By Mr Vimal Babu – CEO and Founder Nibav Home Lifts
In the past, a home elevator was considered a luxury—something reserved for the ultra-wealthy or for large villas in metro cities. But in the India of today, that perception is changing rapidly. Thanks to rising aspirations, growing affordability, and improved infrastructure, Tier-2 cities are leading the charge in reimagining what modern living looks like. A key part of that transformation is the increasing demand for home elevators.
This trend isn’t just a fleeting fancy or a status-driven purchase—it reflects deep-rooted changes in how people in smaller cities perceive lifestyle, wellness, and the functionality of their homes. From Madurai to Mysuru and from Coimbatore to Bhubaneswar, homeowners are consciously investing in design choices that offer both comfort and future readiness.
Redefining Modern Living in Tier-2 Cities
Modern living is no longer confined to the glass towers of metros. In Tier-2 cities, families are now designing homes with long-term comfort and convenience in mind. With a surge in duplex and triplex constructions, many are opting for vertical living—even on independent plots. This upward expansion brings with it the need for easy vertical mobility, especially for homes that house ageing parents or anticipate multigenerational use.
Installing a home elevator is increasingly seen as a practical, forward-thinking choice rather than an indulgent one. It signals that the family is planning not just for today but for the years ahead—accounting for comfort, accessibility, and even home resale value.
Aspirations and Global Exposure Driving Change
A significant part of this growth story is powered by aspiration. India’s Tier-2 cities are full of ambitious professionals, returnee NRIs, business families, and first-generation entrepreneurs who value global aesthetics and conveniences. These homeowners want the best of both worlds—urban sophistication blended with local familiarity.
For many, a home elevator is a reflection of success and modernity. But it also represents dignity, especially for elderly parents or differently abled family members. It removes the barrier of stairs and enables freedom of movement, ensuring that every part of the home remains accessible to all.
Moreover, with increased exposure to international travel and social media, today’s homebuyers are well-informed. They understand that a home elevator can be seamlessly integrated into the aesthetics of a house without compromising on space or style. In fact, brands today offer a variety of compact, pneumatic models that require minimal civil changes, making it an easy retrofit as well.
Real Estate Growth and Smart Infrastructure Fuel Demand
Another factor fuelling this demand is the exponential real estate growth in non-metro areas. With improved connectivity, better roads, and expansion of IT parks, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities, Tier-2 cities have become magnets for upwardly mobile families.
The government’s push toward smart cities and urban renewal has also contributed to this shift. With real estate developers creating more high-end residential projects in these regions, the inclusion of amenities like home elevators is becoming more common.
Architects and builders are also evolving with this trend. They are factoring in elevator shafts in home plans right from the design stage, even if the homeowner chooses to install the lift later. It’s a way of future-proofing the house—and in many cases, it adds to the property’s value.
Technology and Design Innovations Make Elevators Practical
Advancements in elevator technology have made it easier and more affordable for Tier-2 homeowners to consider installing one. Modern pneumatic elevators, for instance, don’t require pits or machine rooms and can be installed within days. They are energy-efficient, sleek in design, and engineered for safety.
This technological convenience, coupled with customisation options—from colour finishes to door styles—means homeowners can personalise their lifts to match their interiors. It’s this ability to blend form and function that appeals so strongly to new-age consumers.
Financial flexibility is also driving adoption. With easy EMI schemes, home improvement loans, and bundled offerings from developers, the perception of cost being a barrier is gradually disappearing.
Home Elevators as a Symbol of Care and Inclusion
Perhaps one of the most understated reasons behind the growing popularity of home elevators is the care-driven culture that defines Indian households. Unlike in the West, Indian homes often cater to three generations under one roof. As parents age or mobility needs evolve, climbing stairs multiple times a day can be a genuine concern.
A home elevator becomes more than a convenience—it becomes a tool of inclusion. It ensures that elderly family members, children, and even visiting relatives with health conditions are not excluded from any part of the home. This is especially important during festivals or social gatherings, when entire families use multiple levels of the house.
Firsthand Voices: Real Stories, Real Impact
In conversations with homeowners across Tier-2 India, a clear pattern emerges. There is pride in being early adopters of such features. A homeowner in Coimbatore shared how a compact lift helped her post-surgery recovery, allowing her to resume daily activities without stress. Another in Indore mentioned how including a home elevator in their duplex was a way to ensure his aging parents could enjoy every part of the home without limitations.
These stories aren’t rare anymore. They’re becoming the norm—reflecting a larger change in how we design for dignity, safety, and comfort.
The Future of Home Design in Tier-2 India
As Tier-2 cities continue to grow economically and culturally, the demand for intelligent and inclusive home solutions will only increase. Home elevators are no longer seen as aspirational add-ons; they are becoming essential lifestyle features for homes that want to blend utility with sophistication.
The real estate sector would do well to recognise and accommodate this shift. Builders, architects, and interior designers who align with this forward-thinking mindset stand to gain the most in a market that values both style and sensibility.
A Cultural Shift in the Heart of Bharat
In conclusion, the rise of home elevators in Tier-2 cities is more than a market trend—it’s a cultural evolution. It’s about changing aspirations, inclusive living, and reimagining what a modern Indian home looks like. And for those willing to listen, the message is loud and clear: comfort, dignity, and innovation are no longer confined to metros—they’re thriving in the heart of Bharat.
