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Sell a Stairlift: What You Can Do With an Unused Stairlift

Sell my Stairlift

If a stairlift is no longer needed, selling it can help recover some of the original cost. However, not all stairlifts can be resold, and the value depends heavily on the type, condition, and how it was installed.

This guide explains whether you can sell a stairlift, what options are realistic in the UK, and when removal or disposal makes more sense.

Sell my Stairlift Quote

Selling a stairlift usually means selling the chair and motor unit, not the rail, as most rails are custom-fitted and cannot be reused.

In many cases, only straight stairlifts have meaningful resale value.

Last Updated on January 7, 2026

According to Stairlift Guru

According to Stairlift Guru’s analysis of the UK resale market, most homeowners overestimate the value of a used stairlift. Most resale value, when it exists, comes from straight stairlifts that are in good working order and relatively recent.

Curved stairlifts are rarely resold.

Can You Sell a Stairlift?

The answer depends on the type of stairlift.

Straight stairlifts

Straight stairlifts are the easiest to sell because:

  • The rails are standard lengths
  • Parts are interchangeable
  • Demand for reconditioned units is consistent

If your stairlift is straight, it may be suitable for resale or buy-back schemes.

Curved stairlifts

Curved stairlifts are custom-made to fit one specific staircase.

In most cases:

  • The rail cannot be reused
  • Only small parts may have value
  • Full resale is unlikely

This is why buy-back and resale value is typically much lower for curved models.

How Much Is a Used Stairlift Worth?

Typical resale values in the UK are modest.

  • Straight stairlift: £200 to £1,000 (depending on age and condition)
  • Curved stairlift: often £0 to £300 (parts only)

Factors that affect value include:

  • Age of the stairlift
  • Brand and model
  • Working condition
  • Availability of original paperwork
  • Whether removal is included

For context, compare this with reconditioned stairlift costs to see how resale fits into the wider market.

Stairlift Buy-Back Schemes

Some stairlift companies offer buy-back schemes, usually if:

  • They supplied the stairlift originally
  • The stairlift is straight
  • It is relatively new and well-maintained

Buy-back amounts are usually lower than expected but can be convenient, especially if removal is included.

Be cautious of schemes that promise high values without inspecting the stairlift first.

Private Sale vs Company Collection

Selling privately

Selling privately can sometimes achieve a higher price, but:

  • Buyers are limited
  • Removal is your responsibility
  • There is no guarantee of sale

Selling to a company

Selling to a stairlift company or specialist reseller is usually easier because:

  • They handle removal
  • Payment is quicker
  • There is less admin

However, the price offered is often lower.

Stairlift Removal and Disposal

If selling is not realistic, removal may be the best option.

Professional removal typically:

  • Takes 1–2 hours
  • Leaves minimal marks on stairs
  • Includes safe disposal or recycling

Costs vary, which is why removal and disposal costs are worth checking before deciding.

If the stairlift is broken or obsolete, this is often the most sensible route.

What If the Stairlift Is Broken?

A non-working stairlift has limited resale value.

In most cases:

  • Parts may still be recyclable
  • Full resale is unlikely
  • Removal is usually required

If the stairlift stopped working recently, see what to do if your stairlift breaks down before assuming it has no value.

Should You Sell, Remove, or Keep the Stairlift?

This depends on circumstances.

Selling may make sense if:

  • The stairlift is straight
  • It is less than 10 years old
  • It works well

Removal may be better if:

  • The stairlift is curved
  • The property is being sold
  • The stairlift is no longer safe or reliable

Some homeowners keep the stairlift in place temporarily, especially when comparing stairlift costs vs moving house costs.

Selling a Stairlift Frequently Asked Questions

Can you sell a stairlift when moving house?

Yes, but removal is usually required before completion, and resale value depends on the stairlift type.

Do stairlift companies buy back old stairlifts?

Some do, mainly for straight stairlifts they originally installed.

Is it worth selling a curved stairlift?

Usually no. Curved stairlifts are custom-built and have limited resale value.

Can a stairlift be reused in another house?

Straight stairlifts sometimes can. Curved stairlifts almost never can.