Accessibility in buildings is no longer just a desire: it's a right and, in many cases, a necessity. Improving the lives of those living in the building—especially the elderly, those with reduced mobility, or families with children—often involves installing a lift. And that's where the big question arises: how much does it cost to install a lift in a community? The answer is not unique, as it depends on several factors: from the characteristics of the building to the type of installation, not to mention the available assistance. Here, we break down everything you need to know to make an informed and, above all, grounded decision.
What does the cost of installing a lift in a community depend on?
Before we get into the numbers, it's important to understand what determines the final cost. Because every building is unique, and no two installations are the same.
Where the lift is placed
This is one of the first points to consider. If there is already a sufficiently large stairwell, the job is simpler and cheaper. But if there isn't one and an external structure needs to be built—in the interior courtyard or even on the facade—the price can increase significantly. This is where more complex work, enclosures, and additional permits come into play.
Number of plants and stops
The more floors and stops a building has, the more expensive the entire system will be. Installing a lift that covers three floors is not the same as installing one that goes up to a sixth floor. The travel distance influences the cost of the equipment, but also the duration and complexity of the project.
Lift type
There are different technologies: machine-room-less electric, hydraulic, or even models with improved energy efficiency. Electric models tend to be the most popular because they consume less fuel and take up less space. Each type has its advantages, disadvantages... and price.
Necessary civil works
Installing a lift goes far beyond installing the cabin. In many cases, it involves reinforcing structures, opening up spaces, adapting staircases, rerouting installations, creating a pit, or even modifying access to the entrance. This part can represent up to 50% of the total budget.
Licenses, technicians and fees
Although their weight in the budget isn't the largest, they shouldn't be overlooked. The technical project, construction management, and municipal fees must be taken into account from the outset to avoid surprises later on.
How much does it really cost to install a lift?
Having seen the above, we can speak more clearly about real figures. In 2025, these are the typical ranges in Spain:
- Basic installation (available space, 3–5 stops): between €30,000 and €50,000.
- Medium installation (stair cutting or metal tower in courtyard): between €60,000 and €100,000.
- Complex installation (exterior structure or custom solutions): between €100,000 and €150,000.
The average cost is around €40,000 for buildings with a certain structural ease. However, for older buildings with no voids and several floors, the investment can easily exceed €100,000.
And after installation?
The expense doesn't end when the project is completed. There are fixed costs that should be anticipated:
- Monthly maintenance: This typically ranges from €30 to €120, depending on the contract and the company.
- Regulatory adaptations or modernizations: If the equipment becomes outdated or there are new legal requirements, costs of €2,000 to €18,000 may arise.
All of this is key to calculating the community's annual budget, beyond the initial outlay.
Two practical examples that help to understand it
Case A: 4-story building with tower in the courtyard
Total budget: approximately €80,000. With public aid, each home can receive up to €6,000, which would leave the net cost for the community at €32,000. Divided among eight residents: €4,000 per home.
Case B: building with existing shaft and 5 stops
Budget: Around €45,000. Without subsidies, each resident would pay €5,625 (in a community of 8). With subsidies under the 40–60 % (income tax) program, the cost would drop to €2,250–3,375 per home.
Grants and subsidies: a key element
Public subsidies can completely change the landscape. In 2025, several important lines of assistance remain active:
- State Plan 2022–2025: includes a specific accessibility program, managed by the autonomous communities.
- Madrid 2025: for example, it offers up to 60 % of subsidy, with a maximum of €6,000 per home (or **€9,000 if there are commercial premises).
- City councils: some complement with their own aid or reductions in rates.
Thus, a project that seems unaffordable at first can reduce its actual cost by more than half. That's why it's so important to be informed and act in time.
Requesting quotes: what to consider
To realistically know how much it costs to install a lift in a community, a generic figure isn't enough. You have to compare carefully and judiciously. Here are some tips:
- Ask for at least three, well-detailed quotes.
- Make sure they include both the equipment and the civil work.
- Ask if the technical project and construction management are included.
- Find out about fees and licenses: Does the company manage them?
- Ask about timelines. In some cases, the process can take anywhere from 2 to 12 months.
- Don't forget to check the conditions for subsequent maintenance.
- Consider solutions such as ground-level access, which greatly improves accessibility.
And what do you gain by installing a lift?
Although it may seem like a high investment, the benefits are very clear:
- Improved quality of life: for both seniors and families with strollers, or residents with reduced mobility.
- Property appreciation : Apartments with lifts sell and rent more.
- Regulatory compliance: Today, the law requires ensuring accessibility if it is technically feasible.
- Medium-term savings: Thanks to the aid, the financial effort is reduced and the improvement in assets more than compensates.
Common mistakes that can be expensive
- Think only about the price of the device, without considering the work.
- Forgetting licenses or municipal taxes.
- Not having technical advice from the beginning.
- Not knowing about public aid and ending up paying more.
- Failure to provide for mandatory maintenance after installation.
Tips for reaching an agreement in the community
The biggest obstacle is usually economic. But there are ways to facilitate consensus:
- Explain the costs clearly, with real-life examples and helpful scenarios.
- Share everything in writing, in a clear and understandable way.
- Remember that the Horizontal Property Law requires it to be installed if requested by someone over 70 years of age or a person with a disability, provided the work is possible.
- Explore financing options such as community loans or agreements with banking institutions.
At Eleva Balear we are specialists in lift installation in Mallorca.
Now that you have a clear idea of how much it costs to install a lift in a community, the next step is to hire professionals who know the area well. At Eleva Balear, we have been dedicated to lift installation in Mallorca for years, offering all types of solutions: from buildings with existing space to more complex structures on facades or interior courtyards.
We handle all the management: licensing, grant processing, technical advice, and maintenance. The idea? Help your community take the step toward true accessibility with confidence and without setbacks.
If you think it's time to make your building more comfortable, accessible, and livable, write to us. We're here to help.
