Published 18 June 2026 · Last updated 22 June 2026
A growing number of British homeowners are choosing a through floor home lift instead of a traditional stairlift in 2026, drawn by the prospect of moving between floors while seated in a wheelchair and by designs that blend more discreetly into a home. The through floor lift has become one of the most searched home adaptation options of the year.
A through floor lift is a compact platform or enclosed cabin that travels between two floors through an aperture in the ceiling and floor. Modern machine room less designs use electric drives rather than hydraulics, need only a shallow pit, and can be tucked into the corner of a room or a cupboard footprint. That makes them suitable for homes where a stairlift would struggle, for example where the staircase is too narrow or where the user needs to stay in their wheelchair.
The trade off is cost. Most through floor lifts in 2026 fall between £20,000 and £35,000 installed, with luxury finishes pushing beyond £50,000, compared with £1,750 to £3,000 for a straight stairlift. For many households the decision comes down to long term needs, available space, and whether grant funding is available. The government’s additional £50 million injection into the Disabled Facilities Grant for 2026 means more families may be able to access support towards the cost.
Stairlifts remain the most affordable and widely fitted solution, and for a lot of people they are still the right answer. Our guide to stairlifts explains how they work and who they suit, while the detailed stairlift costs guide shows where a through floor lift sits in comparison on price.
For those who do choose a lift, our home lifts guide covers the main types, installation requirements, and what to ask an installer. Because a lift is a significant building project, it is worth planning other adaptations at the same time. Many households combine a lift with changes covered in our bathroom mobility guide to create a home that works on a single accessible level.
Whether you lean towards a stairlift or a home lift, get more than one survey and ask each company to itemise the quote, including any building work, electrical supply, and ongoing servicing. You can request a free quote to start comparing options for your home.
Planning permission is rarely needed for an internal through floor lift, but the installation does involve cutting an aperture between floors, so a structural survey is essential and the room layout above and below must line up. Buyers should also think about future proofing, including whether the cabin is large enough for a wheelchair and carer, and how the lift would be serviced and maintained over its lifetime. Because the upfront cost is high, exploring funding early is wise. The Disabled Facilities Grant can contribute towards eligible adaptations, and an occupational therapist assessment through your local council is usually the first step towards accessing that support.
Related guides on Review Mobility
Compare home lifts with stairlifts, check current stairlift costs, and explore bathroom mobility options.
Sources: Space Coast Daily, Swift Lifts UK home lift cost guide, and Anglian Lifts.
Published 18 June 2026 · Last updated 22 June 2026