Stannah Stairlift Removal: Cost, Buyback and Who to Call

Stannah is one of the most common stairlifts in UK homes, so it is one of the most common to need removing, usually after a bereavement, a move into care, or a house sale. This page sets out what Stannah itself offers, what independent firms charge, and what to check before anyone takes the lift away. Stairlift Guru is independent and not affiliated with Stannah.

Does Stannah remove its own stairlifts?

Yes. Stannah says that when a stairlift is no longer needed it will remove it, and that removed lifts are recycled, reconditioned or disposed of responsibly. Its terms of sale say removal is charged at a reasonable amount, and when Stannah takes a lift back under its own terms it charges the direct cost of uninstalling and collecting it. Stannah does not publish a removal price, so ask for it in writing.

If the stairlift is rented from Stannah, removal is built into the rental price, according to Stannah’s rental page.

Will Stannah buy back my stairlift?

Sometimes. Stannah says it will consider buying back a stairlift that is less than three years old, is in good condition and has been serviced, and that it can usually offer only a small payment of around 5% to 10% of the price originally paid. It does not buy back lifts it originally sold as used. Which? reported in January 2025 that Stannah buys back lifts under two years old bought new, so the age limit you are given may differ from the one on Stannah’s website. Check the current terms when you call.

On a lift that cost £3,585, the lowest straight price Stannah lists, 5% to 10% would be roughly £180 to £360.

Independent removal and buyback

Independent firms remove and buy Stannah lifts too. Their terms vary a lot, so compare a few before deciding.

Prices in this table were read on 29 October 2026. Our guide to who buys second-hand stairlifts covers more buyers, and our used stairlift value guide explains what affects the price.

How long removal takes and what is left behind

Stannah does not state how long a removal takes. A straight stairlift is usually a short job because the rail is fixed to the stair treads rather than the wall, and the fixing holes are small. A curved rail takes longer to take apart. Ask the remover whether they will fill the holes and leave the stairs tidy. Our guide to whether removal damages the stairs covers making good.

Curved Stannah stairlifts

A curved rail is made for one staircase, so it rarely has resale value as a rail. The carriage may still be reconditioned. Expect a curved lift to be removed rather than bought, and ask whether the remover charges for taking the rail away.

Moving house with a Stannah stairlift

Stannah says it can re-site a straight rail or remake a curved rail so that a lift fits the staircase in a new home. A Stannah dealer notes that removing or moving a Stannah stairlift yourself, or through an untrained fitter, may affect its warranty, so use a trained engineer. Our guide to moving house with a stairlift covers the choices.

Grant-funded Stannah stairlifts

If the lift was paid for with a Disabled Facilities Grant, contact the council before arranging removal. Some councils recycle grant-funded lifts: Stockport, for example, recycles major adaptation equipment under five years old and pays no compensation for it. Councils can also use Stannah’s own recycling scheme for council lifts, which Foundations says covers removal and storage at no charge until the lift is reinstalled.

Before anyone takes the lift away

• Find the original paperwork: model, purchase date and service history all affect any buyback offer.
• Check whether it is rented or grant-funded, because then it may not be yours to sell.
• Get removal and any buyback offer in writing, including who makes good the stairs.
• Be wary of anyone who quotes over the phone without asking for the model and age. Our guide to avoiding removal scams lists the warning signs.

Frequently asked questions

How much does Stannah charge to remove a stairlift?

Stannah does not publish a removal price. Its terms say it charges a reasonable amount, or the direct cost of uninstalling and collecting the lift when it takes one back under its terms. Ask for the price in writing.

Does Stannah buy back stairlifts?

Stannah says it will consider buying back serviced lifts less than three years old, paying around 5% to 10% of the original price. Which? has reported the limit as two years. It does not buy back lifts it sold as used.

Can I sell my Stannah stairlift to someone else?

Yes. Independent buyers such as We Buy Any Stairlift and Millercare buy some Stannah models, usually straight lifts in working order. Curved rails rarely have resale value.

Will Stannah move my stairlift to a new house?

Stannah says it can re-site a straight rail or remake a curved rail for the new staircase. Ask for a written quote before you move.

Who owns a Stannah stairlift paid for by a council grant?

It depends on the council. Some councils treat grant-funded adaptations as the owner’s property, while others recycle the equipment when it is no longer needed. Check with the council before arranging removal.