Updated for 2025: This House Painting Cost Guide has been refreshed with latest price trends, expert tips, and additional cost-saving insights. If you’re planning a house painting project in Australia, this guide will help you budget effectively and choose the right professionals for the job.

How Much Does it Cost to Paint a house?

House painting is one of the most cost-effective ways to refresh your home’s look, boost its value, and protect it from the elements. However, how much does it actually cost?

The answer depends on several factors, including your home’s size, surface material, paint quality, and labour costs. In Australia, house painting costs typically range from $2,000 to $20,000 for a standard three-bedroom home.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the price of professional house painting, including:

• Interior and exterior house painting prices
• Roof painting costs
• DIY painting costs and what supplies you need
• Why to hire a professional painting company
• How you can plan your next paint project
• Whether or not painting can increase property resale value

Exterior House Painting Costs

Exterior paint, are typically more expensive than interior paints as they have added ingredients to withstand various damage types, including:

• Fading from sunlight
• Chalking caused by extreme weather changes
• Cracking or flaking from extreme heat
• Abrasion from wind-driven debris
• Moisture from heavy rainfall

All of these can compromise your paint job’s longevity, colour and finish. On the other hand, interior paint jobs don’t have to contend with these harsh conditions.

Below is the average cost to paint your house’s exterior:

Per sq m: $20-40

Per project:  $3,500 and $35,000

Brick Homes – $15 to $45 per sqm

Timer Homes – $12 to $60 per sqm

Exterior painting of a single-story home will cost homeowners anywhere from $3,000 to $15,000, depending on its material. Brick veneers generally cost on the cheaper side, while a weatherboard home will be on the pricier side. A two-story weatherboard home, for example, ranges from $10,000 to $20,000.

What’s Included in An Exterior Paint Job?

Before exterior painting, some prep work is required to ensure paint adheres to the surface. This includes cleaning the surface to be painted with a power washer, repairing holes and cracks and removing any old flaking paint.

So what will an exterior painter cover? Let’s go over the common areas:

• Doors and frames
• Walls
• Gutters, fascias and downpipes
• Windows frames
• Shutters
• Decks, patios and pergolas

Should You Paint or Render Your House?

If you’re looking to refresh your home’s façade, you might be wondering:
Is it better to paint or render my house?

Painting Pros:

Cheaper upfront cost – Exterior painting starts from $3,500 while rendering can cost $10,000+.
Faster completion – A paint job takes days, whereas rendering takes weeks.
Easier maintenance – You can repaint every 5-7 years without extensive repairs.

Rendering Pros:

Better insulation – Renders like acrylic and cement-based provide thermal insulation, reducing energy bills.
Modern, smooth finish – Gives a luxury feel compared to paint.
Longer lifespan – Proper rendering lasts 15-20 years vs. paint’s 5-7 years.

Best Choice? If your walls are old & cracked, rendering may be worth the investment. But if your home is structurally sound, painting is the cheaper & faster option.

Interior House Painting Costs

Interior paints, while not designed to withstand the same wear and tear as exterior paints, are still formulated to resist staining and physical damage i.e. scuff marks and scratches. They’re  also relatively easier to clean and can be scrubbed without damaging the paint’s finish.

Below is the average cost to paint a house’s interior:

Per Room – $300-750

Per sqm: $20-30

Per Project: $3,200-$5,959

Your average two-bedroom home with a single bathroom will generally cost between $2,500 – $3,500. A four-bedroom, two-bathroom home will cost between $3,500 – $5,000. A three-bedroom house will typically start from $7,000 and a five-bedroom place can be as much as $9,000.

Lower-end prices for paint jobs are typically associated with minimal prep work and using only a single paint colour. Conversely, higher-end prices, e.g. $40 per sqm, often include more in-depth prep work, a multi-colour painting job, and other added finishes such as wallpapering.

What’s Included in a House Interior Painting Job?

Preparation is key to all successful interior painting jobs. This includes protecting your floors, furniture and other surfaces from paint splatters and drips. It also involves repairing any cracks, filling holes and sanding down rough patches to create a smooth finish.

Some painters will include this in their quote, while others may charge an hourly rate.

Below is what you can expect from an interior painting job:

• Ceilings
• Walls
• Skirting boards
• Doors and door frames
• Window frames
• Closets
• Shelves
• Speciality finishes

Interior Paints – Which is The Cheapest?

To get the desired effect for your interior space, it’s essential to apply a quality primer use the correct type of paint.

Below are three common types of interior paint and their uses:

Flat or matte paint: These paints have the least amount of shine and do a great job of hiding imperfections such as dents, scratches and nicks. However, they’re also hard to clean, making them ideal for low-traffic areas such as bedrooms.

As matte paint is easier to apply than other types of paint, it will generally cost less.

Semi-gloss paint: These paints have more shine than flat paints and lead to a more durable finish. They’re ideal for areas with a lot of traffic, such as kitchens and bathrooms.

High-gloss paint: This takes your room’s lustre up a notch. It’s excellent for highlighting architectural details and can make small spaces appear larger. However, it also shows every imperfection, which is why it’s typically used in areas that don’t see a lot of wear and tear.

Best Paint Finishes for Each Room

Choosing the right paint finish is just as important as picking the right colour. Here’s what you need for each room:

Best Finishes for Different Areas:

Living Room & Bedrooms – Satin or eggshell (Low sheen, easy to clean)

Kitchens & Bathrooms – Semi-gloss or high-gloss (Moisture & stain-resistant)

Ceilings – Flat or matte (Hides imperfections, non-reflective)

Doors, Trim & Skirting Boards – High-gloss (Durable & wipeable)

Pro Tip: Avoid flat paint in high-traffic areas—it’s harder to clean and marks easily!

Roof Painting Prices

Roof painting costs, thankfully, won’t dent your wallet too severely as they’re relatively quick to paint. Homeowners can expect to pay $2,800 to $4,500 for a roof paint job, with most opting for a mid-range $3,500. Prices will depend on the size, material, condition and complexity of your roof.

How Much do Professional Painters Charge Per Hour?

Not all painting projects will be charged at a flat fee. Some may be charged at an hourly rate instead. While prices are different across the board, Australian painters will typically charge between $35 to $45 hourly. This is based on an 8-hour work day.

A professional painter’s price will depend on their experience level, the project’s difficulty level, equipment needed and your surface’s material.

Factors that Determine the Cost of House Painting

No two houses are entirely alike. Some are older and weathered, while some are in pristine condition. As such, the amount of work and cost required to paint a house for painting will vary considerably.

Below are some of the main factors that will affect your final bill:

House size

Larger houses have more rooms, furnishing and nooks and crannies, so they’ll take more time to clean, prep and paint. In addition to extra labour time, you’ll also need more paint. A three-storey house will require at least double the amount of paint as a single-story home.

Property’s age and condition

Dirty walls full of cracks, holes and flaking paint will require more work to prep and may need to be replaced entirely. Newer homes in good condition will take less time to prep and will be easier (and cheaper) to paint.

Materials

If your home is in an area with extreme weather conditions, you’ll need to factor this into the cost. For example, beach homes will require unique paint to protect against salt damage and corrosion compared to homes located inland. Boysen Acrytex is a great option for coastal homes as it offers excellent protection against salt damage.

For brickwork, homeowners can expect to pay $15-$45 per square metre. For timber homes, prices range from $12-$60 per square metre.

Type of paint

As we mentioned, exterior paint is generally more expensive than interior paint. In addition, there are various paints available, each with its price point. We recommend always opting for high-quality paint, even if it means paying a little more. In the long run, your walls will thank you.

Add-ons

This will increase the price if you want to add a special effect or finish to your walls. Stylish textures like Venetian plaster or Artisan are all the rage at the moment, but they come at a price.

Location

In general, metropolitan areas with a high cost of living will have higher house painting prices than rural areas. This is due to the increased costs associated with running a business and travel costs.

House areas that need to be painted

Do you need to paint the entire house or just certain areas? The more surface area that needs to be covered, the higher the price will be. Furthermore, complex architectural features will take longer to prep and paint, adding to the cost.

Accessibility

A multi-storied house requires scaffolding, ladders and other equipment to paint the exterior safely. This also applies to interior hard-to-reach areas, such as ceilings and high shelves. All this equipment comes at a cost, which will be passed on to you in your final bill.

How to Save Money on House Painting

Painting your home doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are smart ways to reduce costs without compromising quality:

1. Choose Mid-Range Paint Brands – High-quality paint lasts longer, but you don’t always need the most expensive option. Brands like Taubmans, Dulux, and Wattyl offer good durability at reasonable prices.

2. Do Some of the Prep Work Yourself – Save on labour costs by cleaning, patching holes, or sanding surfaces before the painters arrive.

3. Stick to Fewer Colours – Using a single or two-tone colour scheme reduces paint waste and the complexity of the job.

4. Paint During the Off-Season – Painters are less busy in winter, which means you can negotiate lower rates.

5. Compare Multiple Quotes – Get at least 3 quotes from different painters to avoid overpaying.

Pro Tip: Always ask if the paint is included in the quote to avoid surprise charges!

DIY Painting Costs

The biggest attraction of DIY painting is that you only pay for the equipment, supplies and paint to do the job. However, you need to factor in your own time and the risk of making mistakes. Homeowners can expect to spend:

Painting supplies, i.e. brushes and trays – $300 to $500

Paint – $30-45 per litre

However, there are other overlooked items that lead to extra costs, such as:

Scaffolding – If your house has multiple stories, you’ll need to include the cost of scaffolding. In Australia, scaffold rentals range from $700 and $2000 per week.

Paint sprayer – A paint sprayer is a convenient tool that distributes your paint coat more evenly. However, depending on the type and quality, they can cost anywhere from $50 to over $300. 

Time – An DIY paint job can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on your house’s size and the number of people working on it.

Risk of making mistakes – If you’re not careful, you could easily make mistakes that will cost you more money in the long run. Some examples include incorrect prepping, choosing the wrong type of paint, and not protecting your floors and furniture.

Now that you have a better grasp of all the factors that go into DIY painting, you can make a more informed decision. While it might be cheaper upfront, it can potentially cost you more in the long run if things go wrong.

Why It’s Worth Hiring a Professional House Painter

If you’re on the fence about whether to hire a professional house painter, here are some reasons why it’s worth the investment:

They’re the experts  

Even the most in-depth YouTube tutorial can’t compare to the experience and expertise of a professional painter. They’ve been doing this for years and will correctly paint your walls for a beautiful and long-lasting finish.

Insured and licensed 

While you could opt for a local handyperson without a licence, we don’t recommend it. Professional painters will have the proper insurance to protect both them and your home in the event of an accident. Furthermore, they’ll also have a work warranty if something goes wrong.

They understand local trends  

If you’re hiring a local painter, they’ll be up to date on the latest trends in your area. They realise what colour schemes local homes are doing and what type of finishes are popular. By maximising the visual appeal of your home, you could see a significant return on investment when it comes time to sell.

They have the right supplies and equipment  

Drop cloths, ladders, scaffolding and paint sprayers can be expensive to rent or buy. And as we mentioned before, a high-quality paint job requires high-quality supplies.

How to Find a Credible Painting Company Without Overpaying

With your vision firmly set in mind, it’s time to start your search. However, how do you differentiate between a quality painting company and a fly-by-night operation? Both types of companies will offer you a quote, but only one will deliver on its promises. Here are a few tips for finding the latter:

Ensure they visit first – Most painters require a visit to your home before they give an accurate quote. If a painter can give you a quote without an on-site evaluation, expect your final bill to be much higher.

Get many quotes – Once you have a few painters in mind, get multiple quotes from each company. This lets you quickly compare pricing and find the best deal.

Check their reviews – Don’t just take a company’s word for it that they’re the best – they’ll all say that. Check on Google, Yelp, and review sites to see what other customers have said about their experience.

Get a detailed contract – Your contract is the legal document to which both you and the painting company will be held. It should outline the work that needs to be done, as well as a timeline and pricing.

By following these steps, you can be sure that you’re hiring a quality painting company that will do a great job on your home – without paying an extra dollar.

How to Plan Your Next Painting Project

While a professional painter should advise you based on their expertise, it also helps to have a plan and vision for your painting project. Here are some key points to consider:

Colour consultation

Many painting companies, including Newline Painting, offer a colour consultation service. This involves a colour expert helping you choose a colour scheme that perfectly compliments your home. This is an excellent option if you’re feeling overwhelmed by all of the different colour choices available.

Picking the right paint

We briefly mentioned some of the different sheens and finishes available for paint, but knowing which one is best can be tricky. A professional painter will advise you based on your personal preferences, as well as your wall’s condition.

Know your paint brands

A reputable painter will use premium paint brands like Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams, and Dulux. Higher-quality paints have fewer solvents and more pigments, whilst cheaper paints have less and are thinner. This means you’ll need to apply additional paint coats to get the same coverage.

Establish a timeline

You and your painter should be on the same page regarding your project timeline. This includes when the job will start, how long it will take, and what day painting will occur. If the paint job should extend this timeline, your painter will always ask for your permission first.

Can Painting Your Home Increase Its Resale Price?

You’re planning to put your home on the market and need to do everything possible to increase its value. After all, even a tiny touch-up here and there can make a world of difference. So, you start to wonder: can painting your home before selling increase the sale price?

The answer is yes!

Believe it or not, painting is a cost-effective way to instantly increase your home’s curb appeal – making it an instant head-turner to potential buyers. Painting can provide a higher return on investment than more drastic renovations such as a kitchen reno or adding a new addition.

Ideally, you’ll want to focus on your home’s show stopping areas – such as your house exterior, kitchen and bathrooms. These are the areas that potential buyers will pay the most attention to, and first impressions matter.

Newline Painting’s House Painters – Get a Quote Today

Now that you have more insight into the true cost of house painting, it’s time for you to get a quote from a professional painter. Newline Painting provides high-quality painting services in Hobart, Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, and Melbourne. We also understand your home’s value and will treat it with the utmost care and respect. Apart from house painting, we also do cabinet and fence painting jobs.

If you’re interested in getting a quote, book online or contact us today at 1300 138 499. We’ll organise a colour consultation at your earliest convenience.