In Australia, home elevators are governed primarily by the AS1735 series of standards and the National Construction Code (NCC), and almost every installation requires a building permit and certification. AS1735 sets the safety, load and control requirements for lifts; the NCC and your state’s building rules govern how the lift is installed and signed off. The requirements are broadly consistent across the country but administered state by state, so the approval steps and timeframes vary by where you live.
Understanding the framework before you buy protects you on safety, insurance and resale, and helps you tell a properly compliant supplier from one cutting corners. Here is what to know.
AS1735 — The Core Standard
AS1735 is the Australian Standard for lifts, escalators and moving walks. For home lifts, the residential parts of the series, such as AS1735.18, set out the safety features, load ratings, controls, doors and emergency provisions a lift must have. Buying a lift built and certified to AS1735 is the baseline for a safe, insurable installation. If a supplier is vague about compliance, treat that as a warning sign, because a non-compliant lift can create problems with insurance and when you eventually sell.
The National Construction Code
The NCC governs how the lift ties into the building itself, covering structural support, electrical work, and fire and access provisions where relevant. Your installer and the certifier ensure the installation meets the applicable NCC requirements. This is why a home lift is not simply a product you buy and drop in; it is a building work that has to integrate with your home to code.
Building Permits and Certification
A building permit is required in virtually all states before installation begins. You will also need engineering certificates and a final inspection and certification once the work is complete. Budget roughly $1,000 to $3,000 for permits, certificates and inspections, depending on your council and the complexity of the job. Keep the compliance paperwork you receive on completion, because you will want it for insurance and to reassure buyers at resale.
How It Varies by State
The standards are national, but building approval is administered locally, which is where the differences appear. New South Wales and Victoria generally have the most rigorous processes and the most heritage overlays to consider. Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia each run their own permit systems, typically a little more straightforward. Strata rules can add a further layer in apartments and townhouses. A good installer knows the process in your state and manages the paperwork accordingly, so you are not left interpreting regulations yourself.
What to Ask Your Supplier
A few direct questions quickly separate a compliant, professional supplier from the rest. Ask whether the lift is certified to AS1735. Ask whether they handle the building permit, engineering certification and inspections. Ask whether the installation will meet the NCC. And confirm that you will receive full compliance documentation on handover. A reputable company answers all of these comfortably and in writing.
Why Compliance Protects You
It is tempting to see regulation as red tape, but here it works in your favour. A compliant lift is a safe lift, one that will lower you to safety in a power cut, stop its doors on an obstruction, and carry only what it is rated for. It is also an insurable and saleable asset. Cutting corners on compliance risks safety, voids warranties and insurance, and can turn a lift into a liability at resale. Compliance is not the obstacle; it is the assurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What standard applies to home lifts in Australia? The AS1735 series, alongside the National Construction Code. Residential lifts are commonly certified to AS1735.18.
Do I need a building permit for a home elevator? Yes, in virtually all states, along with engineering certification and a final inspection.
How much do permits and certification cost? Typically $1,000 to $3,000, depending on your council and the installation.
Are the rules the same in every state? The standards are national, but approval is administered by each state, so the steps and timeframes differ.
Who handles compliance? A reputable installer manages the permits, certification and NCC compliance, and provides the documentation on completion.
Why does compliance matter for resale? A compliant, documented lift is a saleable asset, while a non-compliant one can create insurance and sale complications.
Buy with confidence. Talk to Easy Living. Every lift is built to AS1735 and made in Italy, with more than 12,500 compliant installs across Australia. This is general information, not legal advice.
