Abstract: A lift or elevator for goods or passengers suitable for installation to existing low rise residential or commercial buildings. The lift comprises an upright hollow column (40) having a slot extending along the length of one face (47) thereof, a carriage (50) slidably mounted within the column on tracks (48), a cantilever beam assembly (54) supporting a lift car (55) attached by brackets (52, 53) to the carriage through the slot, a hydraulic ram (60) mounted within the column beneath the carriage and a cable (66) attached to a retaining member (67) at one end, and, via a pulley (63), to the carriage at the other end for elevation thereof. An electrical control circuit, an hydraulic control circuit as well as a method of installing the lift are also disclosed.