House painting in Australia costs between a few hundred and several thousand dollars depending on location, surface prep, paint type, and job complexity. Small units may require only minor touch-ups, while larger homes need full prep and multiple coats. This guide explains real pricing factors and how to get the best value.

Why Painting Costs Aren’t One-Size-Fits-All

Here’s a few things that affect your quote:

• Labour vs materials, Spoiler: labour’s the bigger slice of the pie
• Surface condition, Got cracks, mould or flaky paint? That prep work costs more
• Type of paint, Premium finishes like enamel or textured paints will hit the hip pocket harder
• House size, Obvious, but true: more wall area = more paint and labour

Think of it like this: house painting is part science, part art, and your final quote reflects that.

Next up, we’ll pull apart what goes into a typical cost estimate.

Here’s what you’re looking at on average:

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Get in touch for a no-obligation estimate because your walls deserve better than guesswork.

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Pricing by House Type

Not All Homes Are Created Equal

Let’s break it down by building type:

• Apartments: Smaller surface area, fewer walls, expect lower costs.
• Townhouses/Duplexes: Shared walls mean less to paint, but stairwells or high ceilings can bump it up.
• Freestanding Homes: More walls, more paint, more labour, simple math.

The cost per square metre can also vary. On average, you’re looking at:

• $15–$45 per sqm for interiors
• $20–$60 per sqm for exteriors

Again, surface preparation plays a huge role here.

Brushworks’s painting cost calculator.

Hourly Rates vs Per Square Metre Pricing

Which One Works in Your Favour?

Some painters charge by the hour, others by the square metre. Which is better? Depends.

• Hourly rate: Great if the job is small or straightforward. Expect around $35–$50/hour.
• Square metre: More common for large homes or full interior/exterior jobs.

Brushworks uses both methods depending on your project. Transparent. Flexible. Fair.

Factors That Influence Your Quote

Here’s what can hike the price up (or down):

• Wall condition: Cracks, damp, or peeling paint? Prep will take longer.
• Type of paint: Enamel, textured or specialty paints cost more.
• Accessibility: Multi-storey homes or steep sites mean ladders, scaffolding, and risk.
• Season and weather: Humidity and rain delay drying, pushing out labour hours.
• Urgency: Need it done tomorrow? You’ll likely pay a premium.

Interior Painting: What You’re Really Paying For

Room-by-Room Breakdown

Let’s say you’re painting a 3-bedroom house. Here’s a rough idea of what you’re paying for and budget:

• Walls and ceilings: The bulk of the cost
• Trims and doors: Easy to forget, but time-consuming
• Surface preparation: Fill, sand, prime
• Coats: Two is standard, but darker colours might need three

Cost to Paint House Exterior

The cost to paint a house exterior ranges from $40 to $70 per square meter. A 100 sqm home costs $4,000–$7,000, a 235 sqm home costs $9,432–$16,506, and a 400 sqm home costs $16,000–$28,000. Some painters charge $70–$100 per hour instead. Costs vary by house size, material, and location.

Exterior painting comes with extra prep and weather considerations. It’s more labour-intensive, which means higher costs.

Things that affect pricing:

• Type of cladding: Weatherboard, brick, render all need different prep.
• Height: Second-storey homes cost more due to safety equipment.
• Additional features: Fences, garage doors, gutters, eaves they all add time and materials.

Tip: Ask Brushworks for a package deal if you’re painting multiple exterior features.

Cost to Paint the Roof of a House

The cost to paint a house roof in Australia ranges from $2,000 to $12,000. Small roofs cost $2,000–$4,000, medium roofs $5,000–$10,000, and large roofs $5,000–$12,000. Prices vary based on roof size, access difficulty, and safety requirements due to height regulations.

Cost to Paint a Bedroom

The cost to paint a standard 3×3.5 metre bedroom ranges from $300 to $750. This includes approximately 10 litres of paint and one can of primer for proper coverage. Prices vary based on paint quality, labor rates, and wall preparation requirements.

How Many Coats Are Needed?

Standard practice is two coats — sometimes three for darker or lighter transitions.

• Primer + two coats = Long-lasting finish
• Only one coat? That’s a red flag. It’ll look patchy and age fast.
• Multiple coats increase paint usage and labour time, so it affects your final quote.

Extras That Add Up

Not everything is included in every quote. Look out for:

• Surface repairs: Filling cracks, sanding back texture, patching damage
• High ceilings: These take longer and need extra equipment
• Lead paint removal: Especially in older homes. It’s a specialised (and regulated) service
• Furniture removal or masking: If you don’t do it, they’ll need to, and charge for it

Always ask what’s not included in the quote.

DIY vs Hiring Pros: A Realistic Comparison

Sure, you could paint it yourself. But should you?

DIY may be cheaper upfront, but let’s look at the full picture:

How to Get an Accurate Quote

Here’s how to make sure your quote is legit:

• Ask for a site visit phone quotes are guesstimates at best
• Ensure they break down labour, paint, and extras
• Confirm how many coats are included
• Check if they’re licensed and insured
• Look for recent reviews

Brushworks ticks every one of those boxes.

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Top Questions Homeowners Ask

What is the average cost to paint a house?

The average cost to paint a house varies based on factors such as size, location, and the type of paint used. Generally, homeowners can expect to pay between $2,000 to $6,000 for an entire house, with larger homes and higher-quality paints increasing the overall cost.

What is the cost of materials for house painting?

The cost of materials for house painting generally includes paint, brushes, rollers, drop cloths, and other supplies. On average, homeowners can expect to spend around $400 to $800 on materials for a standard painting project, but this can vary widely based on the type of paint and the size of the area being painted.

How much does it cost to paint a bedroom?

The cost to paint a bedroom typically ranges from $300 to $1,000, depending on the size of the room and the quality of paint chosen. DIY painting can reduce costs, while hiring a professional painter might increase expenses due to labor charges.

What is the average cost of exterior house painting?

The average cost of exterior house painting can range from $1,500 to $4,000 for a standard-sized home. Factors like the type of exterior paint, house design, and preparation work needed can influence the total cost of exterior painting.

Is it cheaper to paint in summer?

Often, yes. The paint dries faster, but demand also spikes.

How long does it take?

A 3-bedroom home takes around 3–7 days, depending on prep and weather.

Are materials included in the quote?

With Brushworks? Absolutely. We’ll tell you what’s covered and what’s extra.

Do I need to move my furniture?

Ideally, yes. If not, we’ll carefully cover and move what’s needed but it adds time.

How much does it cost to paint the exterior of a house in Australia?

The cost of exterior painting of a house typically ranges from $25 to $60 per square metre, depending on height, access, surface condition, and paint type. Want to know how much to paint exterior of a house Australia-wide? A two-storey weatherboard home in Sydney could cost between $8,000 to $15,000+.

How much to paint a 3-bedroom house interior in Sydney?

For a standard 3-bedroom home, the interior painting cost in Sydney sits between $4,000 and $8,000. This covers ceilings, walls, doors, and trims. For luxury finishes or older homes needing prep, the interior house painting cost may rise. Our interior house painting cost calculator helps you budget smarter.

What impacts the cost of painting a house?

Several things affect your painting house cost, including:

• The condition of walls (repairs, stains, mould)
• Access (scaffolding for high ceilings or exteriors)
• Type of paint (premium vs. budget)
• Labour rates (especially in Sydney)
• House size in square metres

Use a painting cost calculator Australia to estimate, or just ask Brushworks Painting for a free walkthrough.

How much does it cost to repaint a house vs painting a new one?

The repainting house cost can be slightly higher due to prep, sanding, and stain-blocking. On average, how much does it cost to repaint a house? Expect around $5,000,$12,000 for an established 3- to 4-bedroom home. New house painting costs may be lower since surfaces are clean and uniform.

How much should it cost to paint a house professionally?

For a full professional painting service, you should budget:

• Interior: $20,$40 per square metre
• Exterior: $25,$60 per square metre

So the average cost to paint a house interior and exterior in Australia? Between $10,000,$20,000 depending on materials, finishes, and home size. How much cost to paint a house really comes down to quality and detail.

What is the hourly rate for painters in Sydney?

How much do painters charge in Sydney? Most professional painters charge between $45,$75 per hour. For larger or complex jobs, you may receive a flat rate per square metre or project-based pricing. Ask Brushworks Painting for clear, fixed pricing without the guesswork.

How much does it cost to paint a 2-bedroom apartment in Sydney?

The cost of painting a 2-bedroom apartment in Sydney starts at around $3,000 and can go up to $6,000+, depending on ceiling height, prep work, and finishes. Need an exact number? Just request a quote,we provide accurate house painting cost estimates in 24 hours.

Is there a difference between interior and exterior painting costs?

Absolutely. The cost to paint interior of house is usually cheaper per square metre than cost to paint exterior of house, which requires more prep, special paints, and sometimes scaffolding. Interior painting price ranges from $20,$40/m², while exterior painting cost can hit $60/m² or more in complex jobs.

What’s the average cost to paint a 4-bedroom house in Australia?

For a standard 4-bedroom house:

• Interior painting cost: $5,000,$9,000
• Exterior house painting cost: $8,000,$14,000
• Full house painting cost: $12,000,$20,000+

So if you’re wondering how much does it cost to paint a 4-bedroom house, start by measuring the total square metres and get a tailored quote from Brushworks Painting.

What is the average home painting price in Sydney?

The average home painting price in Sydney varies depending on the size, surface condition, and complexity of the job. For most standard residential properties, interior painting costs can start from $20–$35 per square metre, while exterior painting may range from $25–$45 per square metre. Get a customised residential painting estimate to understand your exact costs.

Can I get a residential painting estimate online?

Yes! At Brushworks, we offer fast, accurate residential painting estimates online. Simply use our house painting estimate calculator or request a free painting quote to receive a same-day estimate tailored to your Sydney home.

What are typical interior painting charges in NSW?

Interior painting charges typically range from $2,500 to $8,000 depending on the number of rooms, ceiling height, surface condition, and paint finish. Premium interior painting pricing also includes prep work, eco-friendly paint options, and Dulux-accredited painters.

How are exterior painting fees calculated?

Exterior painting fees in Sydney are based on surface area, accessibility, height (single- vs two-storey), and material type. Factors like surface preparation cost, weather conditions, and heritage home painting may also affect pricing.

What is the cost to paint a house in Sydney?

The cost to paint a house in Sydney ranges from $3,000 to $15,000+, depending on size, surfaces, and finish. For example, painting a 3-bedroom single-storey home interior can cost around $5,500, while exterior-only painting may cost $4,000 or more.

How much does home repainting cost in 2025?

Home repainting cost in 2025 has seen slight seasonal painting price changes due to material and labour demand. Expect interior repaints to cost from $3,000–$6,500, with exterior repaints ranging between $4,000 and $9,000 depending on surface prep, finishes, and access.

What is the wall painting rate per square metre?

In Sydney, the wall painting rate per square metre is generally between $20 and $35. This includes wall painting service prep, two coats of paint, and touch-ups. Ask for fixed price painting quotes to avoid hourly variations.

How is house painting cost per square foot calculated?

House painting cost per square foot is calculated based on the total surface area, type of paint, and prep work needed. A standard rate in Australia is approximately $2–$4 per square foot for interiors and $3–$5 for exteriors.

What is the average house painting cost in Australia?

The average house painting cost in Australia typically ranges between $5,000 and $10,000 for full interior and exterior services. Location, paint quality, and contractor experience are key price factors in house painting.

How much does it cost to paint a 3-bedroom house?

To paint a 3-bedroom house in Sydney, expect to pay between $4,500 and $8,000 for the interior, and up to $10,000 if you include the exterior. Variables include wall height, ceiling and wall painting, and required repairs.

What affects the cost of house painting services?

Several elements affect the cost of house painting services: surface preparation, paint finish cost differences, paint quality, labour hours, house size, and whether it’s a repaint or new build. We offer a full house painting price breakdown in every quote.

How is house painting labour cost determined?

House painting labour cost is usually calculated hourly, ranging from $40 to $70 per hour in Sydney. Some local painting companies offer fixed-price painting to make budgeting easier.

What is the typical paint cost for a house?

Paint cost for a house depends on the brand, finish, and number of coats. Expect to spend $300–$800 on paint alone for a 3-bedroom home. Dulux-accredited painters often recommend premium paints with better coverage.

Is there a house painting estimate calculator available?

Yes, we provide a convenient house painting estimate calculator to help Sydney homeowners understand their likely costs. Simply enter your room dimensions, paint type, and scope to get an instant painting quote online.

How much does it cost to paint a house professionally?

Professional house painting costs vary, but hiring licensed house painters ensures durability and quality. Expect to pay $4,000–$12,000 depending on house size, condition, and the painting contractors you choose.

What is the cheapest way to paint a house?

The cheapest way to paint a house is by doing it yourself, using basic materials. However, DIY vs professional house painting cost comparisons show that professionals save time, reduce waste, and provide longer-lasting results.

What’s the cost to paint a house interior in 2025?

In 2025, the cost to paint a house interior in Sydney starts from $3,000 for a small home and can exceed $8,000 for larger properties with premium finishes. Seasonal painting price changes can apply in peak months.

Can I get a full house painting price breakdown?

Absolutely. Our quotes include a full house painting price breakdown: labour, materials, wall repairs, surface prep, and number of coats. Transparency is part of our service promise.

How much to repaint a house in Sydney?

Repainting a house in Sydney typically costs 10–20% less than painting a new build, depending on the surface condition. Most Sydney suburbs like the Inner West or North Shore range between $5,000–$10,000 for a full repaint.

What’s the difference between DIY and professional house painting cost?

DIY house painting cost includes materials, tools, and your time — roughly $1,500–$3,000. Professional painters offer fixed price painting with warranties, prep work, and quality finishes, often starting from $4,000.

What’s the hourly rate for house painters in Sydney?

The hourly rate for house painters in Sydney ranges between $40 and $75. Rates may be higher for licensed or Dulux-accredited painters or when working with strata painting or heritage home painting projects.

How can I get a paint job quote?

Get a paint job quote by contacting us directly or using our online form. We offer free painting quotes with same-day estimates and optional site visits for precise calculations.

How do painting contractors price a job?

Painting contractor pricing depends on total surface area, material costs, labour hours, and project complexity. Contractor bid for painting job comparisons should include insurance, licenses, and paint brand options.

What prep work is required before house painting?

Prep work for house painting includes cleaning, sanding, patching cracks, and priming surfaces. Surface preparation cost is often included in our full-service painting packages Sydney-wide.

What are typical paint coverage estimates?

Paint coverage estimates depend on paint quality and surface texture. On average, 1 litre of paint covers 12–14 m². Our experts provide accurate coverage planning to reduce waste.

What are the key price factors in house painting?

Key price factors include house size, number of storeys, paint quality, accessibility, prep work, and whether the job is a repaint or new build painting cost.

How long does it take to paint a house?

The time required to paint a house varies by size and scope. A standard interior repaint can take 3–5 days, while full exterior jobs may take 1–2 weeks, including prep and drying time.

Do paint finishes affect painting cost?

Yes. Paint finish cost differences are significant—matte is cheaper, while gloss and satin finishes may cost more due to coverage and application effort. We’ll guide you based on your needs.

What’s a typical cost estimate for painting services in Sydney?

A cost estimate for painting services in Sydney typically starts from $3,000 for small projects and can exceed $12,000 for larger or premium properties. We offer transparent estimates for all Sydney suburbs.

What are professional painter rates in Sydney?

Professional painter rates range from $250 to $500 per day or $40–$75 per hour. Hiring professional painters ensures high-quality work, compliance with council painting regulations Sydney, and durable results.

What’s included in house painting materials cost?

House painting materials cost includes paint, primer, masking tape, brushes, rollers, drop sheets, and caulk. These can total $500–$1,500 depending on the job size.

Do painting prices change seasonally?

Yes. Seasonal painting price changes are common. Prices may rise during summer and holiday periods due to high demand. Book early to secure painting deals Sydney in off-peak seasons.

How do I compare painting options for cost-effectiveness?

To perform a cost comparison for painting options, consider factors like paint quality, finish durability, warranty, and labour inclusions. We offer both budget and premium packages to suit your goals.

How long does the average painting project take?

The average painting project duration depends on the house size. Small interiors may take 2–4 days, while full interior and exterior projects may run for 1–2 weeks.

Nick Kyriacou( Nick Kyriacou, Master Painter & Owner, Brushworks )

About Nick Kyriacou As founder of Brushworks, I bring 25+ years of painting expertise to every Sydney project. We specialise in commercial painting, industrial, and premium residential painting with meticulous attention to detail. Keep up to date with our latest news and blog