Stairlifts

Most stairlifts work as a simple chair propelled up and down a rail along a flight of stairs by a gear. Many are battery operated, although some can be mains operated. Stairlifts are a fantastic mobility aid for those who would otherwise find ascending and descending stairs a struggle.

Stairlifts come in a variety of shapes, sizes and types, each with individual prices based on their complexities and installation. Taking into account reconditioned and new stairlifts, as well as straight and curved rails for different stairs, a Which? Report found that in 2020, the average cost of a stairlift was £3,284. You can expect to pay at the lower end of £3,000 for straight, standard stairlifts and more for curved, complex installations.

In some instances, a stairlift may be only required temporarily and can be rented rather than bought for permanent installation. In these cases, prices vary dependent on the type of stairlift required but rental companies do offer stairlifts from just £10 a week.

Although stairlifts themselves are not exempt from tax, many of those choosing to use them are eligible for tax exemption. If you are aged over 60 or are chronically ill or disabled, you may be eligible to pay either 0% tax or a reduced rate of just 5% tax on the purchase of a stairlift. HMRC, your accountant or a financial adviser will be able to give you bespoke advice on your tax status.

Many local authorities offer grants for those needing help with funding the purchase of a stairlift. A quick call to your local council should identify any relevant funding available. Whilst not guaranteed, most local authorities will do all they can to help their citizens that are less mobile and in need of help, and in council properties or for those that are on state benefits, they may install a stairlift for you.

Some stairlifts can be shortened to fit either narrower, smaller or shorter stairs than they were originally intended for but this is entirely dependent on the original design of the product. Many manufacturers do offer modular designs of stairlift but these are amongst the more expensive stairlifts available and are not always readily available.

Most stairlift manufacturers have products designed to fit any indoor stairs and will work with homeowners to create a stairlift that is bespoke to their property. Straight stairlifts on a single rail are the most common but curved stairlifts, as well as multi-floor stairlifts, are also now widely available. Many stairlift companies will visit your property to view your stairs in order to best advise on which stairlift would work best for your requirements. Should the stairs be particularly unusual in shape or size, many manufacturers will be able to design something bespoke.