House Painting Cost Australia 2026: Interior & Exterior

Wondering what you’ll pay for a professional paint job in 2026? You’re not alone - it’s one of the most common questions Aussie homeowners ask before starting their reno. Whether you’re freshening up a single room or giving the whole house a makeover, understanding real painting costs helps you budget properly and avoid getting ripped off.

Based on our analysis of 102 actual painting quotes from across Australia, we’ve crunched the numbers to give you the real story on painting prices. From budget-friendly refreshes starting at $2,000 to premium transformations reaching $15,000, we’ll break down exactly what you can expect to pay.

Quick Cost Summary 📊

Service Level	Price Range	What You Get
Budget	$2,000 - $4,000	Basic prep, standard paint, smaller areas
Mid-Range	$4,000 - $6,000	Quality prep, better paint, most homes
Premium	$6,000 - $15,000	Extensive prep, premium paint, large homes
Average Quote	$5,000	Typical 3-bedroom home, good quality

What Affects Painting Cost in Australia?

Size and Scope Matter Most

The biggest factor in your painting quote? Square metres. A two-bedroom unit will cost significantly less than a sprawling five-bedroom house. Our data shows most Aussie homes fall into that $4,000 to $6,000 sweet spot, which typically covers:

• 3-4 bedrooms
• Living areas
• Standard ceiling height (2.4m)
• Basic prep work

Paint Quality and Materials

Not all paint is created equal. Budget paints might save you $500-$1,000 upfront, but you’ll likely need another coat in half the time. Premium paints from Dulux or Taubmans cost more but offer:

• Better coverage (fewer coats needed)
• Longer-lasting finish
• Washable surfaces (great for kids’ rooms)
• Better colour retention

Location Factors

Where you live impacts your quote more than you might think. Sydney and Melbourne painters typically charge 15-20% more than regional areas. Perth and Brisbane sit somewhere in the middle, while rural areas often have fewer tradies competing for work, which can actually push prices up.

Tradesperson Experience

A master painter with 20 years under their belt charges more than an apprentice - and there’s good reason. Experienced painters work faster, waste less paint, and deliver cleaner lines. The extra $20-30 per hour often saves money overall through efficiency.

Access and Complexity

Got a two-storey home with vaulted ceilings? Expect to pay more. Difficult access areas require scaffolding, extra safety equipment, and more time. Heritage features, intricate trim work, or multiple paint colours also bump up the price.

Detailed Cost Breakdown

Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of what each part of your painting job actually costs, based on real quotes from Australian homeowners.

Prep Work: $200 - $800

This is where good painters earn their keep. Proper prep includes:

• Filling holes and cracks
• Sanding rough surfaces
• Cleaning walls
• Protecting floors and furniture
• Priming where needed

Budget jobs ($200-$400): Basic hole filling and quick sand Premium prep ($600-$800): Extensive repair work, full sanding, specialty primers

Feature Walls: $200 - $600

Want that stunning accent wall in the lounge room? Feature walls cost more because they often involve:

• Bold or dark colours (requiring extra coats)
• Special techniques or textures
• Extra masking and precision work

Doors: $50 - $150 Each

Don’t forget about doors! The price depends on:

• Standard hollow doors: $50-$80
• Solid timber doors: $100-$150
• French doors or detailed panels: $120-$150

Most homes have 8-10 internal doors, so this adds up quickly.

Ceilings Per Square Metre: $18 - $40

Ceiling painting costs vary based on:

• Flat ceilings: $18-$25/sqm
• Textured or popcorn ceilings: $25-$35/sqm
• High or cathedral ceilings: $30-$40/sqm

A typical bedroom ceiling (16sqm) runs $288-$640.

Walls Per Square Metre: $15 - $35

Wall painting forms the bulk of most quotes:

• Basic single coat: $15-$20/sqm
• Standard two coats: $20-$28/sqm
• Premium finish with primer: $28-$35/sqm

Trim and Skirting: $8 - $20 Per Linear Metre

Often overlooked but essential for a professional finish:

• Simple skirting boards: $8-$12/m
• Decorative architraves: $12-$16/m
• Heritage-style trim: $15-$20/m

Australia-Specific Painting Factors

Popular Aussie Colour Trends

Australian homeowners are moving away from the all-beige everything of the 2010s. Current trends include:

• Warm whites and soft greys for main areas
• Bold feature walls in deep blues or greens
• Natural, earthy tones inspired by the Aussie landscape

Weather and Timing Considerations

Timing your paint job can affect both cost and quality. In most of Australia:

• Autumn and spring: Ideal painting weather, but busier (higher prices)
• Winter: Slower drying times, but often discounts available
• Summer: Fast drying, but extreme heat can cause issues

In tropical North Queensland or Darwin, dry season (May-October) is prime painting time.

Market Conditions in 2026

The Australian painting industry has seen steady demand post-COVID. With more people working from home, interior painting requests have increased 30% since 2023. Supply chain issues have stabilised, but quality paint prices remain about 15% higher than pre-2020 levels.

How to Get a Fair Painting Quote

Always Get Three Quotes

This isn’t just about finding the cheapest option - it’s about understanding what’s reasonable. When comparing quotes, look for:

• Detailed breakdown of costs
• Clear timeline
• Specific paint brands and types
• Warranty information

What Makes a Good Quote?

A professional quote should include:

• Itemised costs for each room or area
• Paint specifications (brand, type, number of coats)
• Prep work details (what’s included, what’s not)
• Timeline with start and completion dates
• Payment terms (deposit amount, progress payments)

Red Flags to Watch For

Be wary of quotes that:

• 🚩 Are significantly cheaper than others (under $2,000 for a whole house)
• 🚩 Don’t specify paint brands or types
• 🚩 Require large upfront deposits (more than 30%)
• 🚩 Can’t provide recent references
• 🚩 Pressure you to sign immediately

Questions to Ask Your Tradie

1. “What’s included in your prep work?”
2. “Which paint brand do you recommend and why?”
3. “How do you handle unexpected repairs?”
4. “What’s your policy on touch-ups?”
5. “Are you insured for property damage?”

Money-Saving Tips Without Cutting Corners

Smart Ways to Reduce Costs

Do your own prep: Remove furniture, take down pictures, and fill obvious holes yourself. This can save $200-$400.

Buy paint during sales: Major hardware stores have 20-30% off sales several times a year. Stock up but check with your painter first.

Focus on high-impact areas: Paint main living areas and skip rarely-used spaces like the laundry or garage.

Choose neutral colours: They require fewer coats and make touch-ups easier down the track.

What’s Worth Paying Extra For

Quality paint: The difference between budget and premium paint is about $300-$500 for an average home, but lasts twice as long.

Proper prep work: Skimping here means your beautiful new paint job starts peeling or cracking within a year.

Experienced painters: They work faster, waste less, and deliver better results.

Common Money-Wasting Mistakes

• Going too cheap and needing a repaint in 2 years
• Choosing trendy colours you’ll tire of quickly
• Not getting ceiling paint touched up while painters are already there
• DIY attempts that need professional fixing

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does painting a house take?

A professional team can paint an average 3-bedroom home in 3-5 days. This includes prep work, two coats on walls and ceilings, and trim work. Larger homes or those needing extensive prep can take 7-10 days.

Should I paint before selling?

Fresh paint offers one of the best returns on investment for home sellers. Neutral colours throughout can add $10,000-$20,000 to your sale price for a $5,000 investment. Focus on main living areas and any rooms with bold colours.

Interior vs exterior painting - which costs more?

Exterior painting typically costs 20-30% more than interior due to:

• Weather-resistant paint requirements
• Scaffolding or ladder work
• More extensive prep (pressure washing, sanding)
• Weather delays

Is winter a good time to paint in Australia?

Interior painting works year-round, though winter means longer drying times. For exterior work, avoid painting in temperatures below 10°C or during rainy periods. Many painters offer winter discounts of 10-15%.

Making Your Painting Decision

Painting your home is one of the most cost-effective ways to transform your space. Based on our analysis of real quotes, most Australian homeowners spend around $5,000 for a quality paint job that lasts 7-10 years. Whether you’re working with a $2,000 budget or planning a $15,000 premium makeover, understanding these real painting costs helps you plan confidently.

Remember, the cheapest quote isn’t always the best value. Focus on finding a painter who provides detailed quotes, uses quality materials, and has strong local references. Take time to compare options and ask the right questions.

Want to check if your painting quote is fair? Upload it to QuoteChecker.io for a free analysis comparing your quote against similar jobs in your area.