Why Most Stairlifts Lose Value Quickly and How to Maximise Yours

Last Updated on December 12, 2025

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Key Takeaways

Stairlifts depreciate quickly due to custom fitting, installation modifications, and limited second-hand demand.
Curved stairlifts lose value fastest because their rails are bespoke and rarely reusable.
Age, brand reputation, maintenance history, and condition all affect resale value.
To maximise your stairlift’s value, act quickly, keep documentation, maintain it well, and sell to the right buyer.
Straight stairlifts hold the most resale value, often retaining 20–40% of their original purchase price when in good condition.

Why Do Most Stairlifts Lose Value Quickly?

A breakdown of the main reasons stairlifts depreciate faster than many buyers expect.

1. Custom Rails Make Many Stairlifts Non-Reusable

Curved stairlifts are tailored to your specific staircase.
These rails rarely fit another home, meaning they cannot be resold at full value.
Buyers often need to scrap or recycle the rails entirely.

Result: Curved models often lose 70–90% of their value immediately after installation.

2. Technology Becomes Outdated

Modern stairlifts update features frequently, including:

Battery systems
Safety sensors
Track designs
Power efficiency

Older models quickly become less attractive to buyers compared to newer tech.

3. Wear, Tear & Everyday Use

A stairlift contains:

Moving gears
Batteries
Motor components
Charging circuits

These degrade, affecting performance and resale price even when serviced.

4. Installation Modifications Reduce Value

Stairlifts require:

Drilling into stairs
Wall brackets
Power spurs

Once removed, the rail and brackets often show signs of wear, reducing the unit’s condition rating.

5. Limited Second-Hand Demand

Second-hand demand exists, but:

Many buyers prefer new equipment due to warranties and safety confidence.
Manufacturers encourage buying new with guarantees and financing options.
Insurance providers often insist on newer models.

6. Removal, Refurbishment & Reconditioning Costs

Resellers incur extra costs:

Engineer removal
Motor and electrical testing
New batteries
Replacement safety components
Cleaning and repowder-coating (for older units)

These costs are deducted from your resale value.

Which Stairlifts Hold Their Value Best?

Stairlift Type	Resale Potential	Notes
Straight	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Can retain 20–40% of value when <5 yrs old
Curved	⭐⭐	Often retain only 5–15% of value due to bespoke rails
Outdoor	⭐⭐	Weathering and corrosion reduce resale significantly.

How to Maximise the Value of Your Stairlift

Clear, actionable ways for sellers to achieve the highest possible return.

1. Sell Early, Value Drops Every Year

Depreciation is steep within:

0–2 years: Highest value
3–5 years: Sharp decline
5+ years: Usually only salvage value

If you no longer need your stairlift, selling sooner preserves value.

2. Keep All Documentation

This increases buyer confidence:

Original receipts
Installation records
Service history
Warranty documents
User manual

Buyers often pay more for fully documented lifts.

3. Ensure Regular Servicing

A well-maintained stairlift with:

Annual services
Battery replacements
Safety checks

…can sell for 15–25% more than a neglected unit.

4. Clean and Prepare the Stairlift

Small improvements boost perceived value:

Wipe rails and seat
Remove dust from the carriage
Tighten armrests or footrest screws
Replace worn seat pads if inexpensive

5. Take Clear, Well-Lit Photos

Include:

Full rail
Close-ups of controls
Side, front & rear views
Any signs of wear
Brand plate or model sticker

Buyers trust listings that show transparency.

6. Sell to the Right Buyer

You’ll get different prices depending on where you sell:

Best resale price

Private buyers
Facebook Marketplace/classifieds
Specialist second-hand stairlift buyers

Quickest, easiest sale

Stairlift companies offering buy-backs
Charities or refurbishers

7. Know When Recycling Is the Best Option

For older lifts (7+ years), damaged models, or discontinued brands, recycling may be more realistic.
But even then, you can often negotiate free removal, saving £80–£300 in fees.

FAQs

Do curved stairlifts always lose value fastest?

Yes, because the rails are custom and rarely reusable.

Which brands hold value best?

Established brands like Stannah, Acorn, Handicare, and Thyssen tend to retain the most resale value.

Can I sell a stairlift without a service history?

Yes, but typically for a lower price.

Is removal included when selling to a stairlift company?

Most reputable companies include professional removal for free.