Cost guides › Curved stair lift
Australia
Curved stair lift cost
A curved stair lift with a made-to-measure rail for 1 flight(s) typically costs $17,000 installed including GST, with most quotes between $13,200 and $22,100. A simpler curve with a standard carriage comes in around $14,500, while a complex rail with several turns, a park position and a premium carriage runs about $20,500.
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Cost by region
| Location | Basic | Mid-range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Capital Territory | $14,600 | $17,100 | $20,600 |
| New South Wales | $14,500 | $17,000 | $20,500 |
| Northern Territory | $14,500 | $17,000 | $20,500 |
| Queensland | $14,500 | $17,000 | $20,500 |
| Victoria | $14,500 | $17,000 | $20,500 |
| Western Australia | $14,600 | $17,000 | $20,600 |
| South Australia | $14,400 | $16,900 | $20,400 |
| Tasmania | $14,300 | $16,800 | $20,300 |
What's included
Mid-range
- Measure-up of the staircase and custom rail design
- Made-to-measure curved rail for each flight, fitted to the treads
- Stair lift carriage with swivel seat, footrest and controls
- Installation of the rail and carriage, connection to power and commissioning
- Call-and-send remote controls
- First-year service and safety check
What affects the cost
Why a curved rail costs more
A straight rail is cut from stock; a curved rail is bent to the exact shape of your stairs after a measure-up, so every one is made to order. That is why a curved lift costs a multiple of a straight one, and why there is little saving from reconditioned units: the carriage can be reused, but the rail usually has to be made new.
Turns, landings and length
Each bend, change of pitch and landing adds rail work. A staircase that turns at a landing, winds around a newel post or has several turns costs more than a single gentle curve.
Park positions and overruns
The rail can extend past the bottom step and curve out of a walkway, or run on at the top so the user can get off safely onto the landing instead of the top step. These options add rail length but often make the lift safer and easier to use.
Carriage features
Swivel seats are standard on curved lifts so the user can face the landing when getting off. A powered swivel, powered footrest and higher weight capacity cost more and are worth it for people with limited strength or balance.
Power, servicing and batteries
Most lifts run on batteries charged from a power point, so they work during a blackout. A power point near the stairs is not included if none exists, and it must be installed by a licensed electrician. Price a yearly service plan and replacement batteries before you sign.
Lead time
Because the rail is manufactured for your stairs, there is usually a wait of several weeks between the measure-up and installation. If the need is urgent, ask about the lead time before choosing a quote.
How to save
- Get at least two measure-ups and quotes; rail designs differ, and a simpler rail route can cost noticeably less.
- Ask whether a straight lift on each straight section could work, for example where a landing is wide enough to change seats safely.
- Choose park positions and features for the user's actual needs rather than taking every option.
- Check NDIS or My Aged Care eligibility before you order, as funded work usually needs an assessment and approval first.
Grants, tax and rules
NDIS and My Aged Care
The NDIS funds home modifications for eligible participants, with smaller jobs treated as minor modifications and larger ones as complex modifications with an assessor involved. Older people usually go through My Aged Care, where help with equipment and home modifications may be available after an assessment. Keep the measure-up, rail and installation paperwork.
Australian staircases
Two-storey homes with a staircase that turns at a landing are the usual case for a curved lift. Elevated homes such as Queenslanders often have external stairs with turns; outdoor curved lifts exist with weatherproofing, but cost more and have their own lead times. Near the coast, ask about corrosion-resistant finishes, as salt air is hard on rails and fixings.
Licensed electrician
If a new power point is needed near the stairs, it must be installed by a licensed electrician under state licensing, who should give you a certificate of compliance for the work.
GST
Quotes to households include 10% GST, and so do our figures.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a curved stair lift cost in Australia?
For 1 flight(s) with a made-to-measure rail, expect about $17,000 installed including GST. A simple curve with a basic carriage is closer to $14,500; a complex route with several turns and premium features about $20,500.
Why is a curved stair lift so much more than a straight one?
The rail is designed and bent to fit your exact staircase, so it is a one-off product with a measure-up, design and longer installation. A straight rail is cut from standard lengths.
Can I buy a second-hand curved stair lift?
Rarely in a way that saves much. A curved rail fits only the staircase it was made for, so even when a reconditioned carriage is used, a new rail is normally needed.
How long does it take to get a curved stair lift?
After the measure-up, the rail is manufactured to order, which usually takes several weeks. Installation itself is often done in a day.
Can a curved stair lift go around a landing?
Yes. One continuous rail can follow the stairs around landings and turns, so the user stays seated from bottom to top.
Does the NDIS fund curved stair lifts?
It can, for eligible participants where the lift is assessed as needed; larger jobs go through a complex home modification process with an assessor. Older people usually go through My Aged Care, where support may be available after an assessment.
How this estimate is calculated
Work hours: 9 · Labour: $1,145 · Materials: $14,297
Sources: ABS Employee Earnings and Hours, Australia; Regione Toscana, Prezzario dei Lavori 2026 (CC BY 4.0); ECB exchange rates; market check: liftsforhomes.com.au (Apr 2026) A$13,000-18,000 ex GST, typical 15,500 (+GST).
Last reviewed 26 September 2026 · How we calculate costs · Editorial policy