The downsizer’s dream: Why elevators are key to ageing in place

For many homeowners, living in a two-storey house offers space, separation and flexibility – until it doesn’t. That’s something our very own Director, Sally Zelman, knows firsthand.

‘When you’re rushing down the stairs one night and fall eight steps, like I did, the advantages of multi-level living disappear pretty quickly,’ she shares.

That’s right, Sally recently fell down her own stairs. She sustained multiple fractures and faced a long and challenging recovery.

‘I had a moon boot on, so just getting up and down the stairs was incredibly difficult,’ she recalls. ‘That’s when I wished I had an elevator. My life would’ve been so much easier during that time.’

Sally recently sold her home and is moving into an accommodation that better suits her needs. And she’s not alone. More downsizers are starting to think ahead. For many, finding a home with an elevator is becoming synonymous with finding a home that’s truly future-proof.

Adding value with vertical living: The agent’s perspective

According to New Projects Director Julian Millman, lifts are no longer a niche feature. In fact, they’re opening the door – literally – to a much broader pool of buyers.

‘Private lifts in new townhouses and houses give ‘right-sizers’ the confidence to buy, knowing the home will suit them long term,’ Julian explains.

‘They also offer downsizers a real alternative to apartments, which don’t suit everyone,’ he continues. ‘If stairs become difficult now or down the track, having a lift makes all the difference.’

From a value perspective, it’s not just lifestyle that’s elevated. It’s resale potential, too.

‘Lifts broaden the appeal,’ Julian states simply. ‘So, they give developers a better chance of maximising their sale price.’

It’s a win for buyers, a win for developers – and a clear sign that lifts are fast becoming more than just an added extra.

 

 

Form meets function: The evolution of smart design

In the past, installing an elevator meant sacrificing space and budget. Today? Not so much.

Thanks to smarter technology and more compact designs, architects are integrating lifts seamlessly into multi-level homes – without disrupting flow or aesthetics.

In fact, they’re becoming a signature of high-end builds in Melbourne’s inner suburbs, especially where blocks are narrow, and builders go up instead of out. Custom cabinetry, concealed lift doors and minimalist fittings mean you might not even remember the lift is there – until you need it.

Design-wise, it’s the perfect marriage of form and function: clean lines, clever layouts and conscious planning that enhances everyday living.

Family first: Safety in a split-level world

Elevators aren’t just for retirees or future planning. More and more, we’re seeing young parents, multigenerational households and even first-home buyers choosing homes with lifts for one simple reason: they make life easier right now.

Prams, toddlers, heavy groceries, muddy footy boots – throw in a dog or visiting grandparents – and suddenly a staircase becomes more of a hazard than a feature. A lift provides a safer, simpler way to get around, especially in multi-level homes where everyone’s on the go.

Elderly parents can stay close by, without being restricted to the ground floor. And let’s not forget: if you’ve ever carried a sleepy child up two flights of stairs after a long day out, you know a lift would have been priceless.

But convenience is just half the story. Lifts also help create a home that adapts to life’s curveballs. Whether it’s post-surgery recovery, a sports injury or even a maintenance issue on the stairs, temporary mobility challenges can crop up when you least expect them.

 

 

Elevated expectations: What buyers are asking for now

As buyer expectations evolve, so too do their wish lists. And for a growing number of property seekers – particularly those eyeing prestige or architecturally designed homes – a lift is non-negotiable.

Many buyers are asking about lifts before they even set foot through the door. They’re seeing it as an indicator of quality, longevity and liveability. And developers are responding, especially in tightly held suburbs where vertical builds are the norm, and buyers won’t settle for compromise.

With a lift in place, a home suddenly suits everyone. So, for developers, it’s a no-brainer.

Families are thinking ahead. Downsizers are staying active for longer. And high-end buyers expect their homes to evolve with their lifestyle.

 

 

Not just for the elite: Busting the elevator myth

There’s a lingering perception that lifts are only for the ultra-wealthy. But today’s market tells a different story.

Compact residential lifts are now more affordable and space-efficient than ever before – making them a realistic inclusion in many mid- to upper-range homes.

You’ll now find lifts in townhouses, duplexes and even custom family builds, particularly in suburbs where double-storey or split-level homes are standard. They promise practicality, accessibility and the freedom to keep your options open.

In fact, choosing a lift can be more cost-effective than long-term renovation or relocation. Especially if you love your area and plan to stay for the long haul.

Looking ahead: The future of vertical design in Melbourne

With Melbourne’s population growing – and lot sizes shrinking – building up is becoming the new normal. And that means elevators will only become more prevalent.

Add to that the rise of smart home automation, energy-efficient lift technology and eco-conscious builds, and it’s clear: residential elevators are now a part of the city’s evolving housing landscape.

For buyers, builders and agents alike, this shift offers a whole new perspective – literally. And for the Gary Peer team, it’s just another way we’re helping you find a home that works for every chapter.

 

 

Looking for a home that meets your needs today – and tomorrow? Browse our listings to explore properties that are built for the long game.