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How much does it cost to install a lift in 2026?
Blog article
In 2026, there are more lift alternatives for different purposes, users, and budgets than ever. That makes understanding the factors that affect the cost of installing a lift even more important, as it will enable you to make an informed and cost-effective decision. In this blog, we will explore the costs of installing a lift, providing a comprehensive overview of the investment, both from a short-term and a long-term perspective.
Factors affecting the cost of lift installation
The price of a lift installation depends on several factors, each of which can significantly influence the final cost. These include the type of lift, its dimensions and capacity, the number of floors the lift needs to serve and the level of customisation.
Lift type
The choice of lift type is a crucial factor that directly influences the cost of installation. In 2025, the options available are more diverse than ever before, each designed to meet specific needs in both commercial and private environments. Let us take a closer look at some of our most popular lift types:
Platform lifts by Cibes
A platform lift or vertical platform lift is a device that takes the passenger from one floor to the next, using a platform instead of an enclosed lift car. A platform lift does the same job as an elevator, albeit at a slightly lower speed and with lift controls that work a bit differently. Vertical platform lifts have many advantages, compared to classic elevators: For example, they take up less space, require less construction work and can be installed quickly. This lift type offers you a cost-efficient alternative to elevators for public, commercial and residential use.
Within the category of platform lifts, models range from simple and functional to high-end premium versions. These systems are particularly valued for their ability to integrate harmoniously into any environment, whether in a public building, private residence, or a commercial setting.
Models such as the Cibes A5000 is known for its wheelchair accessibility and wide range of sizes. That makes the Cibes A5000 a popular choice for public and commercial establishments, but also for residential buildings and private homes. Other lift models, like the Cibes Cloud Plus or the Cibes Air, offer the same benefits, plus additional luxury features like unique materials and intuitive design. The Cibes Air is a more expensive option, but it is ideal for any environment where you want to add a touch elegance and high-end sophistication.
Thanks to their compact design, the installation of vertical platform lifts requires fewer structural alterations than conventional elevator types. Therefore, they are much easier to integrate into existing buildings than elevators. Platform lifts are also very easy to plan for in new-builds.
Cibes Cloud Plus, installed in a Finnish designer home
Cabin lifts by Cibes
Our cabin lifts offer a similar level of comfort to traditional elevators but are more space-efficient and much easier to install. For example, Cibes cabin lifts only require a 10 cm pit and no extra headroom on the top floor. Cibes offers you cabin lift solutions that are ideal for those looking for perfect integration with different architectural styles. The possibility of installing the lift in a masonry shaft enclosure or with our modular shaft makes the Cibes C1 Pure very versatile. In addition, the lift car is easy to customise in terms of style and function. It is thanks to this flexibility that the Cibes C1 Pure is so easy to adapt to any setting. This flexibility in design and installation makes the Cibes C1 Pure attractive for a wide range of applications, from residential to public and commercial buildings.
Cibes C1 Pure cabin lift, installed in a hotel restaurant
Goods lifts by Cibes
The Cibes A8000 Goods Lift is the ideal choice for transporting heavy equipment and people, as it can handle up to 1000 kg. The high load capacity makes it exceptionally versatile and suitable for a variety of buildings. Warehouses, office buildings, hotels, private clinics, museums, schools and libraries are just a few examples. Unlike traditional freight elevators, which are generally limited to transporting goods, Cibes goods lifts are also certified to transport people. Thanks to its large platform sizes and wide doors, the Cibes A8000, is ideal for safe transport of heavy goods with attending staff. This lift is also a great option for wheelchair and mobility scooter users. The biggest platform size is even large enough for stretcher and hospital beds and the robust design and integrated safety features of the lift ensure safe and efficient operation.
Cibes A8000 heavy-duty lift
Other important factors for the lift price
In short, the kind of lift you choose should not only align with the specific needs of the building and its users. It should also align with your budget. So, the choice between platform lifts, cabin lifts and goods lifts depends on many factors. Load capacity, space restrictions, accessibility requirements and aesthetic concerns are just a few examples. Carefully evaluating your priorities will help you make an informed decision. It will also help you invest in a lift that meets your long-term expectations and needs.
Dimensions and capacity
The size and capacity of the lift are crucial factors in determining the cost. A larger lift, capable of carrying more people or heavy loads, will naturally come with a higher price tag. This is not only due to the increased cost of materials and machinery, but also to the complexity of the installation and the greater impact on the building structure. The lift or elevator itself has a price tag, but installation and surrounding building work will also add to the total cost.
Level of customisation
Customisation is key in 2025. It is important to know that you can tailor the lift design to your personal taste and requirements. However, it is also important to understand that customisation comes at a cost. Whether you customise your lift by adding your own floor, pick a fancier door model or choose between the over 250+ optional lift colours, it will affect the price. Customisation is often more than worth it, though. As a lift will last for many years, it is crucial that it blends in with its architectural surroundings. However, if customisation is not something you care about, you can always opt for the standard sizes, doors and finishes to reduce the cost.
Cibes Cloud Plus, our most luxurious platform lift.
Energy efficiency
Much like any home appliance you purchase, not all lifts consume as much electricity. The addition of the EcoSilent drive system, for example, makes a Cibes lift run with 45% less energy than a lift without it. A lift with this optimised system has an energy consumption of approximately 215kWh/Year*, which is about the same as for a modern washing machine. The EcoSilent drive system comes at a cost, but it also reduces the impact of the lift on your electricity bill. Although the total amount of energy consumed by your lift also varies with factors, such as the frequency of use, the load and the travel height, the EcoSilent system reduces your energy costs.
Even if you do not opt for a Cibes lift with EcoSilent, all Cibes lifts are screw-driven and require less maintenance than conventional elevators by default. And, our standard drive system is not a bad choice either. A lift with a standard drive servicing 2 floors at a 3.6 metre travel height, with 20 trips a day consumes about 481kWh per year. For comparison, an electric water heater can consume 380-500 kWh per month.
*Yearly energy consumption based on a 2 stop lift with 3.6 m travel, equipped with EcoSilent and a frequency of use of 20 travels/day.
Average cost of lift installation in 2025
In 2025, the cost of installing a lift remains a significant investment, although it varies a lot depending on the type of lift you select. Understanding average costs and the factors that influence them is crucial to properly plan your spending.
Lifts in residential buildings
In residential buildings, the cost of installing a lift can vary significantly. It depends on factors such as the type of lift, the number of floors to be serviced and the specific characteristics of the building. For residential buildings, prices typically start at around 23-25,000 euros, depending on whether more basic or advanced solutions are chosen. See: How much does a home lift cost?
The final price for your lift also depends a lot on the model you choose. For example, a Cibes A4000 with standard features can cost anything upwards of 23, 000 euros. Cibes Cloud Plus, and Cibes Air for instance, are more high-end models that can exceed 60,000 euros if they include our most expensive options.
Lifts in public buildings
Installing a lift in a public building is not more expensive than in a residential building. As always, the cost of installing a lift in a public setting will depend on installation complexity, the number of floors and the choice of lift model. In general, a lift in a public setting can cost upwards of 23,000 euros. Cibes A5000 for example, is a wheelchair accessible and affordable solution that meets European safety standards. Cibes C1 Pure, on the other hand, is a cabin lift with a fully enclosed lift car and sliding doors and therefore comes with a higher price tag than our basic models.
You also need to take additional building work into consideration. Even if Cibes lifts can be installed with minimal construction work, they will require some building adaptation. Our advice is to reach out to our specialists, using the contact form below, to receive an accurate quotation.
Additional costs of lift installation
When installing a lift, the costs are not limited to the purchase price and installation of the equipment. There are several additional expenses that must be taken into account to get a complete picture of the total investment. These include regular maintenance and services, as well as possible structural modifications and works necessary for the installation.
Maintenance and services
Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure the safe and efficient operation of a lift. Maintenance costs may vary depending on the type of lift, its use and the complexity of the drive system. Generally, they include periodic inspections, repairs, and replacement of worn parts. In addition, additional services such as emergency line or updated safety systems may be required. These services are not only important to comply with current regulations, but also to ensure the safety of lift users.
Maintenance of screw-driven lifts
Cibes screw-driven system is comparatively low-maintenance. The reason is that the mechanics of screw-driven lifts contain few parts that can break, which makes them very robust. However, the system is quite unique and requires specific maintenance training. Therefore, we always advice you to sign a lift maintenance contract with a Cibes certified dealer, something which is also required by our warranty. Signing a maintenance contract is important, because a good maintenance plan reduces the risk of unexpected costs like, expensive repairs. It also keeps your lift running smoothly and efficiently, resulting in a longer lifetime.
Structural modifications and necessary works
In most cases, installing a lift requires some structural modifications to the building. If you install the lift through the floor, you will need to createfloor openings to accommodate the lift, for example. Structural changes may also include the creation or enlargement of a lift shaft, reinforcements of the surrounding walls, and the construction of a machine room. Cibes lifts have several advantages, compared to conventional elevators. For example, they come with a ready-made, modular shaft and do not need a separate machine room. Most Cibes models do not require you to dig out a lift pit either. That means that you can easily save money by simply installing the lift directly on the floor with a ramp.
Related questions & answers
How much is a platform lift?
There is no single answer to this question, as the price of a platform lift depends on a number of factors and therefore varies from one situation to another. The price depends on the lift model you choose, specifications and installation environment. To give you a rough idea, a lift serving 2 floors has a starting price of around 23,000 € + VAT.
If you want to know the price for your specific project, we will always ask you some questions first, such as:
- Will the lift be installed inside or outside?
- Is there enough space on each floor to install the lift, or do adjustments need to be made?
- How much space do you need inside the lift? Does the lift need to accommodate a wheelchair?
- How many floors does it need to service?
- What is the height between the floors and the total travel?
- Do you want additional options, such as automatic door openers or customised colours?
Our experts will advise you on which type of lift is best for you and provide you with a free quotation, no strings attached. Ask for a quote or contact our advisers by telephone.
How much does a home lift cost?
The cost of a home lift varies by brand, lift model and size, number of floors as well as on your choice of options and accessories. To give you a rough idea, a lift serving 2 floors has a starting price of approximately €23,000 + VAT. But before you think about the home lift cost, you might want to see what your lift could look like. We offer you the possibility to create your own design with our lift configurator.
What affects the price of your lift?
The price of your domestic lift varies because it depends on your lift specification, for example:
- The lift model and size
- Indoor/outdoor installation
- The number of floors
- Colours and materials
- Options and accessories
Why are Cibes lifts less expensive?
Cibes Lift solutions are delivered ready-made and are less expensive than other lifts on the market thanks to our comparatively low installation and construction costs. In addition, Cibes screw-driven lifts require less maintenance than hydraulic or belt-driven lifts.
- Delivered with a ready-made shaft
- Fast and easy installation
- Minimal construction work
- Low maintenance costs
Read more about the price of our home lifts here.
Our sales representatives will offer you great advice on which lift solution is the best choice for your specific project and needs. We are happy to provide you with a specific lift quotation without any obligation to purchase, contact us.
What does a goods lift cost?
The cost of a goods lift depends on several factors. For example, the dimensions, number of floors and additional features required will affect the price. When buying a cargo lift, you should not only consider the cost of the lift and its installation, but also additional costs such as construction changes, energy costs and maintenance costs. To give you a more case-specific price, we need to have more information. Our team of experts is here to guide you; ask your Cibes dealer for more details.
Tips for reducing costs
Reducing costs does not necessarily mean choosing the cheapest option initially. In the long run, a high-quality and energy-efficient lift is often more economical due to lower maintenance and operational costs. Some strategies to optimise the investment include:
- Distinguish between ‘Need to have’ and ‘Want to have’ to pick the best options for your long-term needs.
- Consider lifts with better energy efficiency, which can reduce long-term operating costs.
- Make enquiries about the maintenance costs of the lift technology you choose. The maintenance of hydraulic lifts and traction elevators is quite expensive, for example.
- Investigate available government grants or incentives for lift installation, especially those that improve accessibility or energy efficiency.
- Install a lift that does not require a separate machine room or pit.
By taking all these factors into account, you can make more informed and strategic decisions, ensuring that your investment in a lift is beneficial, both short and long-term.
Installing a lift in 2026 involves considering a variety of factors. This includes the type of lift, installation and maintenance costs, the specific needs of your building, and legal regulations. Although the initial investment can be considerable, the right lift solution will both add accessibility and significant value to your property. With careful planning and consideration of all the options and aids available, you can ensure that your investment in a residential lift meets your long-term needs and expectations.
Remember that every installation is different. If you need advice or a quote, our team of experts is ready to provide that for you. Let us have a chat!
We are here to help you.
Just send us your request and we will be in touch with you shortly!
Written by
Paulette CastroSocial Media Content Specialist, Author
Paulette Castro is a Social Media Content Specialist at Cibes Lift and has been part of the company since 2021. She creates content about home elevators, accessibility, aging in place, and residential design, helping turn technical topics into practical information for homeowners, architects, and industry professionals. Her work includes social media, video production, customer stories, and educational content aimed at helping people make informed decisions about accessibility solutions.
