When you walk into a house and spot an elevator, your first thought might be, Wow, that’s fancy. For a long time, in-home elevators carried that sense of prestige—the cherry on top of luxury living. They symbolized that the homeowner didn’t just want comfort but also convenience, and maybe even a touch of glamour. But recently, something surprising has happened: more buyers are dismissing homes with elevators, some even paying to remove them. That shift leaves us asking the big question—what’s driving people away from what used to be considered a coveted feature?

On the surface, the benefits of having an elevator in your home are hard to ignore. Imagine no longer having to lug a heavy suitcase up the stairs—no more beads of sweat emerging as you drag it up each step. Instead, you simply roll it onto the elevator, and it will magically appear upstairs while you barely lift a finger. Beyond convenience, elevators can be a lifeline for family members with disabilities, allowing them to live more comfortably in a multi-story home. For older homeowners, they also reduce the risk of
dangerous falls, which makes elevators not just a luxury but a genuine safety feature.

Home value is another upside. In some high-end neighborhoods, an elevator can make your property more attractive to certain buyers, especially those who prioritize accessibility. And while adding an elevator is no small investment, it can sometimes pay off in resale. On paper, the pros seem clear: convenience, safety, accessibility, and potential value. So why the pushback?

The truth is, recently, the cons are starting to weigh heavily for buyers. Elevators aren’t cheap. Whether installing one in your existing home or buying a house that already has one, the costs are significant—not just upfront, but also in maintenance. Furthermore, elevators can feel like a waste of space if they don’t quite fit the home’s layout or aesthetic. Many homeowners would rather use that space for something else, like storage or a hall closet.

Then there’s the practical side of living in Houston—or anywhere prone to storms and power outages. Elevators rely entirely on electricity, which means that when the power goes out, they’re nothing more than a decorative box. Imagine getting stuck between floors during a summer thunderstorm or hurricane—that’s not the kind of memory most people want to make in their dream home. Add in the fact that some buyers worry about the long-term safety of elevators, especially in older houses, and the “prestige” starts to look more like a liability.

There’s also the lifestyle factor. For some buyers, an elevator feels like it promotes laziness. Why take the stairs and burn a few calories when you can push a button? While that may sound trivial, it does matter to people who value an active lifestyle or see stairs as part of the charm of their home. In a way, an elevator can sometimes make a house feel less homey and more like a hotel—polished, but maybe not warm. That subtle difference can be enough to push buyers away.

In-home elevators aren’t disappearing, but they’re not the automatic “wow” factor they once were. Today, buyers view elevators as either a dream feature or a deal breaker, and which one is entirely dependent on each family. For those who prioritize accessibility and safety, they’re essential. Other families, however, view them as an expensive add-on that doesn’t fit their lifestyle or budget. What’s clear is that prestige alone isn’t enough anymore—today’s homeowners want practicality, personality, and peace of mind.

Let’s find what works for you.

Until next time,
Dee Dee Guggenheim Howes

Source: https://www.contractors.com/pros-and-cons-having-elevators-house/