Lift construction and accessibility

A lift improves quality of living in all phases of life, makes everyday life easier, and adds to the safety and accessibility of a living environment. It enables independent activities for people with mobility aids and increases the value of a dwelling. Removal of barriers also entails unobstructed access from outside into a building or into the dwellings and common parts within. People with mobility aids such as walkers or wheelchairs must be able to move about without barriers in a building. The homepage of the Lift – Barrier-Free Finland project has useful information about the implementation of a lift project for residents and house managers alike.

Lift and accessibility subsidy from ARA

A subsidy for constructing lifts in blocks of flats may be applied for from the Housing Finance and Development Centre of Finland, ARA. Lift subsidies are granted for installing new lifts in blocks of flats whose stairwells lack them. The maximum amount of lift subsidy is 35% of approved costs related to lift construction.

Accessibility subsidy means a subsidy for removing impediments to accessibility. ARA grants subsidies for removing impediments to accessibility, making residential buildings, the flats therein and other spaces accessible to people with impaired mobility. Measures eligible for subsidies include widening of front doors and construction of ramps, railings, or stairlifts. The maximum amount of accessibility subsidy is 35% of approved renovation costs.

NOTE! From 1.1.2024, accessibility subsidies to existing lifts will no longer be eligible for assistance.

The city’s own lift and accessibility subsidy

The city has granted their own lift and accessibility subsidies for housing companies to which ARA has granted a lift or accessibility subsidy from state funds.

It is granted within the framework of the annual appropriation available and paid retroactively in accordance with the actual costs incurred. The payment of the city's elevator and accessibility grant is made in accordance with the payment instructions mentioned in the decision of the Housing Finance and Development Center ARA.  The payment takes place after the applicant has received a notification from ARA about the payment of the elevator and/or accessibility allowance. 

With regard to the city of Jyväskylä's own lift and accessibility subsidy, the allocated funds reserved for payment for the year 2024 have been used. The 2025 budget has provided for the payment of grants already granted, but no new elevator or accessibility grants will be granted during 2025.