If you're a property owner in Spain, sooner or later you'll have to ask yourself this question: can I deduct the lift expenses? The answer, frustrating as it may sound, is the classic one: it depends. Because it's not the same whether the property is rented or you live in it, or whether we're installing a lift for the first time or simply renovating an existing one.
In this updated guide for 2025, we'll get a firm grasp on the tax options: when an expense is considered deductible, when it's treated as an improvement, how it's amortized, what happens with subsidies, what the effects are if you ever sell your home, and what documents you should keep to avoid surprises.
Rented property: Can I deduct the lift expense?
When you rent out your apartment and declare the income as real estate capital gains on your personal income tax, the key lies in how the Treasury classifies the work: repair or improvement. This determines whether you can deduct the annual expense directly or whether you must spread it out over time.
If it is an improvement: it is amortized
Is this the first time a lift has been installed in the building? Then, for the Treasury, this is an improvement: it increases the value of the property and is not immediately deducted as an expense. It is incorporated into the value of the apartment and depreciated at 31PT3T annually on the corresponding basis (construction cost + improvements, not including the value of the land).
Simple example: If the contribution costs you €12,000 and the work is completed in 2025, you would start deducting €360 per year (3%) while the property remains rented.
If there was already a lift: it may be a direct expense
Now, if the lift already existed and you're replacing machinery, modernizing the cabin, replacing doors, adapting it to regulations, etc., it's usually considered a repair or maintenance. And that can be deducted as an expense, but there are limits: the total sum of these expenses plus interest can't exceed the rental income for that apartment that same year. If you exceed this amount, the excess can be carried forward to four subsequent fiscal years.
Realistic mini-case: Your rental income is €9,000. But the repairs and interest total €11,000. You can only deduct €9,000 that year, and you'll deduct the remaining €2,000 over the next four years until you use it up.
What if the apartment wasn't rented out all year?
Both the amortization and expenses are prorated based on the number of days the apartment was actually rented. If the lift is installed in July but the tenant moves in in September, the figures need to be adjusted. Here, again, the calendar rules.
Primary residence: Can I deduct the lift expenses?
If you live in your home (whether it's your primary residence or a second, unrented residence), there's no general state deduction for installing or renovating a lift. However, there are two very specific exceptions that may apply:
1. By accessibility and disability (old regime)
If you were already applying the deduction for your primary residence before 2013 and meet the requirements of the transitional regime, certain accessibility projects (such as lift installation) may have already qualified you for the deduction. This is becoming increasingly rare, but if there are disabilities in the family and the dates match, it's worth reviewing.
2. For energy rehabilitation of the building (up to 60% deductible)
A powerful deduction comes into play here: up to 60% if the overall project achieves a reduction of non-renewable primary energy by at least 30% or if the energy rating is improved to A or B.
Does the lift alone achieve this? Usually not. But if it's part of a comprehensive renovation (thermal envelope, photovoltaics, insulation, etc.), it can be included in the package. In that case, the proportional share of the assessment can be deducted.
What if there are subsidies? Will they affect my deduction?
Yes. Many regions receive public aid for installing lifts. Generally, these are taxed as capital gains under personal income tax, although in some specific programs (such as the Next Generation funds) they may be exempt if the technical and administrative requirements are met.
Save everything: the grant resolution, payment receipts, a certificate from the administrator with the amount you're owed... That way, if the time comes to ask yourself again, "Can I deduct the lift levy?", you'll have all the cards on the table.
And VAT?
The general rate is 21%, but in some cases (renovation or rehabilitation of residential buildings that meet certain criteria), 10% may be applied. The difference impacts the final cost, although for tax purposes, what really matters is whether the expenditure is classified as an expense or improvement.
What if I sell the house later?
Here's another interesting twist: if the lift is an improvement, its cost is added to the property's acquisition value. What does this mean? When you sell it, that improvement reduces the capital gain you'll have to declare.
On the other hand, repair expenses you've already deducted don't count again. You already received the tax benefit at the time.
Documents that you must have yes or yes
If the IRS ever asks you to justify your deduction, having everything organized will be your best defense. Prepare:
- Minutes of the owners' meeting with approval of the work.
- Contract with the installation company and invoices.
- Certificate from the administrator with your coefficient and payments made.
- In case of rental: contract with the tenant, income and amortization sheet.
- If there is a subsidy: resolution and certificate with the distribution of the aid.
- In energy rehabilitation: certificates before and after the work.
Mistakes that cost you dearly
- Confusing improvement with repair: installing a lift where there was none is an improvement.
- Do not adjust the expense if the apartment was rented only part of the year.
- Forgetting the rental income limit for deducting repairs.
- Not keeping the administrator certificate.
- Attempting to apply the 60% deduction without valid energy certificates.
- Believing that all public aid is tax-neutral: some are taxed.
Practical cases to understand it well
Case A (rental + new lift): You pay €10,000 in installment tax and the apartment was rented throughout 2025. → It is improvement: you amortize €300/year (3%).
Case B (rental + modernization): They change the machinery, a €4,000 outlay, €7,500 rental income, and €8,200 total expenses. → It is repair: You deduct €7,500 that year and carry over the remaining €700.
Case C (habitual residence + accessibility): Panoramic lift installed in 2025, not rented. → Deductible only if you enter an old transitional regime or if it's part of an energy renovation with a certificate.
Case D (global energy rehabilitation): A complete renovation is being undertaken with a thermal envelope, photovoltaics, and an efficient lift. → Yes, you can deduct your proportional share if the energy improvement is certified.
FAQ: Quick Answers
- I rent and a new lift has been installed? → Yes, as an improvement: it is amortized at 3% annually.
- I rent and the lift has been modernized? → Yes, as a repair, with income limits and carryover.
- Do I live in the house? → Generally, no. Except for accessibility with an old system or certified energy rehabilitation.
- Does the subsidy affect? → Yes, it may be taxed or exempt, depending on the case.
- What if I sell the house? → If it was an improvement, reduce the profit. If it was a repair that was already deducted, don't.
Checklist to see if I can deduct the lift expenses:
- Is the property rented or not?
- Is this a new installation or a renovation?
- When was the work completed? When was it rented?
- Do your expenses + interest exceed your rental income?
- Are there subsidies? Are they taxable?
- Can reduced VAT be applied?
- Do you have all the documents?
- Are you going to sell it? Are you interested in increasing the acquisition value?
At Eleva Balear we are specialists in lift installation and modernization in Mallorca.
If you are thinking about installing or modernization of lifts in Mallorca or a complete building modernization, at Eleva Balear we're by your side throughout the entire process: from the technical project to the management of licenses, grants, and execution of the work. And not only that: we help you understand the tax impact of each assessment so that when you ask yourself again, "Can I deduct the lift assessment?", you'll have a clear answer, with arguments and documentation in hand. Interested? Write to us and request a no-obligation technical visit. We're here to ensure accessibility is real, functional, and also well-thought-out from a tax perspective.
