professional installers, integrating lifts into new builds and retro fits, is easier than ever. The critical piece is working with a partner who understands your space, functionality, and lifestyle.

Book a site visit or design consultation with Elite Elevators Australia today, and start your journey to a more accessible, elegant, and future-proof home.