How Much Does It Cost to Paint a House in Australia? 2026 Price Guide
In Australia, painting your entire house will cost you between $6,000 and $40,000 in 2026. The final amount depends on the size of the property, how much prep is needed, and working conditions.
If we further break it down, interior painting costs around $25 to $45 per square metre. On the other hand, exterior work is a bit wider, like about $30 to $70 per square metre.
With over 30 years of painting industry experience, we are going to discuss updated prices for painting a home. We will break down the price by house size and then explain the factors that affect the final price. So let’s begin.
2026 Paint Job Price Snapshot
Job Type | Price Range | 2026 | Key Price Factors |
About $25–$45 per m² for standard residential work. | Prep, trims, ceilings, multiple colours, and detailed rooms. | |
Exterior painting | About $30–$70 per m², depending on surface and access | Height, weather exposure, surface type, and access gear. |
Full home repaint | About $6,000–$40,000 for interior work and $4,000–$28,000 for exterior work | Home size, condition, and scope. |
Hourly painter rate | About $50–$100+ per hour | City, complexity, and whether materials are included. |
Paint Cost by House Size
We have listed down the whole house painting cost for different sizes. Because a small unit, a family home, and a large double-storey place each take a very different amount of labour, paint, and time.
Home size | Interior Paint Cost (AUD) | Exterior Paint Cost (AUD) | Complete House Paint Cost (AUD) |
Small unit or apartment | $5,000–$8,000 | $3,000–$8,000 | $8,000–$16,000 |
2-bedroom home | $3,500–$5,500 | $4,500–$10,000 | $9,000–$18,000 |
3-bedroom home | $5,500–$8,500 | $8,000–$14,000 | $15,000–$28,000 |
4-bedroom home | $8,500–$12,500 | $12,000–$18,000 | $23,000–$35,000 |
Large or double-storey home | $12,000–$20,000+ | $15,000–$35,000+ | $28,000–$45,000+ |
Painting Cost Breakdown by Job Type
Below is the price breakdown covering walls, ceilings, doors, window frames, skirting boards, and the key factors that affect pricing, such as prep, access, ceiling height, and trim work.
Paint Job | Cost in Australia | 2026 (AUD) | Explaination |
Walls only (2 coats) | $15–$35 per m² | A good fit for a standard refresh, but patching and colour changes can push the price up. |
Walls + ceiling | $20–$45 per m² | Common for a full room repaint, where labour and cutting-in time are higher. |
Ceiling only | $20–$40 per m² | Higher ceilings and awkward access usually increase the quote. |
Doors | $80–$180 each | Simple hinged doors sit at the lower end; detailed or specialty doors cost more. |
Window frames | $50–$120 each | More masking, edges, and detail work means more labour. |
Skirting boards | $8–$15 per linear metre | Trim-heavy rooms take longer because the finish has to stay clean and sharp. |
Factors That Increase or Decrease House Painting Costs
A painting quote does not blow out for one reason. It creeps up because of a few things at once. Some are small. Some are not. But the big ones are always the same: surface condition, prep, access, and coat count.
Surface Condition
This is the first thing that can change the price. A clean wall is easy to paint, but a wall with cracks, dents, peeling paint, water marks, or old damage is not. The painter has to fix the surface before any colour goes on. And that takes time.
Prep Work
This is where a lot of the real cost sits. Sanding. Masking. Filling holes. Patching cracks. Caulking gaps. Washing down surfaces. Protecting floors and furniture. It all adds up.
A job that looks simple from the outside can turn into a proper prep job once the painter gets there. Remember, always keep an eye on the signs to repaint your house to avoid major repaint costs.
Access
Hard-to-reach areas cost more. Simple as that.
A single-storey home is usually easier than a double-storey one. A steep block is harder than a flat one. High walls, stairs, and awkward corners also slow the job down. More time on site usually means a higher quote.
Coats
Most painting jobs need more than just a quick roll-on. If the surface is bare, rough, stained, or badly patched, the painter may need undercoat first, then top coats after that. More coats mean more labour and more paint.
Repairs
This is the one people often forget about.
If the house needs patching, mould treatment, stain blocking, or fixing old damage, the price can move quickly. Because now it is not just painting. It is repair work first, painting second.
Finish Level
A basic finish and a fine finish are not priced the same.
Doors, trims, ceilings, detailed edges, and feature walls all take more care. A plain room is faster. A room with lots of detail is slower. That difference shows up in the quote.
Paint System
The paint itself matters too. Some surfaces need primer. Some need a sealer. Some need an extra undercoat before the top coats go on. If the wall is rough or porous, the system changes. And once the system changes, the price usually does too.
Job Type
Outside work costs more because of weather, height, access, and the extra prep needed for exposed surfaces. Inside work can be easier, but detailed rooms can still push the price up.
Hiring a Professional Painter vs DIY
DIY looks cheaper, but only on the surface. The total bill will add up quickly once you buy the following:
- Paint
- Primer
- Brushes
- Rollers
- Paint trays
- Painter’s tape
- Fillers
- Sanding gear
- Drop sheets
Then there is your time. Then there is the clean-up. Then there is the second trip to the shop because you ran short on paint. Happens all the time.
So in short, DIY saves labour, but only if the job stays small and you are comfortable with prep and finish work. Hiring a pro costs more up front, but you get a cleaner result, less stress, and far less time spent standing around with a roller in your hand. That is why the smartest choice is not always the cheapest one.
Factor | Professional Painter | DIY |
Materials | Usually included or clearly itemised | You buy everything yourself |
Tools | Supplied as part of the job | You need to purchase or hire them |
Prep | Normally built into the scope | Easy to underdo |
Finish quality | Usually more even and consistent | Depends on your skill and patience |
Time | Usually faster and more organised | Can stretch out for days or weeks |
Safety | Better suited to trained crews | You carry the risk on ladders and high work |
Expert Tips to Keep the Cost Under Control
Try getting a few quotes before your final decision. When you can see a couple of prices side by side, it’s much easier to spot who’s charging too much and who’s cutting corners.
If you can, make the place easier to work in, like clear out furniture, trim back plants, and make sure painters have good access—this can save time on the job, which usually means a lower bill.
Be smart with the paint you choose. Going for decent-quality paint might feel like a stretch upfront, but it often needs fewer coats and lasts longer, so you don’t end up paying again too soon.
Don’t just jump at the cheapest quote. It can backfire if the job isn’t done properly. A fair price for solid prep and good materials usually works out cheaper in the long run.
Get a Painting Quote From Final Touch Painting & Décor
At Final Touch Painting & Décor, we make the process simple with clear, tailored quotes and no hidden surprises.
With over three decades of experience, we are helping homeowners and businesses across Perth with quality paint services. We do the paint job according to your space, style, and budget. Our team uses premium materials, communicates clearly, and works with due care to deliver long-lasting results.
Why You Should Choose Us:
- Over 30 years of painting experience in Perth.
- Eco-friendly commercial painting.
- Locally owned and operated, with a strong focus on honest, reliable service.
- Premium materials and expert techniques for durable, high-quality finishes.
- Clear communication and a stress-free experience from start to finish.
Case Study 1 – A 2-Bed Apartment Refresh (South Perth, WA)
Scope: Walls, ceilings, doors & trims (light prep)
Home size: ~82 m², standard 2.4 m ceilings
Paint: Washable low-sheen for walls; flat for ceilings; water-based enamel for trims
Outcome: 3.5 days, $3,690 incl. materials
Notes: Jake and Chloe had just moved into their apartment and wanted the place to feel brighter and more modern. Since we completed the whole unit at once, it helped keep the costs down, and aside from a few small wall patches, the place was in great shape to paint.
Case Study 2 – A Family Home Repaint (Canning Vale, WA)
Scope: 3 beds + living/dining + hall; walls & ceilings; trims only in living/hall (moderate prep)
Home size: ~158 m², 2.7 m ceilings
Paint: Premium low-VOC, mould-resistant finish in bathrooms
Outcome: 6 days, $7,060
Notes: Mark and Lisa wanted the house to feel fresh before the family arrived for the holidays. The higher ceilings and extra prep added a bit more work, but the premium low-VOC paint gave them a durable finish that’s easy to keep clean.
Case Study 3 – A Prestige Apartment Repaint (Perth CBD, WA)
Scope: Full interior including feature wall, all doors/trims; heavy prep in kitchen/bath (grease & moisture)
Home size: ~118 m², 2.7 m ceilings
Paint: Low-VOC throughout; semi-gloss enamel on trims
Outcome: 5.5 days, $8,620
Notes: Daniel and Emma were getting their apartment ready for sale and wanted everything looking clean and polished. We took extra care protecting the flooring and cabinetry during the prep work, and the low-VOC paint meant they could get back into the apartment not long after the job was finished.
Case Study 4 – A Modern Duplex Interior Update (Joondalup, WA)
Scope: Whole-house interior repaint; walls, ceilings, doors & trims; moderate prep
Home size: ~145 m², mixed 2.4 m and 2.7 m ceilings
Paint: Low-sheen washable walls; ceiling flat; durable enamel for all trims
Outcome: 6.5 days, $7,480
Notes: Sarah and Michael wanted to freshen up their rental home before the next tenants moved in. The stairwell and higher hallway ceilings took a bit more time, but once the patching, sanding, and spot priming were done, the whole place came up beautifully.
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative Australia-wide estimates for 2026 and can vary significantly based on property condition, access, materials, and scope of work.