Skip to main content
A hand painting a door with blue paint.

How much does it cost to paint a house?

Updated on

Time to give your home a fresh new look? Painting your interiors and exteriors in the UK typically ranges from £1,000 to £3,000, depending on the size of your property, and the paint you choose to use.

Want to get quotes from local tradespeople?

4.8

Top rated Painters & Decorators

Our Painters & Decorators, are rated 4.8 out of 5 based on 6696 reviews from customers like you.

Quality screening

Easily find verified local tradespeople. Just post your job to get quotes from tradespeople near you across the UK.

Cost to paint a house guide

Learn the true cost of painting a house in the UK, with information on the interior and exterior. Whether you're planning the job yourself or hiring a professional, the right information can help you budget.

In this cost guide we will talk about:

  1. Average cost to paint a house interior
  2. Average cost to paint a house exterior
  3. Types of paint and their costs
  4. Tips on budgeting for your painting project
  5. Find verified painters near you MyBuilder
  6. FAQ: Common questions about house painting costs

Average cost to paint a house interior

Whether you're considering interior or exterior work, various factors influence pricing, including house size, surface conditions, paint type, and labour.

Take a look at the average cost of painting a house interior:

Project TypeCost Range
Single Room£250 – £500
Whole House Interior£1,000 – £3,000

The costs of painting your home can vary based on property size, the materials required, and regional labour rates. For a better understanding of costs for specific painting tasks indoors, you can explore our painting a room cost guide.

Average cost to paint a house exterior

Painting the outside of your home is a great way to boost its look and shield it from the weather. It involves some prep work, picking the right paint, and careful application, all of which play into the total cost.

Take a look at the average cost of painting your house exterior:

Exterior ElementEstimated Cost
Exterior Walls£800 – £2,200
Doors and Windows£150 – £400
Gutters and Downpipes£200 – £450
Facade/Decorative Details£300 – £600

If you're wondering how much it costs to paint the exterior of a house, expect to budget between £800 and £3,000 depending on property size, surface condition, and access complexity. If you want your home painted, you will need to find painters near you. It’s easy to post your job on MyBuilder, get in touch with professionals near you, request quotes, and make the right hire.

Find house painters

Banner 5: MyBuilder Rating

Interior House Painting Cost: What You Should Budget

Interior painting is a popular way to freshen up a living space and boost your home’s value. When calculating the house painting cost for interiors, you can expect to pay between £1,000 and £4,000 for an average property. Costs vary depending on room size, surface preparation needed, and paint finishes. Hiring professionals helps ensure high-quality results and reduces disruption.

Room TypeCost Estimate
Living Room£300 – £600
Bedroom£250 – £500
Kitchen£150 – £300
Bathroom£150 – £250
Hallway£200 – £400

The scope and quality of materials used will impact your final price. For tips on managing a broader home makeover project, consult our house renovation checklist. Save time and ensure a flawless finish by hiring a professional tradesperson for your house painting project. Find the best vetted painters near you on MyBuilder and post your job today to transform your home effortlessly!

Types of paint and their costs

The type of paint you choose has a direct effect on both your budget and the longevity of the finish. Choosing the right product for your space can help manage the overall cost of painting a house.

Take a look at the different types of paint and their costs:

Paint TypePrice per Unit
Water-based Paint£10 – £20 per litre
Oil-based Paint£15 – £25 per litre
Acrylic Paint£20 – £30 per litre
Primer/Sealant£15 – £30 per 5L

If you're asking how much it costs to paint a house and want the best results, it's worth investing in quality materials, especially for high-traffic areas or surfaces exposed to moisture and UV light. For detailed insight on choosing suitable products, visit our articles on different types of paint and best paint for exterior woodwork.

When considering the cost to paint a house, post your MyBuilder and discover verified painters near you today!

Post my job

Tips on budgeting for your home painting project

From the condition of your walls to the size and accessibility of your property, each factor adds to the total estimate. By understanding these details, you can make informed decisions about your painting project.

  • Property Size: Larger homes naturally incur higher labour and materials costs.
  • Surface Preparation: Extensive cleaning, sanding, or repairs increase the price.
  • Type of Paint Used: High-quality paints offer better results but at a higher cost.
  • Labour Charges: Rates can vary by region and the complexity of the job.
  • Access Requirements: Scaffolding or ladders for multi-storey homes can raise costs.

Not sure about the exact cost to paint your house? Chat with a professional painter for a tailored quote that fits your home and style.

Find verified painters near you on MyBuilder

Post your job on MyBuilder today, and get in touch with painters near you. You can view their profiles, read customer reviews and request and compare different quotes. Then, you can make the hire with peace of mind.

Find a painter

FAQ: Common questions about house painting costs

What are the potential hidden costs associated with painting the outside of a house?

Hidden costs can include scaffolding hire, particularly for taller properties, and extra repairs such as replacing damaged cladding or trims that weren't initially visible. Accessing hard-to-reach areas may incur extra charges. Delays caused by poor weather can also lead to higher labour costs due to extended timelines.

How often should I consider repainting the exterior of my house to maintain its appearance and value?

In the UK, repainting the exterior is typically recommended every 5 to 10 years. This depends on factors like the quality of previous work and local weather conditions. Using high-quality paint and carrying out regular maintenance can extend this period.

What are the benefits of investing in higher-quality paint despite the additional cost?

Premium paints usually provide better coverage, meaning fewer coats are needed. They are more resistant to cracking, peeling, and fading, which helps maintain the appearance and protection of your home for longer. Although more expensive upfront, they reduce long-term maintenance costs.

What are some common challenges homeowners face when estimating the cost to paint a house, and how can they overcome these?

Many underestimate preparation work like cleaning or surface repairs, which can drive up costs. A thorough assessment of the property helps identify areas needing extra care. It’s also common to receive quotes that vary widely; ensuring all services are clearly listed helps avoid surprises. Seeking advice from professionals can clarify expected expenses and help set a realistic budget.

Related questions on Ask a tradesperson

See what others are asking our expert tradespeople. Browse all questions

Painting & Decorating

Smell from radiator painted a week ago

Claire Bird 09/06/2026 - 12.30 PM

Hi My bedroom was painted a week ago and the painter used zinseer all coat on the radiator. Since then whenever the radiator is on it gives a horrid smell. We have aired out room over the last week and smell clears with windows open but as soon as windows close and heat off room stinks again. Is this still off gassing and how long should it take as its not reducing at all. My painter says his done loads radiators on this paint ( was his) and never had this

9 answers

Painting & Decorating

Bubbling paint on bathroom ceiling

Lynette Jackson 09/06/2026 - 12.30 PM

I repaired my bathroom ceiling last year after water was collecting above the extractor fan and we had the plumber come back to vent it through the soffit. I removed the flaky paint, sanded, filled, applied to coats of Polycell Stain Block, bathroom emulsion. The paint is ok in the middle but has bubbled up around the outside. Would Zinsser Peel Stop stick down the edges and which primer would you recommend. I have researched and some say water based Zinsser 123 others solvent Zinsser Bin. The paint of the outside wall has cracked where it joins the ceiling too. Would Zinsser Peel Stop and filler work the best? Thanks for your help. I will add photos if I am able to upload them.

6 answers

Painting & Decorating

Decorating over patched plaster

Maunagh Frankcom 09/06/2026 - 8.00 AM

Hi I’m decorating / painting a bedroom wall ( old line plaster) that has some plaster patches probably done 20 yrs ago . The edges are uneven ie not flush and will show through paint. What’s the best way to smooth out or fill where the very old and less old plaster patches meet ? Considered hiring a wall sander but would some form of filler be better ? Thank you

2 answers

Need expert advice?

Ask a question