How Much Does House Painting Cost in Australia? (2025 Guide)

Average Interior Painting Costs

Interior painting in Australia typically costs between $25 and $55 per square metre for walls, or $300–$900 per room depending on the size and condition of the surfaces.

Most professional painters price by the job (total rooms, not strictly per m²), so a bedroom typically costs $400–$700, a living room $600–$1,200, and a full house interior repaint can range from $4,000 to $12,000+ for a large 4-bedroom home.

Ceiling painting adds $15–$30 per square metre. Trim, skirtings, architraves, and doors are usually quoted separately and can add $50–$150 per door or window frame.

Average Exterior Painting Costs

Exterior house painting typically costs $15–$40 per square metre for wall surfaces. A full exterior repaint of a single-storey 3-bedroom home usually costs $3,000–$7,000. A double-storey home can range from $6,000–$15,000 or more.

Key factors that affect exterior painting costs include: the type of surface (weatherboard, brick, render, or cladding); the condition of the existing paint (peeling or flaking requires more preparation); roof access requirements; and whether high-access equipment such as scaffolding is needed.

Eaves, fascias, gutters, and downpipes are often quoted separately and may add $500–$2,000 depending on the property.

What's Included in a Painting Quote?

A professional painting quote should include: all labour (preparation, priming, and painting); all materials including paint, primer, drop sheets, and masking; a specified number of coats; the exact paint products and sheens to be used; and a warranty or guarantee on workmanship.

Be cautious of quotes that don't specify paint brands or products — this can be a sign of low-quality materials being substituted after the job starts.

If you're comparing multiple quotes, make sure you're comparing the same scope. A cheap quote that only includes one coat or skips primer will never match the result of a properly specified two-coat system with primer.

What Affects Painting Costs Most?

Surface preparation is the single biggest variable in painting costs. A home that hasn't been painted in 15 years with peeling paint, bare timber, and holes to fill will cost significantly more to prepare than a freshly rendered surface.

Paint quality also varies significantly. Dulux Weathershield, Taubmans Endure, and Haymes Platinum are premium products that cost more but last longer. Budget paints may save money upfront but require more frequent repainting.

Accessibility is another major factor — a home on a steep block, with high ceilings, or surrounded by established gardens will be more complex and expensive to paint than a standard flat-block home.

How to Get the Best Price on House Painting

The most effective way to ensure you're paying a fair price is to get multiple quotes. Three competitive quotes from qualified painters gives you a clear picture of the market rate for your specific job.

Painting Pages makes this free and easy — post your job once and receive up to 3 quotes from verified local painters. You can compare pricing, read reviews, and choose the painter that best suits your project and budget.

Avoid the cheapest quote if it lacks detail. The cheapest painter often cuts corners on preparation — which is where the quality of a paint job is really won or lost.