Asia-Pacific is undergoing a profound demographic and urban transformation that is reshaping its residential landscape. By 2050, the number of older persons in the region is projected to more than double, from 630 million in 2020 to about 1.3 billion. One quarter of the population will be aged 60 or over. At the same time, the region accounts for nearly 60% of the world’s urban population. Cities are growing denser, and vertical living is becoming the norm. These intersecting megatrends, population aging and urban densification are driving a surge in demand for home lifts, particularly compact and space-efficient models suitable for smaller dwellings. This evolving market presents significant commercial opportunities and responds to critical social needs for accessibility and liveability.
Aging Populations Fuel Demand for Residential Accessibility
The rapid aging of Asia-Pacific’s population is a defining demographic shift. Unlike Europe, where aging occurred over several decades, many APAC countries are experiencing this transition in just 20 to 25 years. This accelerated pace is creating urgent demand for
age-friendly housing solutions. As mobility declines with age, the ability to move safely and independently within the home becomes essential. For many older adults, stairs pose a significant barrier. They limit access to bedrooms, bathrooms, and living areas typically located on upper floors.
In Australia, over 40% of people with disability aged five and older cannot navigate stairs without assistance (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2022). The aging population intensifies this challenge. More than half of Australians aged 65 and above live with some form of disability. The Asia-Pacific region shows similar trends, with countries like Japan and South Korea investing heavily in infrastructure to support barrier-free access in both residential and public spaces. Compact home lifts, which require minimal space and installation work, have emerged as practical solutions. They help older residents maintain independence and improve quality of life.
Urban Densification and the Rise of Multi-Story Living
Urbanisation in Asia-Pacific continues to surge. The urban population reached 56.9% in 2022 and is projected to grow further. This growth drives demand for vertical housing solutions such as townhouses, duplexes, and multi-story apartments. However, many of these homes do not include internal lifts. This creates accessibility challenges for residents with mobility needs.
The small footprint of many urban dwellings makes traditional lift installations difficult.
Compact home lifts offer a compelling alternative. These systems are designed to fit into
smaller spaces without compromising functionality. This is especially relevant in Australian cities, where “rightsizing” to smaller, more manageable homes is gaining popularity among older homeowners. Including a home lift in these properties improves liveability and aligns with evolving building codes and accessibility regulations being adopted across the region.
Real Estate Value and Regulatory Drivers
Home lifts are proving to be valuable assets in the residential property market. According to Knight Frank, homes equipped with accessibility features, including lifts, command 5–10% higher resale values in major Asian cities (Knight Frank, 2021). This premium reflects growing buyer awareness of inclusive design and the practical benefits of vertical mobility.
Governments across Asia-Pacific are tightening accessibility standards. Building codes increasingly require lifts in new multi-story residential developments. These changes reflect commitments to creating age-friendly cities and complying with international frameworks such as the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing. As a result, developers and homeowners are beginning to adopt home lift solutions more proactively.
Companies are capitalising on this rising demand. Compact Home Lifts offer small home lifts tailored to the spatial and budgetary needs of modern urban homes. These products demonstrate how innovation can meet real market needs. They provide safe, efficient, and stylish vertical transport options that enhance both accessibility and property value.
The convergence of demographic aging and urban densification is reshaping the residential market in Asia-Pacific. This is creating strong demand for compact home lifts that deliver accessibility without sacrificing space. The trend reflects broader shifts toward inclusive, sustainable housing, supported by evolving regulations and growing consumer awareness. As cities grow taller and populations age, home lifts are set to become standard features in homes. They will no longer be viewed as luxuries but as essential components for ensuring that people of all ages and abilities can live comfortably and independently.
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