Perth’s home lift market is in an absolute boom right now. Home elevators are no longer just a luxury but are quickly becoming essential equipment for savvy homeowners as property values surge.

But here’s the thing that many people don’t realise: not every Perth suburb is equally suitable for fitting home elevators! Demand, property values, council regulations, and even the type of home in different areas can make a huge difference in both feasibility and return on investment.

After analysing the location of installations, property data and speaking with homeowners across Perth’s richest areas, we are able to identify the suburbs where home elevators make sense — both practically and financially.

The Golden Triangle Leads the Way

Perth’s so-called “Golden Triangle”, the exclusive cluster of suburbs between the Swan River and Indian Ocean, dominates in residential lift installations. This phenomenon is due to factors beyond simply having the financial means to purchase a residential lift.

Dalkeith: The Undisputed Champion

With a median home value of $3.4 million, Dalkeith leads the way in both property value and the installation of residential lifts. In recognition of this need, a multi-storey home has been designed with river views that can be opened up for use as people grow older.

Given its spacious land size, Dalkeith lends itself well to lift installations, including internal home lifts. The City of Nedlands has streamlined the approval processes to address the growing demand. A notable project was carried out in a heritage home, where the Alto Lift team installed a small system that, besides blending in with the period features, provides modern convenience.

Cottesloe: Coastal Luxury Meets Practicality

Cottesloe’s median price of $3.54 million reflects strong demand from elevator purchasers as its demographic has shifted — with people who bought properties decades ago, as 60- and 70-year-olds, no longer willing to move away from their beachside retreat.

Layout benefits: Two- to three-storey houses to maximise ocean views, but the stair issues appear.
Environmental factors: Coastal applications require salt air and humidity suppression
Commercial Application: Dumbwaiters are heavily used in multi-level restaurants and cafes due to high demand.
Council support: 40 per cent increase in applications over two years, approved process streamlined

Peppermint Grove: Small Suburb, Big Demand

At just over one square kilometre, Peppermint Grove boasts significant purchasing power, with median property prices reaching $3.7 million. Forward-thinking architects already planned elevator shafts for many properties.

The Town of Peppermint Grove offers the most straightforward approval process – their small size means personal attention, and they understand accessibility features protect high property values.

Beyond the Golden Triangle: Emerging Hotspots

While the western suburbs dominate, we’re seeing growing interest in other areas where property values and demographics align.

Applecross: River Views, Family Focus

Applecross has emerged as a significant market for home elevators. Given median house prices that are close to $2.4 million and that many young families are buying large homes they hope to live in for a long time, the forward-looking investment in accessibility seems quite sensible.

The family-oriented nature of the suburb encourages many installations to be included in homes during initial construction or major renovations, making it inevitably less expensive to do so now rather than later when homeowners realise they wish they had retrofitted their homes. The city of Melville is accommodating for home lift installation, acknowledging the benefits of ageing in place.

Mount Claremont: University Influence, Long-term Thinking

Mount Claremont, influenced by the University of Western Australia, has a high proportion of educated citizens who plan for the future.

In this community, many individuals work in educational, medical, or other professional services, and they are well-positioned as students, faculty members, or passengers on the Tea Tree Bay MRT line to understand from their own experiences what effective planning provisions mean for future access needs.

Imagine living in a grand house, but navigating the stairs is quite difficult. However, it is certain that individuals who can purchase properties at the average price of just over 1.8 million can afford such high-end homes, provided they have larger floor areas and suitable designs for installing elevators.

Market Analysis: What the Numbers Tell Us

Looking at the data from the past two years, several patterns emerge:

Property Value Correlation

Suburbs with median house prices above $2 million have 3x higher rates of elevator enquiries than areas below $1 million. This isn’t just about affordability – higher-value homes typically have the multi-level architecture that makes elevators practical.

Age Demographics Matter

There is obvious interest in home lifts from areas with a higher concentration of the 55-plus demographic. But we are also seeing younger families, who are throwing high early investments into premium suburbs, recognising future value.

Council Variations

Variations differ widely by area and are sometimes influenced by residential lift applications. For example, the City of Nedlands normally takes 3-4 weeks in its processing, while some liberal councils can delay for a period of 8 to 12 weeks. This is important information when construction timeframes are being planned.

Knowing these market trends enables homeowners to make informed decisions regarding the timeline, location, and expectations for their residential lift project. The data are clear that premium suburbs offer a combo of demand, property appropriateness, and easy-going approval processes.

You can get the latest Perth property market data and suburb comparisons on REIWA, which provides comprehensive market insights that may help inform your investment decisions.

Understanding the Regulatory Landscape

The reality might surprise many homeowners: the approval process is a simple one, at least when you know what you’re doing.

The majority of residential lift installations are considered to come under permitted development, which is the term used to describe work for which we don’t require full-blown planning permission, so long as the work is carried out in line with standard building regulations.

However, council requirements do vary. Some key considerations include:

Internal lifts: They often won’t require much in the way of approval if they are not taking out any structural walls.
External lifts: more paperwork is needed, particularly around the setback from the property line.
Heritage zones (common in the most expensive suburbs) could require further design approval.

The specifications for lift safety are governed by the Australian Standard AS 1735, and any reputable lift installer will ensure that these requirements are met as part of their service. For further details on building codes and compliance standards, please refer to the Australian Building Codes Board.

The Australian Building Codes Board provides comprehensive guidance on building regulations. Alto Lift is home to a skilled team of professional builders who understand how to fast-track approval.

Real-World Success Stories

The most convincing case studies are homeowners who have experienced the benefits firsthand:

The Dalkeith Family: The renovation lift for the home improved daily functions and was crucial when Grandfather moved in after surgery.
Cottesloe Beach House: A couple prevented downsizing by installing a lift that adds value beyond its cost.
Mount Claremont Professional: Surgeon’s forward-thinking lift ‘immediately enhanced quality of life.

Each of these examples demonstrates that home lifts provide immediate lifestyle benefits, as well as long-term peace of mind and protection for property assets. That investment is also a gift to your future self, whether you need the accessibility today or are thinking ahead a few years or a few decades.

The Investment Perspective

From a purely financial standpoint, the installation of lifts in the posh suburbs of Perth appears to be very promising. Industry experts stated that properties with good lifts can be marketed more quickly and at higher prices, provided the sales strategy targets individuals in their 50s and 60s. As one realtor said:

It gives people choices by allowing them to access the upper levels of that fine apartment. The key to success is selecting the appropriate suburb and type of property. Areas with strong property value appreciation and an ageing population are ideal for multi-level villas, offering both immediate life enjoyment and long-term investment returns.

Installation Considerations by Area

What to consider when installing a lift in a Perth home. Perth’s different suburbs each present unique challenges and benefits when it comes to installing a residential lift. Recognising these local factors can also save you time, money, and frustration in the planning process.

River suburbs (Dalkeith, Peppermint Grove, Applecross): Odd-shaped blocks require innovative design solutions.
The coast (Cottesloe, City Beach): Salt-resistant gear is a must; premium rates warrant the extra quality.
Inner established suburbs: Heritage but high custom in-home standards for install space.

Here are distinctive spaces for installing lifts at home. Dealing with experienced installers who know local conditions is the difference between a seamless installation and a headache years down the tracks.

Looking Forward: Market Trends and Predictions

Several trends are affecting the current Perth residential lift market:

The older population are particularly demanding lifts, while younger buyers are beginning to recognise their improved value for life. Elevator-ready designs are increasingly used in new construction, even if the lift isn’t installed right away.

Due to advancements in technology, lifts are now more compact, quieter, and consume less power. Modern residential lifts can be positioned in very small spaces indeed and operate more smoothly than their forerunners.

Perth’s continuing population growth and sound property market fundamentals suggest ongoing expansion of the residential lift market, especially in older, high-value suburbs.

Making the Decision

If you are considering installing a residential lift, where you live matters. The Golden Triangle suburbs offer an excellent substitute, with friendly councils, compatible architectural styles, strong property values, and a market demand for installation that both makes practical sense and is financially sound.

There are also areas emerging, such as Applecross and Mount Claremont, which cannot be neglected, particularly when you have a family for the long haul. The key is to work with professionals who have experience with both the technical and regulatory aspects of residential lift construction.

Alto Lift has experience in residential lift installation across the most desirable areas in Perth. Our familiarity with local council requirements, building styles, and conditions means we can guide homeowners through the whole process from conception to completion and ongoing maintenance.

Whether you’re constructing a new home, doing extensive renovation work or planning for the future, getting the right residential lift for your house can transform how you live while safeguarding your property investment. Perth’s current market continues to strengthen, making this combination a must-have.

Are you considering a residential lift installation in your Perth home? Call for a consultation, and then let Alto Lift come to take a look at your site. Our experienced team can help assess your property’s potential and guide you through installation, regardless of what prestigious Perth suburb you may have made as your base.