The Real Cost Of Home Accessibility: Get A Stairlift, Or Buy A Bungalow?

Categories:

Stairlifts

Date Posted:

February 19, 2026

Author:

Alex Muir

stairlifts improve home accessibility

stairlift improves home accessibility

Better to Get a Stairlift Than Move to a Bungalow

If you’ve reached the stage where using stairs is problematic, you may be dwelling over the idea of moving into a bungalow. It’s hardly difficult to see why, since these buildings allow simple navigation across one floor. But what happens if you want to stay put? Well, we have broken down three reasons installing a stairlift is perhaps the wiser move.

Before making a life changing decision, it’s worth considering whether installing a stairlift could be the simpler, more cost effective solution for improving home accessibility.

stairlifts improve home accessibility

Less Stressful

Moving house is rarely straightforward. There are chains, surveys, valuations, legal paperwork, and endless waiting around for other people’s timelines. Even when everything goes smoothly, it is still a major upheaval.

Your home is more than bricks and mortar, it’s where you feel comfortable and secure. Uprooting yourself can be emotionally draining, especially when the move is driven by necessity rather than choice. Installing a stairlift, on the other hand, is a straightforward way to enhance home accessibility. A professional home survey and installation can have you safely using your entire home again within days.

Saves Money and Time

It goes without saying, the process of installing a stairlift will take far less time, but perhaps most importantly, you will have the potential to save a significant amount of money. Within our range of straight stairlifts, we have a number of models available, allowing us to cater towards any sort of budget.

This also stretches to curved stairlifts, which come with a variety of features. What model or features you may need vary, which is why it’s crucial to speak to experts to understand what stairlift will work best for you.

stairlifts improve home accessibility

Enjoy the Benefits of Two-Storey Buildings

Moving to a bungalow means compromising the key advantages from living within a two storey building. Space will be greatly reduced, and you won’t feel the benefit of separating rooms used for sleeping away from more lively areas like the kitchen.

One of the best features behind living in rural parts of the country is the fact you’re likely to be surrounded by stunning countryside views, and bungalows won’t provide the same exposure across large, vibrant areas. You will also find two storey buildings allow for more versatile design, which can be great for people who want their exterior to stand out from the crowd.

stairlifts improve home accessibility

Let’s Crunch Some Numbers

A stairlift installation is quick and considerably more affordable than buying and moving into a new property. Our range of straight stairlifts includes models to suit different budgets, making home accessibility achievable without financial strain. For more complex staircases, we also offer curved stairlifts if required.

Typically, a quality stairlift costs between £2,000 and £4,500. Installed by a reputable stairlift company, it provides a reliable, long term solution that lasts for years. Compare that with the property market: the average bungalow price in the UK was around £271,000 in 2019. Factor in stamp duty, legal fees, estate agent fees, and removals, and the financial gap becomes even wider.

stairlifts improve home accessibility

Contact EMS Today

You can get in contact with our team today in order to learn more about the benefits of stairlifts compared to moving into a bungalow. This can be done by booking a visit to our showroom, or we can arrange a free home visit.

Alex Muir - Operations Director

About the author

Alex Muir

Alex Muir joined EMS Lifts in 2010 and has steadily advanced through the company to become Sales Director. With over a decade of experience in the mobility industry, Alex brings deep knowledge, empathy, and dedication to every customer interaction. His leadership reflects EMS Lifts’ core mission: to empower independence, ensure safety, and improve lives.