Selling a house is never a walk in the park. There's always something that complicates things: the price, the paperwork, the timing... But if the apartment is in a building without a lift, things get a little more complicated. Is it difficult to sell an apartment without a lift? Yes, it is. We're not going to sugarcoat it. But be careful, that doesn't mean it's unsellable. Not at all. The difference lies in knowing how the market moves, what buyers expect, and how to present the apartment so they see it in a different light.
In Spain, many multi-story buildings don't have lifts. It's not unusual. In fact, in places like the Balearic and Canary Islands, it's estimated that more than 40 % blocks of flats have this type of lift. This has two sides: on the one hand, you're not alone; on the other, there's competition. And the truth is, many buyers, especially if the apartment is on the fourth or fifth floor, see it as an inconvenience. And that, of course, affects the price and the time it takes to sell.
The price: the part that hurts the most
When someone asks if it's difficult to sell a condo without a lift, they're almost always thinking: Will I have to lower the price significantly? And the answer, generally, is yes.
The data is there: portals like Idealista and firms like Urban Data Analytics estimate that the discount can range from 15% to 35%, or even more if the apartment is very high up. In some extreme cases, the difference reaches 40% of the total.
However, it's not all bad news. In 2025, something curious is happening: in many city center areas, where there are fewer and fewer apartments and prices are sky-high, there are young people, investors, and buyers with smaller budgets who are willing to consider an apartment without a lift if it allows them to stay in a well-connected area. In other words, price can be a barrier... or an opportunity, depending on how you look at it.
What the law says (and not everyone knows)
Here's something many sellers don't even consider: if someone in the building is over 70 years old or has a disability, the law allows for the installation of a lift. And most importantly, if the annual cost for each resident doesn't exceed 12 community fees, it must be installed, even if there's no unanimous agreement.
Even when the budget is higher, the law allows for approval of the installation by a simple majority. That is, if the building has the necessary resources, and the neighbors are willing, a prospective buyer could see the transaction as a way to gain value in the medium term. And that can work in your favor if you know how to explain it.
Not everything revolves around the lift
The difficulty in selling an apartment without a lift isn't limited to that detail. There are many more pieces to the puzzle:
- If the apartment is on the ground or first floor, the lack of a lift is much less significant.
- If the stairs are wide, comfortable, and well-lit, the experience of climbing them changes considerably.
- In neighborhoods with high demand and low supply, buyers tend to be more flexible.
- The asking price matters a lot. If it's reasonable from the start, you'll save yourself months of waiting and tough counteroffers.
- And if you already have a technical report stating that a lift can be installed, even better.
Can it be sold faster?
Let's go back to the original question: Is it difficult to sell an apartment without a lift? The answer is still yes... but there are ways to make it less difficult. Here are some ideas:
Put a real price on it from minute one
Don't be guided by what others are asking. Look at what's actually selling. Compare with walk-up apartments in the area, consider the height, the overall condition of the building, and so on, and set a reasonable price. If you set it right from the start, you'll attract visitors without having to keep lowering prices every month.
Gather important information
Having up-to-date documentation such as the ITE (Spanish Property Identification Code) or IEE (Spanish Property Identification Code), estimates for lift installation, possible public aid, and how much each neighbor would have to pay—all of this gives the buyer peace of mind. And if they're calm, you'll sell more easily.
Highlight the good without covering up the other
Does it have plenty of light? Open views? A playful layout? All of that is worth its weight in gold. What matters is that the apartment captivates you with what it has, not what it lacks.
Speak for those who might want it
Not all buyers are the same. Some are looking to renovate. Others prefer location over amenities. Others want to invest or start small. If you target these buyers, you'll have more useful visits and less wasted time.
Aid that alleviates the cost
Another thing that's sometimes overlooked is subsidies. In 2025, public programs are still available to improve building accessibility, including installing lifts. In places like Mallorca, for example, these grants can cover a significant portion of the cost, making the project more viable and less costly for residents.
And why is it important to say so? Because if a buyer knows there are subsidies and that the actual cost will be lower, they're much more likely to see the apartment as a good deal, even before anything is installed.
And what does the buyer look for?
If you're wondering whether it's difficult to sell a condo without a lift, it's also worth looking at the other side of the coin: what does the buyer value?
Of course, comfort matters, but it's not always the priority. Many buyers are more concerned about:
- It should be well located: close to the center, with transportation, services, neighborhood life.
- That the price makes sense in relation to the area.
- Let there be room for improvement and revaluation.
- And that community fees are low (something common in buildings without a lift).
If you can align what you offer with what they're looking for, your chances of closing the sale increase significantly.
How to write an ad that works
Your ad is your cover letter. And yes, it can make a difference. Here are some ideas to help you make it work:
- Be clear: If the building doesn't have a lift, say so upfront. You can also mention whether installing one is feasible.
- Highlight what makes the apartment unique. Light, terrace, layout, views... whatever, as long as it's compelling.
- Including information about public aid can be a good plus.
- Take care with your photos, include a plan, and if possible, add a video. That conveys confidence from the very first minute.
A good ad not only attracts, it also filters. It avoids visits from people unwilling to climb the ladder and leaves you with the genuinely interested.
And looking a little further...
Yes, selling a walk-up apartment may be a little slower. But there's still a market. In cities where supply is scarce, where renovations are encouraged, or where accessibility is promoted, this type of housing not only has a market: it can be a real opportunity for those who know how to see it.
The secret is to change the approach: instead of hiding the downside, show all the positive aspects behind it. A reasonable price, an attractive setting, a possible (and subsidized) upgrade, and above all, transparency. With this, there's a much greater chance that the apartment will end up in the hands of someone who will value it.
At Eleva Balear, we lend a hand
Are you still wondering if it's difficult to sell an apartment without a lift? Yes, it can be a little more difficult. But there are ways to make it more manageable. And one of them is to consider improving the building's accessibility.
At Eleva Balear we have been working for years in the installation of lifts in Mallorca, always adapting to the needs of each community. We help you determine if it's viable, seek public aid, manage the paperwork, and bring the project to life, from start to finish. If you're thinking about selling or simply improving life in your building, let's talk. We're here to help.
