The Staircase Tax: When to Retrofit Your Home and When to Sell It
A stair lift costs $4,000; moving costs $40,000. But the math of staying put is rarely that simple.
By Neil D'Monte, Palmelle Editorial Team · Reviewed by Neil D'Monte · 7 min read · 2026-05-25
Most people view their stairs as a fitness test until the day they become a physical barrier. Then, the staircase transforms into a multi-ton architectural hazard sitting right in the middle of the foyer. The gut reaction is to buy a quick fix—a mechanical chair that glides up the banister—or to panic-sell the house and buy a condo.
