Stairlift prices at a glance
| Stairlift | Price, fitted | Warranty or terms |
|---|---|---|
| Reconditioned straight | £1,195 | 12-month parts and labour warranty |
| New straight | £1,995 | 12-month parts and labour warranty, first service included |
| New curved | From £2,995 | 12-month parts and labour warranty, first service included |
| Reconditioned curved | Priced at survey | Rail made for your stairs |
| Rent a straight lift | £500 upfront, then £50 a month | Rolling, no minimum term |
| Rent a curved lift | £2,000 upfront, then £80 a month | Rolling, no minimum term |
Outdoor, heavy-duty and perch stairlifts are priced at a free survey, because the right lift depends on the steps and the person using it.
What real customers paid in October 2026
These are three quotes we gave in Greater Manchester in October 2026, with names left out.
| Area | Stairlift | What made the difference | Price, fitted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prestwich | Reconditioned Acorn 130, straight, left-hand | A longer rail and a hinged rail | £1,250 |
| Hyde | Reconditioned Acorn 130, straight, left-hand | Safety additions | £1,550 |
| Miles Platting | New Acorn 180, curved, right-hand | A made-to-measure rail and bespoke railings | £3,500 |
Both straight quotes were for the same reconditioned lift; the difference came from the work each staircase needed.
What makes a stairlift cost more?
The staircase decides most of the price, not the chair.
- Rail length: a long flight needs more rail than a standard one.
- A hinged rail: if the bottom of the rail would block a door or hallway, a hinged section folds out of the way. It costs more than a fixed rail.
- A curved staircase: the rail is made for your stairs from a survey, so every curved lift is priced to the staircase. Ours start from £2,995.
- Safety additions: extra safety features add to the price, and the survey confirms which ones you need.
- New or reconditioned: a reconditioned lift costs £800 less than a new one and carries the same 12-month warranty.
The free home survey gives you a fixed written price, so there are no surprises on the day.
Is a reconditioned stairlift worth it?
Yes, for most straight staircases. A reconditioned straight lift is £1,195 fitted, against £1,995 new, and both carry a 12-month parts and labour warranty. Every one is stripped, checked and has its wearing parts replaced before it's fitted. See how we recondition a stairlift.
Curved rails are made for one staircase, so a reconditioned curved lift is only possible when a rail can be matched to your stairs. We price it at the survey, and it carries the same 12-month warranty.
How much does it cost to rent a stairlift?
Renting a straight stairlift costs £500 upfront, including the first month, then £50 a month. A curved lift costs £2,000 upfront, covering the survey, the fitting and the made-to-measure rail, then £80 a month from the first month. Rental is rolling, with no minimum term, and includes servicing, call-outs and removal.
Renting is cheaper than buying reconditioned for about the first 14 months. See the month buying becomes cheaper, or see our rental prices.
What does a stairlift cost to run?
Servicing is from £95 a year, or £195–£295 a year for comprehensive cover including call-outs. Your first service is included when you buy.
Battery replacement, electricity use and removal of an old stairlift are confirmed at survey. Stairlifts run on batteries charged from a normal plug socket, so running costs are low.
How much does a curved stairlift cost?
A new curved stairlift costs from £2,995 fitted with us; the free survey gives you a fixed written price for your staircase. Most UK quotes for curved lifts are £4,500–£8,000 or more. See curved stairlift prices by staircase shape.
Do you pay VAT on a stairlift?
No, if the person using it has a long-term illness or disability. Stairlifts can be zero-rated for VAT under HMRC VAT Notice 701/7. You sign a short declaration, and we handle the rest. All our prices are VAT-free at 0% for anyone eligible.
How quickly can a stairlift be fitted?
A straight stairlift is usually fitted within a day, and within 48 hours if it's urgent. A curved rail is made to measure, which takes 1–3 weeks after the survey, or within 48 hours with our Emergency option; fitting then takes about half a day.
Should I buy a second-hand stairlift online?
Usually not. A marketplace lift has no warranty, and a rail made for someone else's stairs rarely fits yours. Fitting typically costs £300–£600 on top, so it often ends up costing as much as a reconditioned lift fitted with a warranty.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to get a stairlift?
A reconditioned straight stairlift at £1,195 fitted, or renting from £500 upfront if you need it for less than about 14 months.
Why do curved stairlifts cost more?
The rail is made to measure for one staircase from a survey of your stairs. That takes longer to make and fit than a straight rail.
Is a home survey free?
Yes. A local engineer measures your stairs and gives you a fixed written price, with no obligation.
Do you offer a warranty on reconditioned stairlifts?
Yes. Every reconditioned lift comes with a 12-month parts and labour warranty, the same as a new one.
Can I rent a stairlift and buy it later?
Yes. If your needs change, we can credit the rent you've paid towards buying the lift.
Next questions
- Is it better to rent or buy a stairlift?
- Stairlift rental prices
- How much does a curved stairlift cost?
- New vs reconditioned stairlifts
- Book a free home survey
Not sure which stairlift you need?
Book a free no-obligation home survey. A local engineer will measure your stairs and recommend the right lift — usually within 48 hours.