How Much Is Your Second-Hand Stairlift Worth? Price Guide 2026 (UK)

Key Takeaways

• A used straight stairlift in good condition can typically fetch £100–£400 when selling back, depending on age, brand, and condition. 
• Curved stairlifts, because rails are bespoke, often have little resale value and may be worth £0-£300 (usually sold for parts only).
• If selling privately or via a refurbisher rather than scrapping, a typical “buy-back / reconditionable” straight stairlift might command £150–£300+, especially if recent, well-maintained, and from a known brand. 
• Demand, brand/model, condition, and staircase compatibility (straight vs curved) are the main factors shaping value. 
• Many stairlift companies emphasise that resale value is usually low; used stairlifts rarely retain more than a small fraction of their original price. 

What Determines the Value of a Second-Hand Stairlift?

Your stairlift’s resale value depends on several key factors:

• Type of Stairlift: Straight vs Curved. Straight stairlifts are easiest to reuse, relocate, or resell. Curved stairlifts are usually custom-built for a specific staircase, so resale demand is very limited. 
• Brand & Model: Well-known brands and popular models tend to hold more value because of reliability, parts availability, and demand.
• Age and Condition: Newer, well-maintained lifts with a full service history are more desirable. Lifts over 7–10 years old, or showing wear, usually fetch less. 
• Service / Maintenance History: A documented service history or evidence that the lift has been regularly serviced can increase buyer confidence and value. 
• Rail Compatibility & Flexibility: Straight rails are more versatile and can fit many staircases; bespoke curved rails often mean the lift is only useful for parts.
• Local Demand & Removal Costs: Stairlifts are bulky. The cost and effort to remove rail, carriage, and transport them affect what a buyer is willing to pay. Many companies offer a buy-back factor.
  

Typical Price Ranges in 2025–2026 UK Market

Note: “Resale value” (what you’ll get selling) is different from “sale price” (what a buyer pays). The resale value tends to be only a small fraction of the “as-sold” price.

Why The Value Is Usually Low

Stairlifts typically don’t hold their value like household appliances or cars. Reasons:

• Customisation & Staircase-Specific Fit: Especially with curved stairlifts, each rail is custom-made for a single staircase, strongly limiting reuse. 
• Wear & Tear + Safety Concerns: Buyers often prefer newer or refurbished units, so old, heavily used lifts demand steep discounts.
• Removal & Refurbishment Costs: To reuse a stairlift, the buyer (or reseller) must cover the costs of removal, refurbishment, and reinstallation, which reduces what they are willing to pay. 
• Limited Demand: Not many people need stairlifts at a given time, especially curved ones. This suppresses market value.

Because of this, many trade-in/buy-back programmes offer cash or scrap removal, not full resale-value reimbursement.

How to Maximise What You Get for a Second-Hand Stairlift

If you plan to sell or want a fair trade-in, consider these tips:

1. Keep Service History & Documentation; a full paper trail adds trust.
2. Clean & Maintain the Lift; ensure it’s in good working order with no major mechanical or cosmetic faults.
3. Offer Straight Stairlifts Where Possible. These are easier to resell or reuse.
4. Be Realistic About Curved Rail. Treat curved-rail lifts as likely only useful for parts or scrap, unless you find a buyer with matching stairs.
5. Contact Multiple Buyers/ resellers to compare offers, removal fees, and guarantees.
6. Include All Components: seat, carriage, rail (if usable), control units, and charger. Complete sets are more attractive than partial sets.
7. Be Transparent About the Condition; an honest description helps avoid problems and builds trust.

What to Do If Your Stairlift Is Nearly Unsellable

If your stairlift (especially a curved model) has little resale value:

• Ask a specialist company to remove it for free or at a low cost; many offer free removal even if you don’t buy from them.
• Consider donating or offering scrap to companies that responsibly recycle usable components. 
• Alternatively, use it as a part-exchange for a new or refurbished lift; some dealers offer discounts in exchange for your old unit. 

Bottom Line (2026 Market Snapshot)

A second-hand stairlift can be worth something, but rarely much. For a straight stairlift in good condition, expect £100–£400 from a resale or trade-in. Curved stairlifts, unless very recent and from a high-demand model, often fetch only £0–£300, and usually only for their carriage/parts.

If you’re hoping to recoup a substantial portion of the original cost, you’re likely to be disappointed. With realistic expectations, a sale or trade-in can still offset future mobility expenses.

Used stairlifts remain a cost-effective option for buyers (often priced £850–£2,500+ when reconditioned), but sellers should view second-hand stairlifts as low-value, high-inconvenience items rather than investments.

Read More About Selling a Stairlift

• Where to Sell a Used Stairlift in the UK (Best Options)
• How Removal Works When Selling a Stairlift
• Why Most Stairlifts Lose Value Quickly and How to Maximise Yours
• Checklist: What Buyers Look For in a Second Hand Stairlift