For many families, building a two-storey home is the perfect way to maximise space, stay in a location you love, and future-proof your lifestyle. But there’s one feature most people overlook, and it could be the difference between staying in your dream home for decades or being forced to leave it behind.
That feature? A residential lift.
Once seen as a luxury, lifts are fast becoming a smart investment for homeowners of all ages. And when you weigh up the financial and lifestyle benefits, the question isn’t “Why would you add one?” it’s “Why wouldn’t you?”
Here are 5 reasons to include a lift in your two-storey home build:
Reason #1: It’s Cheaper Than You Think
Most people I talk to are surprised by how affordable residential lifts are these days. They picture something big and commercial with sliding metal doors and flashing buttons. But the truth is, today’s lifts are compact, stylish, and blend right into the home.
I’ve seen lifts that look like just another linen cupboard from the outside. Normal hinged door, clean finish, and they take up way less space than you’d expect. You’d never know it was a lift unless someone told you.
And price-wise? Around $20,000. Which, if you ask me, is a bargain for what it gives you.
Reason #2: It Can Save You Over $100K in Future Relocation Costs
Let’s fast-forward 15 or 20 years. The stairs are becoming a hassle. What are your options?
- Sell the home you love and move somewhere smaller
- Renovate to make the ground floor work
- Move into a retirement village
All of that comes with a big price tag. I’m talking stamp duty, agent fees, moving costs, and a whole lot of stress. Easily over $100,000.00 (and that’s being conservative).
By putting in a lift during your build, you’re avoiding all of that. It’s like insurance for your future self. And you only need to do it once.
Reason #3: You’ll Never Need to Leave the Home You Love
So many families build their dream home… only to move out years later because the stairs become a problem.
When you’ve built the home that fits your life – the right location, the perfect layout, everything just how you want it – it’s heartbreaking to have to leave it behind.
Adding a lift means you don’t have to. You stay in the home you love, where your memories are. Simple as that.
Reason #4: It Adds Multi-Generational Flexibility
If you’ve got ageing parents or plan to have them live with you down the track, a lift is a game-changer.
I’ve built homes where a lift meant a parent on dialysis could access both levels without a struggle. And even if you’re not there yet, it’s peace of mind knowing your home is ready for whatever the future throws your way.
Plus, if you’ve ever wrangled a pram or groceries upstairs, you’ll appreciate it even sooner.
Reason #5: It Increases Your Home’s Resale Value
Let’s talk investment. A lift isn’t just for you; it adds serious value when it’s time to sell.
More and more buyers are looking for homes they can grow old in, or move elderly family into. Accessible homes are in demand. And if yours has a lift already installed? That’s a big tick.
We see people spend $50,000.00 on kitchens without blinking. But a $20,000 lift that keeps you in your home, makes life easier, and boosts value? That’s what I call smart.
If You’re Building Your Forever Home, Future-Proof It From Day One.
A lift isn’t just an upgrade. It’s a way to stay in control of your lifestyle for years to come.
Think about it. You’ve already chosen to build a custom home, to get everything just right. Why stop short of making it truly work for every chapter of your life?
Installing a lift means:
- You won’t need to leave the home you love because of a few stairs.
- Your ageing parents can live with you, comfortably and safely.
- Your home is ready for anything life throws at you, now or 30 years from now.
- You avoid the stress and cost of selling, moving, renovating or downsizing.
- You create a safer, more flexible space for kids, guests, and even future buyers.
It’s one of the smartest decisions you can make. Not just for peace of mind, but for your wallet too.
And if you’re not sure where to start, this guide will help:
Build with Confidence: 7 Things You Must Know Before Designing a New Home
It’s a short read that pulls together decades of building experience to help you:
- Avoid expensive mistakes
- Design a home that works with your land, not against it
- Get more value for your budget
- Plan with clarity and confidence from day one
Whether you’re thinking about a lift or just want to make smarter design decisions, this guide will point you in the right direction.
Explore the Association of Professional Builders, HIA, and Houzz for expert guidance, standards, and design inspiration.
