HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO PAINT YOUR HOUSE IN AUSTRALIA?
If you’re planning a reno or dreaming of giving your home a fresh new look, painting is one of the most transformative (and budget-friendly) updates you can make. A new coat of paint can brighten your interiors, modernise your façade, and add instant value - whether you’re staying put or prepping for a sale.
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But the big question everyone asks is:
“How much does it cost to paint a house in Australia?”
The truth is, house painting costs vary depending on your home’s size, condition, and whether you’re painting the interior, exterior, or the whole lot. In this guide, we break down the average cost to paint a house in Australia, what affects the price, and how to budget for a beautiful result.
Quick Answer: Average Cost to Paint a House in Australia
Interior painting: $4,000–$15,000+
Exterior painting: $3,000–$25,000+
Full house (inside + outside): $10,000–$30,000+
But let’s go deeper so you can budget properly.
Why Painting Is One of the Best Renovation Investments
Painting gives you a huge visual impact for your money. It’s the ultimate “wow factor” without the huge cost of structural changes.
A high-quality paint job can:
make your home feel cleaner and brighter
increase your property value
protect your home from weather and wear
modernise an older property instantly
When done well, it also lasts years - especially if you invest in high-quality paint and proper prep work.
Interior House Painting Cost in Australia
When it comes to interior painting costs, Australian homeowners typically pay between $25–$45 per square metre, depending on the level of detail and prep required.
Typical Interior Painting Prices
Single room: $400–$1,200
1–2 bedroom unit: $2,500–$5,000
3-bedroom home: $4,000–$10,000
Large 4–5 bedroom home: $8,000–$15,000+
What Affects Interior Painting Costs?
1. Size of the home
More walls = more labour and materials.
2. Ceiling height
High ceilings above standard height (usually 2.7m+) require more time, tools, and expertise.
3. Wall condition
Fresh plaster, cracks, water damage, or uneven surfaces all need prep work.
4. Paint quality
Top-tier Australian brands (we use and love Dulux for all our projects) cost more but last longer.
5. Colour change
Going from dark to light can require 3-4 coats = more paint and more labour.
6. Detail work
Doors, trims, windows, skirting, and feature walls add to the total cost.
Exterior House Painting Cost in Australia
Exterior painting costs vary more than interior painting because the condition of the outside of your home can differ enormously.
Typical Exterior Painting Prices
Brick home (single-storey): $3,000–$8,000
Weatherboard home (single-storey): $8,000–$15,000
Brick home (double-storey): $8,000–$15,000
Weatherboard home (double-storey): $12,000–$25,000+
Why Weatherboard GENERALLY Costs More
Weatherboards need more:
sanding
scraping
priming
gap-filling
coats of paint
Brick is generally faster and cheaper due to its smooth surface.
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What Affects the Cost to Paint a House in Australia?
Understanding these factors will help you make sense of your quotes.
1. Home size
Bigger homes simply take more time and paint.
2. Access and height
Double-storey homes often require scaffolding, which adds cost.
3. Prep work
Flaking paint, cracks, mould, or worn surfaces require time to repair.
4. Type of paint
Understanding which paint to use where is important. Exterior paint needs to withstand Aussie weather - heat, UV, rain, and coastal conditions. Interior paint should be family-friendly and easy to wipe clean.
5. Colour choice
Multiple colours (like trims, doors, and feature sections) increase complexity and cost.
6. Labour rates
Painters in major cities like Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne may charge more than regional areas.
DIY Painting vs Hiring a Professional
When you’re deciding whether to DIY or bring in a professional, it’s worth taking a moment to weigh up the pros and cons. Some painting jobs are simple enough for a handy homeowner and can be a great way to cut costs on your renovation. But others, especially those involving extensive prep work, can quickly become time-consuming, messy, and may not deliver the flawless finish you’re hoping for.
Remember, time is money. If painting isn’t your strong suit or your schedule is already stretched, outsourcing the job to an experienced painter might actually save you both time and stress in the long run. Professionals also provide warranties and correct prep, which is the secret to durable paintwork. Here’s how our pros and cons lists stack up:
DIY Pros
Lower cost upfront
Great for small rooms or touch-ups
Weekend project potential
DIY Cons
Time-consuming
Skill-dependent
Can look patchy or streaky
Hard to achieve high-quality finishes
Risky for exteriors or double-storey homes
Tips to Reduce House Painting Costs
Painting can make a huge impact on your home, but it doesn’t have to blow the budget. With a few smart strategies, you can keep costs down without compromising on the final result. From tackling simple prep tasks yourself to choosing a streamlined colour palette and planning ahead, these practical tips will help you get the most value from your painting project. Here’s how to save while still achieving a beautiful, long-lasting finish.
1. Do your own prep
If your painter agrees, patching small holes or sanding can reduce labour costs.
2. Choose fewer colours
Keep it simple - one colour for walls and another for trims saves time.
3. Avoid urgent timelines
Flexible scheduling often results in better pricing.
4. Use quality paint
It lasts longer, reducing repainting costs later.
5. Request a detailed quote
Breakdowns help you compare accurately and avoid surprises.
How Much Should You Budget to Paint Your House in Australia?
Here’s a quick budget guide to help you plan financially:
Interior Only
Small unit: $3,000–$5,000
Average home: $5,000–$12,000
Large home: $12,000–$20,000+
Exterior Only
Brick home: $3,000–$12,000
Weatherboard home: $10,000–$25,000+
Interior + Exterior
Most full-house painting jobs fall between $10,000 and $30,000+.
Is Painting Your House Worth the Cost?
Absolutely. Painting is one of the fastest and most effective ways to transform your home. It brightens your interiors, protects your exterior, and adds instant value.
Whether you’re renovating or simply refreshing, understanding the cost to paint a house in Australia helps you budget smartly and avoid surprises. It’s always a good idea to get at least three quotes so you can compare pricing, understand what’s included, and ensure you’re paying the going rate for your area.
With the right painter and the right palette, your home will look beautiful for years to come.
WHAT NEXT?
If you’re ready to refresh your home with the power of paint, now is the perfect time to take the next step. Check out Three Birds Reno School to learn how to choose the perfect paint and transform your home with confidence. And don’t forget, you can save on every paint purchase with our Direct Paint Offer for Three Birds Dream Discount Card holders.
Your dream home is only a few brushstrokes away - let’s make it happen.
