Wondering how much residential lifts cost in Australia? If you’re looking to invest in a house elevator, you’ve come to the right place. There are plenty of reasons why you might be looking to get a lift, but how do you choose the right one? The costs of lifts actually vary a lot because there are so many options and variables to consider. Depending on different factors, you can anticipate paying anything from $18,000 to $100,000. We give a breakdown of the different types and what you can expect to pay for your home elevator.
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What Are The Different Types of Residential Elevators?
A domestic lift can improve your quality of life. From making it easier to move around in a multi-story building to providing peace of mind knowing that you have support if you or a family member or friend has mobility issues. A lift can also make moving groceries, luggage or furniture much easier.
Types of Elevator Run Systems
From the different lift drive systems to styles and finishes, here’s a rundown of the various types of lifts you can consider for your home.
Hydraulic Elevators
This type of lift operates using a sling or arm that lifts the cab to push it up. Then, a controller releases the piston cylinder pressure to drop the cab again. Generally, these lifts are better for high-traffic areas as they have a high weight-bearing capacity and are great for wheelchairs as they have ample space. They’re also whisper-quiet!
Find out more about how hydraulic lifts work.
Typical cost: $45,000–$55,000 installed (two stops). Note that hydraulic systems require a separate motor room and use more energy than electric alternatives.
Pneumatic Vacuum Elevators
These elevators rely on air pressure to move up and down. It has a vacuum pump that reduces the air pressure above the cab, pushing it up, Pneumatic Vacuum Elevators equalise the pressure above and below the cab when reaching their destination, travelling back using gravity.
Typical cost: $60,000–$80,000+. These lifts have a striking, self-contained design that requires no shaft, making them a popular retrofit option but commanding a premium price.
Electric (Traction) Elevators
All-electric traction lifts have risen in popularity and are now the top choice for modern Melbourne homes. They use a motor and cable system, no hydraulic fluid, no separate machine room. They’re quieter, more energy-efficient, and generally lower maintenance than hydraulic alternatives.
Typical cost: $40,000–$70,000, depending on stops, size, and finishes.
Different Lift Styles
Other than their drive systems, another thing to consider is which lift style you prefer. From your conventional elevators to your more luxurious modern lifts, here’s a quick overview.
Classic Lifts
The Classic Lift is practical, one of the more compact lifts, and a great budget-friendly option. The design of the Classic Lift is sleek and modernistic.
Sovereign Lifts
The Sovereign Lift is one of the most attractive and captivating home lifts on the market. This model of lift also provides plenty of flexibility with bespoke design finishes and customisation options..
Royal Lift
The Royal Lift is the pinnacle of home lifts with automatic sliding doors. It is extremely smooth, quiet and reliable by design. When a luxurious standard of lift is required, the Royal Lift is first choice.
Jewel Lift
The powerful Jewel Lift combines superior engineering and design for a beautiful, performance-driven solution. This lift boasts the power of a commercial lift for those wanting to incorporate impressive innovation into their project.
Round Panoramic Lift
The Round Panoramic Lift is a top-of-the-range choice. This lift will elevate the architectural appeal of your property and will add an instant wow factor to your project. The fully transparent nature of the lift creates a state-of-the-art feature, allowing riders to enjoy the view while they travel.
What Should You Consider When Choosing Your Lift?
There are plenty of benefits to upgrading your home with an elevator. From making your home more comfortable to upping its selling price, retrofitting a residential lift into your existing home improves its potential.
Factors that influence your home elevator’s cost include the weight and size, how far the lift has to travel, and the different materials and features you opt for.
Generally, if you’re looking to install or retrofit a residential lift for a single person, it can cost approximately $18,000, whereas a lift for two people can cost around $25,000. Increase that to three people, and your cost rises to approximately $30,000.
Home Lift Prices Australia: What is The Average Price of a Lift?
Wondering how much residential lifts cost in Australia? Well, the average home lift’s price in Australia is generally around $30,000.
However, the lift price will depend on several factors. The installation process will also influence the cost of your elevator. For example, if certain refurbishments have to be made, such as moving your plumbing, for example. Furthermore, the preferred location of your elevator can also influence the cost. However, before you commit to a choice, you can request a free brochure to give you a good indication of what to expect.
Get a free brochure and indicative pricing from Platinum Elevators →
How Much Does it Cost to Put an Elevator in a Two-Storey House?
How far your lift has to travel will impact the overall cost. Therefore, a two-storey house’s residential lift will cost less than, for example, a three-storey building.
Whether you’re retrofitting (installing in an existing building) or installing your residential lift in a brand-new building as part of your building plans will also influence the cost. Often, installing in new homes will work out cheaper because there are fewer maintenance costs and hurdles than in existing buildings.
Each additional floor (stop) typically adds $5,000–$10,000 to the base price, due to the extra materials, wiring, and safety systems required.
Home Lift vs Stair Lift
If you’re considering a stair lift as a lower-cost alternative, it’s worth understanding the difference between a home lift and a stair lift.
Stair lifts are a seat that runs along a rail fixed to your staircase. They’re limited to a single seated user at a time, can’t accommodate a whan’t accommodate a wheelchair, and they’re permanently visible on your stairs. They also do nothing for resale value; most buyers will see it as something to remove, not a feature.
A residential home lift is a different proposition entirely. There is no need to navigate stairs at all. It accommodates wheelchairs, multiple passengers, shopping, luggage, and bulky items. It’s discreet, can be designed to complement your interiors, and adds genuine long-term value to the property.
Key Differences: Stair Lifts vs. Residential Home Lifts
| Stair Lift | Residential Lift | |
|---|---|---|
| Accessibility | Stair lifts require the user to transfer to a seated position and can’t carry a wheelchair. | A home lift provides step-free access for everyone, including wheelchair users and families with prams. |
| Capacity | A stair lift carries one person. | A home lift moves people, goods, and mobility aids between floors. |
| Property Value | Stair lifts add no resale value and can deter buyers. | A well-installed home lift is a genuine selling point, particularly in multi-storey homes. |
| Longevity | A stair lift is a short-term fix. | A home lift future-proofs your home for ageing in place, multi-generational living, and changing mobility needs. |
| Design | Stair lifts are bolted to the staircase and always visible. | Home lifts can be integrated seamlessly into your home’s layout and style. |
Can You Get Funding for a Home Lift? NDIS and Other Options
The upfront cost of a home lift isn’t always something you have to cover entirely out of pocket. There are several funding pathways worth exploring:
NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme)
Home lifts can be funded under the NDIS Home Modifications category of Capital Supports for eligible participants. To qualify:
- You must be under 65, an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and have a permanent disability that significantly impacts your daily independence
- An Occupational Therapist (OT) assessment is required to confirm the lift as a “reasonable and necessary” support
- A quote from a registered NDIS provider is needed — Platinum Elevators can assist with this
- NDIS may fund the lift partially or in full, depending on your plan and individual circumstances
My Aged Care (Home Care Packages)
Australians aged 65 and over receiving government-funded home care may be able to use their Home Care Package to contribute to lift costs. Talk to your aged care provider or package manager about what’s possible.
Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA)
Eligible veterans with mobility needs related to service conditions may receive support through DVA programs for home modifications including lifts.
Home Equity and Finance
If you own your home, a home equity loan or line of credit can be a practical way to finance a lift. Some lift companies also offer payment plans through selected finance partners.
What Are the Ongoing Running Costs of a Home Lift?
The purchase price isn’t the only cost to factor in. Here’s what to budget for over the life of your lift:
Electricity: Modern electric home lifts run on a standard 10-amp outlet — similar to a household appliance. Energy usage is low, particularly for a home used occasionally throughout the day rather than continuously.
Annual maintenance: Most lifts require one scheduled service per year to keep safety systems, sensors, and moving parts in check. Get an estimated quote from your lift installer for a standard residential lift. Hydraulic lifts may sit at the higher end due to additional components.
Structural and installation extras: If your home needs a lift shaft built, floor openings cut (for concrete slab homes), or a dedicated electrical circuit installed, budget an additional $5,000–$20,000 on top of the lift price itself.
Permits and approvals: Building approval is required for a permanently installed residential lift in Victoria. Council and permit fees typically range from $1,000–$2,500.
The full picture: When you add installation, approvals, and first-year servicing, your total cost can run 10–15% above the base lift price. It’s worth planning for this upfront.
So Then, What is The Cheapest Home Elevator?
If you’re budget-conscious, a simple option like the Classic Home Lift is a good choice. Hydraulic lifts are also generally a bit cheaper. For the most affordable entry point, a compact two-stop electric lift starts around $30,000–$35,000 fully installed. This will suit most standard two-storey Melbourne homes.
Melbourne Home Elevators: Who Can Help with Your Residential Lift Needs?
Whether you are searching for a compact lift for a small home or a more luxurious lift for your forever home, look no further than Platinum Elevators.
We pride ourselves on a smooth process from start to finish. And you’ll work with a dedicated project manager to oversee everything. Our project manager will provide their expert input on the best finishes to suit your individual needs, they will conduct tests and checks and show you exactly how to operate your new lift.
We serve clients across Melbourne and Victoria, from inner-city apartments to large suburban family homes. Our team can advise on NDIS eligibility, council approval requirements, and the right lift for your specific home layout and budget.
Get a free lift quote today. No obligation, no pressure. Just clear advice from Melbourne’s home lift specialists.