„With a lift, so that's a clear selling point.“ I often hear that - and yes, a lift can be a big advantage. However, when selling property in Nuremberg in 2025, it is just as often true that the presence of a lift does not automatically mean a plus point. Why is that? Because buyers don't just look at the „lift“ tick box, but at what's attached to it: House fees, maintenance, reliability, accessibility and even the question of whether the lift really goes all the way to the flat.
In this article, I explain when a lift supports the price, when it is more neutral or even provides counterarguments - and how I, as a real estate agent in Nuremberg, correctly classify this topic in valuation and marketing.
Why buyers are taking a closer look at lifts in 2025
Buyers are more cost- and risk-conscious. For many, a lift is a convenience feature, but also a cost and maintenance factor. Precisely because ancillary purchase costs are high and budgets are tight, everything that increases running costs is evaluated.
Market value: lift only influences the value together with the costs
The market value is the price that can realistically be achieved under normal market conditions. A lift can increase the market value - especially on higher floors - but only if the total costs remain in proportion.
I derive the market value:
Standard land value as location orientation
Market analysis in the neighbourhood
Reference properties with real sales prices
Income capitalisation approach for rented flats
Material value method as a substance view, if building condition has a strong effect
Lift is a factor, but never the only decisive one.
Standard land value: Location is constant, lift is part of the house quality
Standard land value explains the location, not the quality of the building. A lift is part of the „building quality“ - and it is precisely this that will be priced more highly in 2025. In neighbourhoods such as Wöhrd, Johannis, Maxfeld or Südstadt, a good lift can support demand, but it can also become a topic of discussion via house prices and measures.
Market analysis: Where lift counts in Nuremberg
There are clear patterns:
On higher floors without a lift, the number of buyers drops noticeably.
For older buyers and owner-occupiers, a lift is often a must.
For families with pushchairs, a lift is often a convenience argument.
In the case of capital investors, the main effect of the lift is rentability.
In Langwasser and large complexes, the issue of lifts often also plays a role in terms of house fees and planning measures. In Gostenhof or St. Johannis, lifts are not a matter of course in old buildings and can therefore be attractive, but buyers then look particularly closely at the condition of the property as a whole.
Reference objects: Lift makes comparisons quickly wrong if you are not precise
A flat on the 4th floor with a lift is not comparable to one on the 4th floor without a lift - even if the living space is the same. But even „with a lift“ is not the same as „with a lift“.
Reference objects must be comparable for the lift:
Does the lift go all the way to the flat or only to the mezzanine floor?
Size: does it fit a pushchair or rollator?
Reliability and maintenance status
Year of construction and modernisation of the lift
Cost structure: share in the house rent, planned measures
If these points differ, the price comparison is worthless.
When a lift is a real plus
1st high floor with real barrier-free living
If the lift is accessible without steps and leads up to the floor, this is a real added value for many buyers.
2nd target group: Owner-occupiers with comfort requirements
In neighbourhoods such as Maxfeld, Johannis or Wöhrd, there are many buyers who consciously purchase comfort. For this target group, a good lift can trigger the decision.
3. lettability with certain tenants
For some tenant groups, a lift is a clear advantage, especially for small flats on higher floors.
When a lift becomes neutral or even a counterargument
1. high running costs without tangible benefits
If the flat is on the first floor, but the house fee is significantly higher due to the lift, buyers ask: „What am I paying for?“
2nd lift is old and measures are pending
If modernisation or renovation is foreseeable, the issue of special apportionment or cost risk becomes relevant. This depresses the price because buyers factor in security discounts.
3. the lift does not make everyday life any easier
A lift that only goes as far as the half-floor doesn't feel like comfort, but like a compromise. Buyers honour this less than many sellers expect.
4. WEG issues are unclear
If protocols, reserve levels or action planning are unclear, the lift quickly becomes a risky topic: „There's bound to be a special levy.“
Income capitalisation approach: Lift effect for investors via figures
The income capitalisation approach is more relevant for rented flats. Lift has an indirect effect here:
Higher rent possible if location and flat allow it
Higher costs if maintenance and operation increase
Returns fall if costs are too high
Investors therefore value lifts not emotionally, but mathematically.
Material value method: Lift is part of the technical substance
In the asset value method, condition and technical installations count. A lift can support the asset value, but a lift in need of refurbishment can reinforce the impression of „investment-heavy“ - and thus depress the market price.
Incidental purchase costs: Why buyers are particularly sensitive to lift costs
Incidental purchase costs such as land transfer tax, notary and land registry costs are fixed. Buyers have less room for manoeuvre for high running costs. A high proportion of house expenses due to a lift can therefore have a direct impact on affordability.
Did you know: A lift is only convincing if the house money and reserves are understandable
Many sellers talk about lifts, but not about the costs behind them. But buyers ask exactly that. If the house fees, reserves and protocols are clear, the lift becomes a plus. If not, it becomes a question mark.
Step-by-step: How to classify „lift“ correctly when selling in Nuremberg
- Clarify the lift profile: how far does it go, how big is it, how accessible is it?
- Check costs: Share of the house fee, maintenance, planned measures.
- Analyse condominium documents: minutes, reserves, action planning.
- Market analysis in the neighbourhood: which buyer groups are realistic?
- Select reference objects: only really comparable „lift objects“.
- Derive market value: Price the lift as a benefit factor and the costs as a counterfactual.
- Align marketing: Do not „advertise“ the lift, but explain it in everyday life.
Conclusion: In Nuremberg, Lift 2025 is a plus point if it brings benefits and the costs are plausible
When selling a property in Nuremberg, „lift available“ is only a real added value if it really helps in everyday life and the cost and WEG location match. If you use the market value, standard land value, market analysis and reference properties properly and classify the lift plus costs transparently, you avoid unnecessary negotiations and sell more stably.
If you want to sell your property in Nuremberg and want to know whether the lift in your house is a price lever or more of a discussion topic, I will support you as a real estate agent in Nuremberg with a well-founded valuation and marketing that convinces buyers with clarity rather than ticking boxes.
