House Painting Cost Guide 2025

When planning a home improvement project, painting your house is one of the most cost-effective ways to refresh its look and add value. Whether you are repainting a tired exterior, updating the interior with modern tones, or tackling a full renovation, knowing the house painting cost is essential. In Australia, prices can vary significantly based on a range of factors, from the size of your home to the quality of paint and the complexity of the paint job. The average cost of painting a house in Australia ranges from $6,000 to $40,000 for the entire interior of a home.

In this guide, we break down the cost of painting a house in Australia, both interior and exterior, so you can budget confidently and make informed decisions for your painting project.

What Is the Average Cost to Paint a House?

The cost to paint a house in Australia typically depends on the surface area, the type of paint used, and whether you choose to go with professional painters or take the DIY painting route.

• Interior house painting ranges from $35 to $100 per square metre
• Exterior house painting costs usually fall between $40 and $70 per square metre
• The total cost to paint a three bedroom house interior can range from $4,000 to $11,000
• The exterior might cost between $4,000 and $20,000 depending on accessibility, prep work, and paint quality
• A typical roof painting project may cost between $2,000 and $12,000, influenced by the roof’s size, material, and condition
• To paint the interior of a typical-sized home (230 square metres), it will cost between $4,000 to $11,000

These estimates serve as a baseline, but your final cost will depend on the specific characteristics of your home and your expectations for the final look.

Interior Painting: Costs and Considerations

Painting the interior of a home not only enhances aesthetics but also creates a clean, comfortable living space. Most homes require painting every 5 to 10 years depending on wear, environmental conditions, and the paint types used.

Here is a breakdown of interior painting costs by room size:

• Bedroom: $300 to $750
• Bathroom: $150 to $350
• Kitchen: around $1,000
• Entire home (230 square metres): $4,000 to $11,000
• The cost to paint a bedroom is usually between $300 and $750 for a standard room size

Multiple colours, high ceilings, and intricate trim work will raise the cost. Rooms with poor ventilation or extensive prep work, like removing old paint, repairing cracks, or treating timber exteriors, will also be more expensive.

For older homes, especially those with timber walls or ceilings, allow extra budget for surface preparation and more paint coverage.

Exterior House Painting Costs

Exterior painting demands greater durability to withstand weather conditions. Due to safety requirements and equipment needs like ladders and scaffolding, exterior house painting costs are generally higher than for interiors.

Expect to pay:

• $40 to $70 per square metre for standard house exteriors
• $4,000 to $20,000 or more for an average-sized home

The cost increases if your home is multi-storey or has hard-to-reach areas. Surfaces such as render, brick, weatherboard, and timber exteriors require different approaches and tools. If your home features high ceilings or a large number of window frames and eaves, your labour costs will also be higher.

Roof Painting Costs

Roof painting is often overlooked, but it can significantly improve your home’s appearance and energy efficiency. It also adds a protective layer against the elements.

Roof painting costs:

• Range from $2,000 to $12,000 depending on material, pitch, and condition
• Typically priced at $20 to $40 per square metre

Roof painting is best left to experienced painters, as it requires specialised safety gear and coatings suited to roofing materials.

Key Factors That Influence Painting Costs

Several elements impact how much you will pay for a professional paint job:

Size and Surface Area

Larger homes require more paint, more labour, and more time. A two-bedroom unit will cost far less than a five-bedroom home with a high ceiling and extended trim work.

Condition of Surfaces

The amount of prep work, such as filling cracks, sanding rough patches, or removing old paint, adds to labour time. More preparation results in higher costs.

Paint Types and Finish

Premium paints with fewer touch ups and greater longevity are more expensive but often more cost effective in the long run. You can expect to pay more for multiple colours, specialty finishes, or low-VOC products.

Labour and Accessibility

Painters charge based on complexity. Difficult-to-access areas like roofs, multi-storey walls, or awkward interior spaces require more time and equipment, raising the overall painting cost.

Geographical Location

In cities like Perth, Sydney, or Melbourne, local painters may charge more than in regional towns due to higher demand and labour rates.

Hiring Professional Painters vs DIY Painting

While many homeowners consider DIY painting to save money, hiring professional painters offers distinct advantages.

Benefits of Hiring Professionals

• Jobs are completed faster
• Professionals use the right tools and drop cloths to deliver a consistent finish
• They understand paint types, surfaces, and conditions
• Surface preparation is done to a high standard
• A good house painter can help you select the best paint colours and finishes
• Hiring a professional painter will result in faster job completion and a cleaner finish

Downsides of DIY Painting

• Risk of uneven results or needing rework
• Time-consuming process
• Upfront costs for tools, brushes, and ladders
• No warranty or professional guarantee
• A DIY painting project can save money but may lead to more time investment and potential mistakes

Cost Saving Tips for House Painting

If you are working within a budget, there are several ways to control your painting cost without sacrificing the final look:

• Do your own prep work like removing furniture, cleaning walls, or filling small holes
• Choose standard colours and paint types to reduce complexity
• Bundle jobs by painting the interior and exterior at the same time to access package deals
• Get accurate quotes from at least three reputable painters
• Ask if you can supply your own paint for potential savings

Choosing the Right Painter

The success of your painting project depends on choosing the right painter. Here is what to look for:

• Proven experience and positive references
• Licence and insurance
• Transparent quotes that include all the costs
• Use of high-grade paint types and tools
• Knowledge of climate conditions in your area such as in Western Australia
• Willingness to inspect your property and explain their process

Final Thoughts

Whether you are freshening up a single room or repainting your entire home, understanding the cost of painting helps you avoid surprises and plan your budget effectively. A professional paint job improves the appearance of your home, protects surfaces, and increases appeal for potential buyers.

“A quality paint job does more than just improve appearances—it protects your home and adds long-term value. At Fine Finish Painting, we focus on proper prep and premium products to make sure every job lasts.” – Tim, Owner at Fine Finish Painting

Investing in high quality materials, choosing experienced painters, and managing costs wisely can make a big difference in the outcome of your project. With the right preparation and advice, your house painting project will deliver long-lasting and stylish results.

Ready to get started? Find the best painters in Australia today in the Trade Heroes directory and bring your vision to life.