Published 11 June 2026 · Last updated 22 June 2026
Adapting an older home for a disabled or elderly resident could cost households almost £27,000, according to new analysis from Habinteg Housing Association. The figure covers a person who may need one or all three of the most common home adaptations, and highlights the financial pressure facing families whose homes were not built with accessibility in mind.
The research, published by Habinteg, found that costs escalate sharply when a property cannot take a standard adaptation. In some older homes, stairlifts cannot be fitted because the staircase is too narrow or poorly configured. In those cases a through-floor lift is needed instead, which can cost between £18,000 and £20,000, several times the price of a typical stairlift installation.
The findings strengthen calls from the Housing Made for Everyone (HoME) coalition for the government to make the M4(2) accessible and adaptable design standard the mandatory baseline for all new homes in England. Campaigners argue that building accessibility in from the start is far cheaper than retrofitting it later. The Centre for Ageing Better has warned that the UK is not fully prepared for an ageing population, and that funding for repairs and adaptations in older households is not keeping pace with demand.
There is help available. The Disabled Facilities Grant provides up to £30,000 in England towards eligible adaptations, including stairlifts, ramps, accessible bathrooms and home lifts. The DFG budget rises to £723 million in 2026/27 under a new, fairer allocation formula. However, sector analysis suggests more than £100 million of DFG funding goes unspent each year, so applicants should not be put off by the perception that funds are scarce.
For families weighing up their options, the cheapest route is usually to adapt early before needs become urgent. A straight stairlift typically costs a fraction of a through-floor lift, and our guide to stairlift costs breaks down what to expect for straight, curved and reconditioned models. Renting can also be a sensible short-term option, explained in our stairlift rental guide.
Before committing to any major adaptation, get a needs assessment from your local council occupational therapy team and compare quotes from several installers.
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Published 11 June 2026 · Last updated 22 June 2026