The Phone Call Nobody Wants to Make
When buying a stairlift, most families make the same expensive mistake. They call a well-known company, get a slick salesperson round, and sign up for a brand new model. They tell themselves they’re doing the right thing — the safest thing, the best thing. I know, because my family did exactly that.
My mother was 78 when she needed a stairlift. We wanted the best for her. So we bought brand new. Two years later, after she passed away, we tried to sell it. A company came round, dismantled it, and handed me £125. That was it. Thousands spent. £125 back.
During my research for this article, I came across the story of a family whose mother had a brand new stairlift installed — and sadly passed away just a few months later. The stairlift had barely been used, yet the family faced the same painful reality: thousands spent, almost nothing back.
The truth is, stairlifts have almost no resale value once installed. They are fitted to a specific staircase, and that rail system is rarely reusable elsewhere. The companies know this. Most buyers don’t — until it’s too late.
This guide is for anyone currently buying a stairlift for themselves, a parent, or a family member. There are 3 smart ways to save money — and one option that many people don’t even know exists.
Why are New Stairlifts So Expensive
Before we look at the 3 ways to save, it helps to understand what drives the cost of buying a stairlift — and why the type of staircase you have makes such a big difference.
Straight staircases go straight up from bottom to top with no turns or bends. Buying a stairlift for a straight staircase is the most affordable option. A new straight stairlift typically costs between £2,500 and £4,000 including installation.
Curved staircases having one or more bends, turns, or intermediate landings, are more expensive because the rail has to be custom-manufactured to the exact shape of your stairs. A new curved stairlift can cost anywhere from £4,000 to £8,000 or more — sometimes considerably more for complex layouts.
That custom rail is also the key reason why stairlifts have almost no resale value. A rail made for your curved staircase cannot be fitted to anyone else’s. When you sell, you’re really only selling the chair unit — and companies typically pay just £100 to £300 for a used unit, regardless of how new it is.
One thing many people don’t realise when buying a stairlift: these machines do very little work each day. A stairlift travels a short distance, slowly, perhaps a handful of times a day. Unlike a car or a washing machine, it barely accumulates wear. A five-year-old stairlift used by one elderly person can be in near-new mechanical condition — which is exactly why buying reconditioned makes so much sense.
If you are weighing up whether to adapt your current home or consider a specialist retirement property, our guide to retirement flat problems is essential reading before you make any decision.
3 Ways to Save Money When Buying a Stairlift
1. Buy From a Reputable Reconditioned Stairlift Dealer
This is probaly one of the best option for people looking to buy a stairlift on a budget, and the one I’d recommend first.
Reconditioned stairlifts are professionally refurbished models removed from other homes, stripped down, serviced, and restored to full working order. The best dealers test them rigorously and offer a 6 to 12-month warranty.
The savings are significant. When buying a stairlift second-hand through a reconditioned dealer, you can typically expect to pay between £750 and £1,400 for a straight model — compared to £2,500 to £4,000 for new. That’s a saving of up to 70 per cent, and you still get professional installation and a warranty. Stairlift Helper confirms that reconditioned models can save buyers 30 to 50 per cent compared to new — and private second-hand purchases can save even more.
Remember: because stairlifts do so little work each day, a reconditioned model is often in excellent mechanical condition despite its age. My own mother-in-law was 82 when she bought a second-hand stairlift, fully installed, for just £600 — nineteen years ago. It is still in daily use today by another family member. I’m not suggesting every stairlift will last nineteen years — but it tells you something important about how these machines are built. They are simple, robust, and designed for longevity. A well-maintained reconditioned model bought today could still be serving your family long after you’d expect.
What to look for when buying a reconditioned stairlift:
- A warranty of at least 6 months covering parts and labour
- Professional installation included in the price
- A survey of your staircase before purchase to confirm correct fit
- A company that is a member of the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA)
- A clear returns or exchange policy if there are problems after installation
Reputable UK companies that sell reconditioned stairlifts include Acorn, Stannah, and a wide range of independent regional dealers. Always get at least two quotes.
2. Facebook Marketplace — The Hidden Goldmine
Facebook Marketplace has become one of the best places to find a barely-used stairlift at a fraction of the price of buying new. Many listings come from exactly the situation I described — a family member has passed away, the stairlift was barely used, and the family simply wants it gone.
It is not unusual to find a stairlift advertised for free, or for a few hundred pounds. In some cases, sellers will pay for removal just to have it taken away.
The important points when buying a stairlift via Facebook Marketplace:
- You will need to hire a professional stairlift engineer to remove it and reinstall it — budget £300 to £600 for this
- Straight stairlifts are far more transferable than curved ones — a curved rail made for someone else’s staircase will not fit yours
- Always ask for photos of the staircase the lift came from and compare it carefully with yours before agreeing to buy
- Ask how old it is, whether it has been serviced, and whether any error codes have appeared
- Stick to well-known brands — Stannah, Acorn, and Brooks are well-regarded and parts are easier to source
The total cost of buying a stairlift via Facebook Marketplace plus professional installation can easily come in well under £1,000 — a saving of over £1,500 compared to buying new.
3. eBay — More Choice, More to Check
eBay has a good selection of used stairlifts, sold by both dealers and private sellers. Buying a stairlift on eBay gives you national reach — useful if you need a specific model, a particular weight capacity, or a specific staircase width.
The same rules apply as Facebook Marketplace: straight stairlifts only for private purchases, professional installation is essential, and always verify compatibility with your staircase before bidding. Seller feedback scores offer some protection when buying from dealers.
Other platforms worth checking:
- Gumtree — similar to Facebook Marketplace, often local listings
- Freecycle and Freegle — occasionally stairlifts are listed free from families who simply want them collected
- Local mobility equipment shops — many take part-exchanges and sell on used models with a short warranty
The Option Most People Miss: Disabled Facilities Grant
Before buying a stairlift at any price, check whether you qualify for a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG). This is a means-tested grant from your local council that can cover part or all of the installation cost.
In England the grant is worth up to £30,000. In Wales, up to £36,000. In Scotland, the Scheme of Assistance can cover at least 80 per cent of costs.
The grant is means-tested for adults — your income and savings above £6,000 are taken into account. But it costs nothing to apply, and many pensioners on fixed incomes qualify for significant support.
To apply, contact your local council’s housing or social services department, or visit the Age UK guide to Disabled Facilities Grants.
| 💡 Important: Apply Before You Buy If you are considering a Disabled Facilities Grant, do not start any installation work before your application is approved — the council may refuse to fund work that has already begun. The process can take several weeks, so apply as early as possible. |
What About Stairlift Rental?
If the stairlift is only needed for a short period — recovery from surgery, for example — renting may be more cost-effective than buying a stairlift at all.
Rental typically costs £10 to £15 per week plus an initial installation fee of £300 to £500. For anything under 12 months, rental often works out cheaper than buying, even second-hand.
Major providers including Acorn and Stannah offer rental schemes. Always check for early return penalties before signing.
What to Avoid When Buying a Stairlift
- Don’t sign on the first visit — reputable companies will give you time to think and compare quotes
- Don’t buy a curved stairlift second-hand from a private seller — curved rails are bespoke and will not fit another staircase; reconditioned dealers can source refurbished curved models that will fit correctly
- Don’t overlook the installation cost — a cheap stairlift with expensive installation can cost as much as a reconditioned model with installation included
- Don’t assume VAT applies — stairlifts for disabled or chronically ill people are VAT-exempt; always ask
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying a Stairlift
How much does buying a stairlift cost?
Buying a stairlift new costs between £2,500 and £4,000 for a straight staircase, and £4,000 to £8,000+ for a curved staircase. Reconditioned models from a dealer typically cost £750 to £1,400, while second-hand purchases via Facebook Marketplace or eBay can cost less — though you will need to budget separately for professional installation.
What is the difference between a straight and curved stairlift?
A straight stairlift runs on a standard rail along a staircase with no bends. Buying a stairlift for a straight staircase is considerably cheaper. A curved stairlift requires a custom-made rail shaped to the exact layout of your staircase, including any bends or turns, which makes it significantly more expensive — both new and reconditioned.
Is buying a stairlift on eBay or Facebook Marketplace safe?
It can be a good way to save money, but requires care. Always use professional installation by a qualified engineer, verify that a straight rail fits your staircase, and stick to reputable brands. Curved stairlifts are generally not suitable for private second-hand purchase.
Can I get a grant to buy a stairlift?
Yes — you may qualify for a Disabled Facilities Grant worth up to £30,000 in England. Apply before any work begins. Visit Gov.UK for eligibility and how to apply.
What is the resale value of a stairlift?
Very low — typically £100 to £300 at most. The rail is custom-fitted and rarely transferable to another home. This is one of the strongest arguments for buying a stairlift second-hand rather than new.
| Mark’s Honest Take My family bought new and got £125 back. During my research I came across another family in exactly the same situation — thousands spent on a barely-used stairlift, almost nothing back. Stairlifts do very little work — they travel a short distance, slowly, a few times a day. A well-maintained five-year-old model can be in near-new condition. If you have a straight staircase, please check reconditioned dealers and Facebook Marketplace before spending a penny on new. If you have a curved staircase, go to a reputable reconditioned dealer rather than a private seller. And always check the Disabled Facilities Grant before you buy anything at all. |
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