Platform Lift Cost in Australia
Platform lift installation costs start from around $22,000 for a residential open-platform unit and reach $50,000–$55,000 for a commercial DDA-compliant enclosed lift. This guide breaks down costs by lift type and application, with sourced data.
Last reviewed 18 March 2026
3 sources cited
Platform lifts serve two distinct markets in Australia: residential accessibility (connecting levels in a private home) and commercial accessibility (DDA compliance in public buildings, offices, and retail). The cost range across these two applications is significant, and comparing quotes without knowing which type you need leads to budget errors.
This guide covers both residential and commercial platform lift costs. All figures are AUD excluding GST and reflect Australian supply and installation conditions as at March 2026. They are sourced from published cost guides, supplier-stated pricing, and industry data.
Building works — including floor penetrations, structural modifications, and electrical supply upgrades — are not included in lift supply quotes and must be obtained separately from a licensed builder.
The following cost ranges reflect installed prices for platform lifts across common residential and commercial applications in Australia. All figures are AUD excluding GST and cover supply, delivery, and standard installation.
| Scenario | Cost range (AUD, ex GST) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residential open platform lift (2 stops) | $22,000–$35,000 | Entry-level residential platform lift with open or semi-enclosed design. Assumes minimal builder works. Suitable for low-traffic home use. Source: supplier-stated pricing, Australian residential lift suppliers. |
| Residential enclosed platform lift (2 stops, cab) | $30,000–$45,000 | Fully enclosed cab with standard finishes. Suitable for multi-storey home accessibility. Source: supplier-stated pricing, multiple Australian suppliers. |
| Commercial platform lift — DDA-compliant (2–3 stops) | $45,000–$55,000 | DDA and Premises Standards-compliant enclosed platform lift for commercial or public building use. Includes safety sensors, signage, and accessibility features. Source: industry cost guide data; supplier-stated commercial pricing. |
| Annual service contract | $500–$1,200 | Ongoing maintenance cost per year. AS/NZS 1735 requires periodic inspection and maintenance for all platform lifts. Cost varies by lift type and service provider. Source: supplier-stated service pricing. |
Ranges are sourced from supplier-stated pricing and industry cost guide data. Commercial DDA platform lift pricing reflects AS 1428.1:2021 and Premises Standards 2010 compliance requirements, which add cost over a standard residential unit. Building works are excluded from all figures.
Last checked: 18 March 2026
Seven factors determine where your platform lift installation falls within the ranges above. The single biggest variable is whether the lift is for residential or commercial/DDA use.
Residential vs commercial application
A residential platform lift can be a relatively simple open-platform unit with basic safety features. A commercial DDA-compliant lift must meet AS 1428.1:2021, the Premises Standards 2010, and BCA Section D requirements — adding cost through certified enclosures, accessible controls, signage, and emergency features. This distinction drives the largest cost gap in the platform lift market.
Lift travel height and number of stops
Platform lifts are typically limited to a maximum travel height of around 3 metres for standard residential units and up to 5–6 metres for commercial models. Each additional stop or extra travel height adds rail, mechanical components, and installation time. A 3-stop commercial lift costs materially more than a standard 2-stop unit.
Open vs enclosed cab
Open or scissor-lift style platforms are the entry-level option. Fully enclosed cab designs with automatic doors meet a higher compliance standard and are required for most commercial DDA applications. Enclosed cabs add $5,000–$15,000 over an open platform depending on specification.
New build vs retrofit
Retrofitting a platform lift into an existing building typically requires structural modifications, floor penetrations, and potentially ceiling work. In a new build or renovation, these provisions can be included from the start, reducing installation cost. Retrofit costs for building works alone can add $5,000–$20,000+ depending on the complexity of the structure.
Compliance fit-out for DDA
Commercial platform lifts require tactile indicators, accessible call buttons at correct heights, signage, emergency lighting, and intercom systems to meet DDA and BCA requirements. These compliance items are often bundled into a commercial lift quote but should be explicitly confirmed with your supplier.
Electrical supply
Platform lifts typically operate on a standard 10A or 15A circuit. In older commercial buildings, a switchboard upgrade may be required. Electrical works are quoted separately by a licensed electrician and commonly cost $1,000–$3,000.
Annual maintenance
Platform lifts require regular servicing under AS/NZS 1735. Annual service contracts range from $500 to $1,200 per year. In commercial settings, service contracts are often a compliance obligation under building management or WHS obligations. Factor this cost into total cost of ownership.
Platform Lifts companies in Australia
Browse profiles, compare service areas, and check reviews.
Shotton Lifts
NDIS★ 5.0 (9 reviews)
Family-owned Australian lift manufacturer since 1977. 80+ staff. Design, engineer, manufacture, install and service from Dandenong South VIC. NDIS registered.
View profile →
LiftFit Australia
NDIS★ 5.0 (8 reviews)
Victoria-based NDIS registered lift provider, est. 2011. Partners with Cibes, Savaria, and Kalea. Residential, commercial, and platform lifts.
View profile →
Easy Living Home Elevators
★ 5.0 (7 reviews)
Australia's #1 home elevator supplier since 1998. 100% Australian-owned. 11,000+ elevators in service across 6 states.
View profile →
Platinum Elevators
NDIS★ 4.9 (134 reviews)
Keysborough VIC-based residential and commercial elevator specialist. 100% Italian-made products. NDIS registered provider (until Oct 2028).
View profile →
West Coast Elevators
NDIS★ 4.9 (96 reviews)
Perth-based home and commercial lift specialist serving Western Australia. NDIS registered provider.
View profile →
Infinity Lifts
★ 4.6 (32 reviews)
Boutique Sydney lift company on the Northern Beaches, est. 2014. European-designed residential traction and hydraulic lifts, plus custom glass shaft structures.
View profile →
LiftQuotes is a comparison platform. Companies shown are filtered by relevance to this page. Listing does not imply endorsement. LiftQuotes may receive a referral fee when you request quotes.
How we research these costs
Cost figures on this page were compiled from supplier-stated pricing from multiple Australian platform lift suppliers (both residential and commercial), industry cost guide data, and Australian Standards and accessibility legislation documentation. Supplier-stated pricing was sourced from publicly available pricing pages, brochures, and specifications published by suppliers operating in Australian states. Where residential and commercial pricing overlapped, ranges are reported separately to reflect the genuine distinction in compliance requirements and specification. Industry cost guide data was cross-referenced to validate the commercial DDA range. All figures exclude GST. Regional variation applies — freight and installer availability in regional and remote areas can push costs above the national upper bound. Building works are excluded from all figures and must be obtained from a licensed builder. This page does not constitute a quote. Obtain written quotes from at least three suppliers and a separate builder quote for any required building works.
Primary sources: Supplier-stated pricing from Australian platform lift suppliers (residential and commercial); industry cost guide data for commercial DDA range; AS 1428.1:2021 Design for Access and Mobility; Disability (Access to Premises — Buildings) Standards 2010 (Premises Standards).
Last reviewed
18 March 2026
Next review due
18 September 2026
For a full overview of platform lift types, standards, and application guidance, see the platform lifts guide. Ready to compare supplier pricing? Get free quotes from multiple Australian platform lift suppliers.
Get quotes tailored to your project
Tell us about your home and receive personalised pricing from local installers.
What are you looking for today?
I need a lift installed
I have a lift that needs attention
Platform lifts serve two distinct markets in Australia: residential accessibility (connecting levels in a private home) and commercial accessibility (DDA compliance in public buildings, offices, and retail). The cost range across these two applications is significant, and comparing quotes without knowing which type you need leads to budget errors.
This guide covers both residential and commercial platform lift costs. All figures are AUD excluding GST and reflect Australian supply and installation conditions as at March 2026. They are sourced from published cost guides, supplier-stated pricing, and industry data.
Building works — including floor penetrations, structural modifications, and electrical supply upgrades — are not included in lift supply quotes and must be obtained separately from a licensed builder.
The following cost ranges reflect installed prices for platform lifts across common residential and commercial applications in Australia. All figures are AUD excluding GST and cover supply, delivery, and standard installation.
| Scenario | Cost range (AUD, ex GST) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residential open platform lift (2 stops) | $22,000–$35,000 | Entry-level residential platform lift with open or semi-enclosed design. Assumes minimal builder works. Suitable for low-traffic home use. Source: supplier-stated pricing, Australian residential lift suppliers. |
| Residential enclosed platform lift (2 stops, cab) | $30,000–$45,000 | Fully enclosed cab with standard finishes. Suitable for multi-storey home accessibility. Source: supplier-stated pricing, multiple Australian suppliers. |
| Commercial platform lift — DDA-compliant (2–3 stops) | $45,000–$55,000 | DDA and Premises Standards-compliant enclosed platform lift for commercial or public building use. Includes safety sensors, signage, and accessibility features. Source: industry cost guide data; supplier-stated commercial pricing. |
| Annual service contract | $500–$1,200 | Ongoing maintenance cost per year. AS/NZS 1735 requires periodic inspection and maintenance for all platform lifts. Cost varies by lift type and service provider. Source: supplier-stated service pricing. |
Ranges are sourced from supplier-stated pricing and industry cost guide data. Commercial DDA platform lift pricing reflects AS 1428.1:2021 and Premises Standards 2010 compliance requirements, which add cost over a standard residential unit. Building works are excluded from all figures.
Last checked: 18 March 2026
Seven factors determine where your platform lift installation falls within the ranges above. The single biggest variable is whether the lift is for residential or commercial/DDA use.
Residential vs commercial application
A residential platform lift can be a relatively simple open-platform unit with basic safety features. A commercial DDA-compliant lift must meet AS 1428.1:2021, the Premises Standards 2010, and BCA Section D requirements — adding cost through certified enclosures, accessible controls, signage, and emergency features. This distinction drives the largest cost gap in the platform lift market.
Lift travel height and number of stops
Platform lifts are typically limited to a maximum travel height of around 3 metres for standard residential units and up to 5–6 metres for commercial models. Each additional stop or extra travel height adds rail, mechanical components, and installation time. A 3-stop commercial lift costs materially more than a standard 2-stop unit.
Open vs enclosed cab
Open or scissor-lift style platforms are the entry-level option. Fully enclosed cab designs with automatic doors meet a higher compliance standard and are required for most commercial DDA applications. Enclosed cabs add $5,000–$15,000 over an open platform depending on specification.
New build vs retrofit
Retrofitting a platform lift into an existing building typically requires structural modifications, floor penetrations, and potentially ceiling work. In a new build or renovation, these provisions can be included from the start, reducing installation cost. Retrofit costs for building works alone can add $5,000–$20,000+ depending on the complexity of the structure.
Compliance fit-out for DDA
Commercial platform lifts require tactile indicators, accessible call buttons at correct heights, signage, emergency lighting, and intercom systems to meet DDA and BCA requirements. These compliance items are often bundled into a commercial lift quote but should be explicitly confirmed with your supplier.
Electrical supply
Platform lifts typically operate on a standard 10A or 15A circuit. In older commercial buildings, a switchboard upgrade may be required. Electrical works are quoted separately by a licensed electrician and commonly cost $1,000–$3,000.
Annual maintenance
Platform lifts require regular servicing under AS/NZS 1735. Annual service contracts range from $500 to $1,200 per year. In commercial settings, service contracts are often a compliance obligation under building management or WHS obligations. Factor this cost into total cost of ownership.
Platform Lifts companies in Australia
Browse profiles, compare service areas, and check reviews.
Shotton Lifts
NDIS★ 5.0 (9 reviews)
Family-owned Australian lift manufacturer since 1977. 80+ staff. Design, engineer, manufacture, install and service from Dandenong South VIC. NDIS registered.
View profile →
LiftFit Australia
NDIS★ 5.0 (8 reviews)
Victoria-based NDIS registered lift provider, est. 2011. Partners with Cibes, Savaria, and Kalea. Residential, commercial, and platform lifts.
View profile →
Easy Living Home Elevators
★ 5.0 (7 reviews)
Australia's #1 home elevator supplier since 1998. 100% Australian-owned. 11,000+ elevators in service across 6 states.
View profile →
Platinum Elevators
NDIS★ 4.9 (134 reviews)
Keysborough VIC-based residential and commercial elevator specialist. 100% Italian-made products. NDIS registered provider (until Oct 2028).
View profile →
West Coast Elevators
NDIS★ 4.9 (96 reviews)
Perth-based home and commercial lift specialist serving Western Australia. NDIS registered provider.
View profile →
Infinity Lifts
★ 4.6 (32 reviews)
Boutique Sydney lift company on the Northern Beaches, est. 2014. European-designed residential traction and hydraulic lifts, plus custom glass shaft structures.
View profile →
LiftQuotes is a comparison platform. Companies shown are filtered by relevance to this page. Listing does not imply endorsement. LiftQuotes may receive a referral fee when you request quotes.
How we research these costs
Cost figures on this page were compiled from supplier-stated pricing from multiple Australian platform lift suppliers (both residential and commercial), industry cost guide data, and Australian Standards and accessibility legislation documentation. Supplier-stated pricing was sourced from publicly available pricing pages, brochures, and specifications published by suppliers operating in Australian states. Where residential and commercial pricing overlapped, ranges are reported separately to reflect the genuine distinction in compliance requirements and specification. Industry cost guide data was cross-referenced to validate the commercial DDA range. All figures exclude GST. Regional variation applies — freight and installer availability in regional and remote areas can push costs above the national upper bound. Building works are excluded from all figures and must be obtained from a licensed builder. This page does not constitute a quote. Obtain written quotes from at least three suppliers and a separate builder quote for any required building works.
Primary sources: Supplier-stated pricing from Australian platform lift suppliers (residential and commercial); industry cost guide data for commercial DDA range; AS 1428.1:2021 Design for Access and Mobility; Disability (Access to Premises — Buildings) Standards 2010 (Premises Standards).
Last reviewed
18 March 2026
Next review due
18 September 2026
For a full overview of platform lift types, standards, and application guidance, see the platform lifts guide. Ready to compare supplier pricing? Get free quotes from multiple Australian platform lift suppliers.
Get quotes tailored to your project
Tell us about your home and receive personalised pricing from local installers.
What are you looking for today?
I need a lift installed
I have a lift that needs attention
Common questions about platform lift costs
Platform lift costs in Australia range from around $22,000 for a basic residential open-platform unit to $55,000 for a commercial DDA-compliant enclosed lift. Residential enclosed cabs typically cost $30,000–$45,000 installed. Commercial platform lifts meeting AS 1428.1:2021 and the Premises Standards cost $45,000–$55,000. All figures exclude GST and building works such as floor penetrations and structural modifications.
A platform lift moves a person on an open or semi-enclosed platform between levels. A home lift (also called a residential lift) uses a fully enclosed cab and typically travels greater heights. Platform lifts are generally lower cost, require less structural work, and are suited to shorter travel heights of up to 3–6 metres. Home lifts offer a more finished aesthetic and are preferred for multi-storey use. The right choice depends on travel height, frequency of use, and budget.
Yes. Platform lifts installed in commercial, public, or retail buildings must comply with the Disability (Access to Premises — Buildings) Standards 2010 and AS 1428.1:2021. This requires accessible call button heights, tactile indicators, emergency features, adequate platform size, and appropriate door clearances. DDA-compliant lifts cost more than residential units due to these additional specification requirements.
Usually not. Most platform lift quotes cover the lift unit, delivery, and standard installation. Floor penetrations, structural modifications, shaft construction (if required), and electrical upgrades are typically excluded and need to be quoted separately by a licensed builder and electrician. Always confirm exactly what is included before comparing quotes from different suppliers.
Annual service contracts for platform lifts typically cost $500–$1,200 per year. AS/NZS 1735 requires regular maintenance and periodic inspection. In commercial settings, a service contract is often a compliance and insurance requirement. Factor this into total cost of ownership when comparing platform lifts against other accessibility solutions.
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Cost guide
How Much Does a Lift Cost in Australia? (2026 Guide)
Indicative lift costs for every type in Australia — home lifts $20K–$70K, platform lifts $22K–$45K, commercial $50K–$200K+. Sourced ranges, ex GST.
lift maintenance · Comparison
Comprehensive vs Non-Comprehensive Lift Maintenance Contracts
Comprehensive vs non-comprehensive lift maintenance contracts — what is covered, typical costs, and which contract type suits your building and lift type.
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