Used stairlift value guide
What Is My Stairlift Worth?
The value of a used stairlift can vary considerably. Make, model, age, condition, staircase type, location and current buyer demand can all affect what somebody is prepared to pay.
The simplest way to find out what your stairlift is worth to the market is to see what professional buyers will actually offer for it.
See What Buyers Will OfferRequesting and comparing offers is completely free.
How much is a used stairlift worth?
There is no single price that applies to every second hand stairlift.
Two stairlifts that originally cost a similar amount can have very different resale values a few years later. Even two identical models can attract different offers depending on their condition, location and what individual buyers currently need.
This is why generic online estimates should be treated as a guide rather than a guaranteed selling price.
Comparing real offers can give you a clearer picture of current buyer demand than relying on one estimate from one company.
If you are already considering selling, you can also read our guide to selling your stairlift .
What affects the value of a used stairlift?
Professional stairlift buyers consider several factors before deciding whether they want a used lift and what they are prepared to offer.
Manufacturer
Well-known stairlift manufacturers can attract stronger buyer interest because parts, servicing knowledge and refurbishment routes may be easier to find.
Model
Certain models are more desirable than others. A buyer may actively need one model while having little interest in another from the same manufacturer.
Age
Newer stairlifts are often easier to refurbish and resell, but an older lift can still have value if the model or its components are useful.
Working condition
A fully working stairlift may attract more interest, but a non-working lift is not necessarily worthless. Some buyers may want usable components or repairable units.
Straight or curved
Straight stairlift rails are generally easier to reuse. Curved rails are normally manufactured around a particular staircase, although the carriage and other components can still have value.
Location
The buyer normally needs to travel to the property and remove the stairlift, so distance and access can influence the economics of an offer.
Condition
General wear, seat condition, batteries, controls and visible damage can all influence how attractive a stairlift is to a buyer.
Current demand
Buyer stock levels matter. One company may already have enough of your model while another may be actively looking for it.
Why the original stairlift price can be misleading
New stairlifts can cost thousands of pounds, but the amount originally paid includes much more than the reusable equipment.
The original purchase price can include surveying, manufacture, delivery, installation, warranty provision, servicing support and the labour needed to fit the stairlift safely.
When a used stairlift is sold, a buyer must then consider collection, removal, inspection, refurbishment, storage and potentially fitting it somewhere else.
For this reason, the second hand value is usually very different from the original invoice price.
Purchase price and resale value are two different things
A homeowner may remember what the stairlift cost when it was installed and naturally expect the used value to be a percentage of that figure.
In practice, professional buyers are more interested in what they can reuse, refurbish or resell today.
Are straight stairlifts worth more?
Straight stairlifts can often be easier for professional buyers to reuse because the rail is not normally manufactured specifically for one staircase.
This does not mean every straight stairlift is valuable. Age, manufacturer, model and condition still matter.
However, a modern working straight stairlift from a recognised manufacturer may appeal to a wider range of used stairlift buyers than some highly customised installations.
Are curved stairlifts worth anything?
Yes, a curved stairlift can still have value.
The curved rail is usually made specifically for the original property, which can make it difficult to reuse in another home. That can reduce the value of the complete installation.
The carriage, motor, seat, controls and other components may still be reusable. Some buyers also specialise in particular curved stairlift systems.
For that reason, it is better to let professional buyers assess the lift than assume a curved stairlift is worthless.
Does an old stairlift still have value?
Sometimes.
As a stairlift gets older, buyers may become less interested in refurbishing the complete unit. Parts availability, safety considerations and the age of the design can all affect demand.
Older stairlifts can still be of interest for reusable components, particularly if the model is common and buyers regularly service similar units.
The age of the stairlift should therefore be considered alongside the model, working condition and current buyer demand.
Is a non-working stairlift worth anything?
A faulty stairlift may still attract interest.
The value will normally be affected by the nature of the fault and the type of stairlift. A buyer may consider whether the lift is economical to repair or whether useful components can be recovered from it.
When requesting offers, describe the condition accurately. If the stairlift has stopped working, simply tell buyers that it is not currently working.
Does the stairlift brand affect its value?
Yes. Manufacturer and model can have a significant effect on used stairlift value.
Professional buyers may specialise in certain makes because they know the equipment well, have access to parts or already refurbish those models.
Stairlifts from manufacturers such as Acorn, Stannah, Handicare, Brooks, Companion and Platinum may all attract buyer interest, but demand can vary considerably between individual models.
If you do not know the manufacturer or model, that is not a problem. Photographs can help buyers understand what you have.
Why can different stairlift buyers offer different amounts?
Used stairlift buyers are not all looking for the same equipment at the same time.
A buyer's offer may reflect their current stock, the manufacturers they specialise in, where their engineers are working, the parts they need and whether they already have a customer for a similar refurbished unit.
Location can make a difference too. A stairlift may be considerably more attractive to a buyer who is already operating nearby than to somebody who needs to make a long journey specifically to collect it.
| Buyer situation | Possible effect on interest |
|---|---|
| Buyer actively needs your model | Potentially stronger interest |
| Buyer already has several in stock | Potentially weaker interest |
| Buyer regularly refurbishes the manufacturer | May be easier for them to reuse |
| Buyer is working nearby | Collection may be more economical |
| Buyer is a long distance away | Travel and removal costs may reduce interest |
One company's valuation is only one company's view of your stairlift. Another professional buyer may value the same lift differently.
Should I pay to have the stairlift removed first?
If you are hoping to sell the stairlift, it is usually sensible to find out whether professional buyers are interested before paying somebody else to remove it.
An installed stairlift can be easier for a buyer to assess because its working condition and installation can still be seen.
If you accept an offer through StairliftOffers, removal is arranged with the successful buyer.
Avoid dismantling the stairlift purely because you assume nobody will want it. Requesting offers first may give you more options.
How do I find out what my stairlift is worth?
You can start by identifying the manufacturer and model if that information is easy to find, checking roughly how old the stairlift is and confirming whether it still works.
Clear photographs are particularly useful. Take pictures of the full stairlift, the chair or carriage, the rail and any visible manufacturer labels.
You can then request offers from professional buyers.
StairliftOffers lets you provide the details once and compare the offers you receive rather than relying on one buyer's valuation.
Find out what buyers will offer for your stairlift
Tell us about your stairlift, upload a few photographs and let professional buyers decide what it is worth to them.
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Frequently asked questions about stairlift value
How much is a second hand stairlift worth?
There is no single value for every second hand stairlift. Manufacturer, model, age, condition, staircase type, location and current buyer demand can all affect what somebody is prepared to offer.
Do stairlifts hold their value?
Used stairlifts normally sell for substantially less than their original installed price because the original cost includes installation and other services. Resale value depends on the reusable equipment and current market demand.
Is a five-year-old stairlift worth anything?
It may be. Age is only one factor. The model, condition and whether professional buyers currently want that type of stairlift can be equally important.
Are curved stairlifts worth less than straight stairlifts?
Curved rails are normally made for a specific staircase and can therefore be harder to reuse. However, other components may still have value, and buyer demand varies between models.
Can I sell a stairlift that does not work?
Possibly. Some professional buyers may still be interested in repairable stairlifts or reusable parts. Describe the condition accurately when requesting offers.
Does the make of stairlift matter?
Yes. Some manufacturers and models are more attractive to professional buyers because they are easier to refurbish, service or source parts for.
Should I get more than one stairlift valuation?
Different buyers may value the same stairlift differently. Comparing offers can help you understand what several professional buyers are prepared to pay before deciding whether to sell.
Does it cost anything to find out what buyers will offer?
No. Requesting and comparing offers through StairliftOffers.co.uk is completely free for the seller.
Have a stairlift you no longer need?
See what professional stairlift buyers are prepared to offer before deciding what to do with it.
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