Understanding Residential Lift Dimensions in Australia

Choosing the right size lift for your home isn’t just a technical decision—it’s a lifestyle upgrade.

Last month in Melbourne, a couple moved into a beautiful split-level home in the suburbs. They had a golden retriever, two teenage sons, and plans to stay in that house well into retirement. Everything about the house was perfect—except the stairs. Climbing them every day felt like a mini workout, especially while carrying groceries, laundry baskets, or a sleepy child at 9 PM.

That’s when the search began: “What kind of residential lift fits in Australian homes like ours?” 

And just like that, the rabbit hole opened.

Terms like shaft size, minimum pit depth, and headroom clearance started flooding their browser history. Suddenly, residential lifts didn’t feel so straightforward. But here’s the good news—once the basics are cracked, everything else starts to fall into place like puzzle pieces.

So, What’s the Standard Residential Lift Size in Australia?

There’s no one-size-fits-all. And honestly? That’s a good thing. Whether it’s a coastal villa in Perth or a townhouse in Sydney’s inner west, the layout varies wildly, and so do the lift requirements.

Still, there are general guidelines:

Standard Shaft Space

Most home lifts in Australia require a shaft space of about 1000 mm to 1500 mm (width) and 1000 mm to 1600 mm (depth).
That’s roughly the space of a compact bathroom or a large closet.

Cabin Size

Typical cabin dimensions fall between 750 mm x 750 mm (for ultra-compact models) to around 1100 mm x 1400 mm for models that accommodate wheelchairs or multiple passengers.

A young family in Adelaide opted for a larger cabin to ensure that their pram could roll in comfortably, with enough space for their toddler to twirl around without bumping elbows.

Pit Depth

This is the space under the lift that allows it to settle flush with the ground floor.

• Standard pit depth: around 50 mm to 150 mm
• Some models, like pitless home elevators, don’t need any pit at all.

That’s great for heritage homes in Hobart or older properties in Brisbane where digging deep isn’t ideal—or even allowed.

Headroom Clearance

This is the minimum vertical space required above the lift. In modern builds, that’s a non-issue. But in tight roof spaces or attic conversions? Measurements matter.

Choosing Dimensions Based on Lifestyle

It’s not just about how much space the lift can occupy. It’s about how it should be.

Scenario 1: Elderly Parents Moving In

A family in Canberra added a home elevator before their ageing parents moved in. The chosen model had a larger cabin and automatic sliding doors for ease of use. The shaft space will blend beautifully into the home’s design. More importantly, it gave peace of mind.

Scenario 2: Small Footprint, Big Dreams

A couple renovating their home in Fremantle didn’t want to give up their study nook to fit a lift. They chose a compact home lift that fit within a 1000 mm x 1000 mm shaft and required minimal structural changes.

Does a Residential Lift Always Require a Shaft?

Not always. Shaftless or self-contained models are trending, especially in Australia’s coastal homes where views matter more than drywall.

These lifts often need just 1010 mm diameter and can be installed without a pit or machine room. Think of them as the sleek espresso machines of the elevator world—compact, efficient, and quite the conversation starter.

Installation Dimensions vs. Usable Cabin Space

There’s a difference. And it can be confusing.

• Installation space is the total footprint needed (including the shaft, pit, and headroom).
• Usable cabin space is what people actually stand in.

Here’s a quick analogy: Buying a new fridge might require a 90 cm gap in the kitchen, but the internal shelves might only measure 70 cm. Same story here.

Australian Regulations to Keep in Mind

House lifts in Australia need to comply with standards like:

• AS 1735.18 for low-rise residential lifts

There’s a reason so many homeowners loop in architects or lift consultants early in the planning. It’s not just about measurements—it’s about meeting code without sacrificing comfort or design.

Tips for Measuring & Planning

Before calling suppliers or diving into Pinterest:

1. Measure the tightest corner – Not all walls are perfectly aligned.
2. Check ceiling height – Especially in top-floor landings.
3. Plan for swing doors or sliding doors – They affect approach clearance.
4. Think about entry/exit direction – Will it be same-side entry or opposite?

Some homeowners even mark the footprint with masking tape to visualize how much floor area the lift will take. A surprisingly helpful trick.

What If There’s Very Little Space?

No worries. That’s where pitless lifts or machine less elevators shine.

These models are designed for compact installations:

• Diameter of 1010 mm to 1320 mm
• No pit, no machine room
• Installation in 1 to 2 weeks 

Perfect for narrow homes or townhouses that don’t want to compromise on style or floor plan.

Bigger Isn’t Always Better

A spacious lift feels luxurious, sure. But sometimes it’s overkill. In urban suburbs like Newtown or Fitzroy, space is premium. Installing a large shaft might eat into a valuable walk-in robe or a second bathroom.

That’s why lift planning should feel personal. Functional, yes—but also tailored. After all, a lift isn’t just about going up and down. It’s about making life easier—smoother—one level at a time.

Understanding residential lift dimensions in Australia is more than just playing with numbers. It’s about syncing your home’s personality with your lifestyle needs. Whether it’s a sleek glass tube lift rising through a modern duplex in Sydney or a discreet elevator tucked into a Federation home in Adelaide—it has to fit.

Not just the structure, but the way people move, live, and grow in space.

So, before the next deep-dive into specs or Pinterest boards, one question needs to be asked:
How should this lift serve the home—today, and ten years from now?

That’s the dimension that matters most.