More Australians are choosing to stay in the homes they’ve lived in for years rather than move when stairs start to become inconvenient. Because of this, Compact Home Lifts have become a popular option. Not just for mobility needs, but for long-term comfort, convenience and future planning. One question comes up more than anything else: Can you install a lift in an existing home?
The short answer is YES. Thanks to modern engineering and compact designs, a home lift can now be added to many two storey with minimal structural work. If you’re considering this upgrade, here’s what you need to know.
Why homeowners are adding lifts to existing properties
While lifts were once considered something only luxury homes could accommodate, compact residential models have changed what’s possible. They now suit all kinds of households, from retirees wanting to stay independent to families looking for day-to-day convenience.
People install lifts in existing homes for many reasons including:
- To make multi-level living easier and safer
- To avoid moving out of a much-loved home
- To support ageing parents or family members
- To reduce the strain of carrying items up and down stairs
- To add long-term value and usability to the home
Because our lifts take up very little space and require no major construction, they are now a realistic solution for many existing Australian homes.
How compact lifts work in older or established homes
Traditional elevators require a full lift shaft, machinery, and load-bearing walls, which could be difficult or expensive to add after a house is built. Compact Home Lifts use a different approach.
Our lifts sit on a self-supporting dual rail structure, meaning the lift doesn’t rely on the home’s walls for support. Instead, it transfers weight through its rails directly into the floor. This removes the biggest barrier that typically prevents homeowners from installing a lift later in life.
Because no shaft or machine room is needed, compact lifts can be placed in many locations, including:
- Spare corners
- Hallways
- Bedrooms
- Living rooms
- Stairwell voids
- Cupboards or wardrobe spaces
This flexibility is one of the main reasons compact lifts work so well in existing homes.
Choosing between the Elegance and Elegance Plus
Compact Home Lifts offers two residential models that suit different needs and floorplans:
Compact Elegance
- Designed for up to two passengers
- 170 kg capacity
- 0.8 sqm footprint
- Clear dome cabin that blends with various room layouts
This model suits individuals, couples and households wanting a compact, unobtrusive lift.
Compact Elegance Plus
- Can accommodate for wheelchairs and walking aids
- 250 kg capacity
- 1.44 sqm footprint
- Larger cabin with angled ramp for easy access
The Elegance Plus remains one of the smallest wheelchair-accessible vertical lifts on the market, making it ideal for people planning for future mobility needs.
Power, noise and everyday use
A major concern for many people is whether a lift requires electrical upgrades. Both models run on a standard 10 amp domestic power outlet, the same as many household appliances. They use a quiet electric motor and no hydraulics or vacuum systems, which makes them far quieter than most stairlifts or conventional home lifts.
Since they rely on gravity when descending, power use is low, and both models come with a battery backup so passengers can safely travel to the lowest level during a power outage.
Safety features suitable for family homes
Safety is a big factor when adding a lift to an existing home, especially where older family members, children or pets are involved. Compact lifts include a wide range of built-in features, such as:
- Top and bottom safety pans that stop the lift if something is underneath
- Full-height light curtain that prevents movement when the entrance is obstructed
- Hold-to-run controls for full control while travelling
- Monitored electric door locks
- Weight and balance sensors
- Fall arrest mechanism
- Over-speed governor
- Battery backup
- Built-in phone access (as required by Australian lift code)
These features are designed for everyday use, giving families confidence and peace of mind.
Installation in an existing home
One of the biggest advantages of a Compact Home Lift is how straightforward the installation is, even in older or double storey homes. The lifts don’t require a lift shaft or load-bearing walls, thanks to their self-supporting dual rail system.
For most homes, the only building work required is a ceiling aperture, which allows the lift to pass between floors. This opening is cut and trimmed by a professional builder.
Once this is done, the lift that is delivered in modular kit form is assembled on-site by authorised installers. Most installations are completed and operational in under two working days, making the process quick and low-disruption.
If you’re unsure where the lift should go, the team can help identify suitable locations during your initial home discussions or inspection.
Is a lift right for your existing home?
If you want to make multi-level living easier or stay in your home for the long term, a compact lift can be a practical and future-ready choice. With a small footprint, fast installation and strong safety features, these lifts suit a wide range of homes and lifestyles.
Compact Home Lifts was recently recognised as the Best Affordable Home Lift Provider 2025 – Australia, highlighting their focus on quality and value.
You can read more about this achievement in our update: Compact Home Lifts Wins Best Affordable Home Lift Provider 2025 – Australia.
Installing a lift isn’t just about getting between floors. For many families, it’s a way to stay independent, reduce physical strain and enjoy the comfort of a familiar home for years to come.
