Stairlifts in Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s homes range from New Town flats over several floors to bungalows and modern houses in the suburbs. Inside a house, a stairlift works as anywhere else. In a tenement, the shared stair changes things, and the funding route is Scottish rather than English.
We can put you in touch with a stairlift installer who covers Edinburgh and the Lothians, from Leith and Portobello to Corstorphine, Musselburgh and Dalkeith.
- New straight, fitted
- £2,000 to £4,000
- New curved, fitted
- £4,500 to £8,000+
- Reconditioned straight
- £1,200 to £2,500
What Edinburgh homes usually need
- Houses and main-door flats with an internal stair can take a straight or curved lift in the usual way. Many older houses have stairs that turn, so expect a curved rail.
- In a tenement, the common stair belongs to all the owners. Fitting a stairlift on it usually needs their agreement, and the stair must stay safe as the way out in a fire. Stone spiral stairs can be too narrow for a seated lift.
- Where a common-stair lift is not possible, families often look at moving to a ground floor flat or a home with a lift. The occupational therapist can help weigh this up.
- Steps to a front door or down to a garden can take an outdoor stairlift, as long as the steps are sound and power can be brought to them.
Getting help in Edinburgh: the scheme of assistance
Scotland does not use the Disabled Facilities Grant. The City of Edinburgh Council runs a scheme of assistance instead, and for essential adaptations such as a stairlift the grant is at least 80% of the approved cost, rising to 100% for people on certain benefits such as Pension Credit Guarantee Credit or Universal Credit.
The route starts with an occupational therapy assessment. The council says anyone over 16 with significant difficulty with everyday tasks, including moving around the home and using the stairs, can be referred through Social Care Direct.
When you are referred, have ready the person’s medical conditions, the difficulties they have at home, and whether the home is owned, rented from the council or a housing association, or privately rented.
Tell us about the stairs and we will find a stairlift fitter who covers Edinburgh.
Get stairlift quotesStairlift types and prices in Edinburgh
Typical UK prices with fitting, before VAT. Use the stairlift cost calculator for your stairs.
| Type | Typical price | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Straight | £2,000 to £4,000 | One flight with no turn |
| Curved | £4,500 to £8,000+ | Winders, half landings, two flights |
| Outdoor | From about £4,000 | Front steps and garden steps |
| Reconditioned | £1,200 to £2,500 | Straight stairs on a budget |
| Rental | £350 to £1,500 + from £40/month | Short or uncertain need |
Stairlift questions from Edinburgh
How much does a stairlift cost in Edinburgh?
About £2,000 to £4,000 for a new straight lift and £4,500 to £8,000+ for a curved one, fitted. With the scheme of assistance, an eligible homeowner pays 20% or less of the approved cost.
Can I get a stairlift grant in Edinburgh?
Yes, through the council’s scheme of assistance after an occupational therapy assessment. The grant is at least 80% of the cost of an essential adaptation, and 100% for people on certain benefits.
Can a stairlift be fitted in a tenement stair?
Sometimes. It needs the agreement of the other owners, enough width for the lift and for people to pass, and the stair must stay safe as a fire escape. A surveyor can tell you if it is possible.
Who do I contact for a stairlift assessment in Edinburgh?
Social Care Direct, the council’s adult social care contact point. See the council’s adapting your home page.
Is the Scottish grant means tested?
The 80% minimum is not reduced by income. The top-up to 100% depends on benefits, and the council may pay more than 80% in other cases set out in its scheme.
Where our information comes from
Council routes from the council’s own pages, read November 2026; prices are national ranges.
Get stairlift quotes in Edinburgh
Three short steps: where the stairs are, what they are like, and how to reach you. About two minutes. You can fill it in for a parent or relative.
- We look for a stairlift installer who covers your area and fits your kind of stairs.
- We tell you who it is. Your details reach them only if you say yes.
- They survey the stairs, free, and give you a written price.
Nobody contacts you until you say yes, and you can stop at any point.
Thank you, your enquiry is in.
- We will email or phone to tell you which stairlift installer covers your area.
- Your details go to that firm only if you say yes.
- They arrange a survey of the stairs and give you a written price. No marketing from us, ever.