If you’re asking how much to paint a house UK homeowners should budget in 2026, the honest answer is: it depends. A two-bed flat might cost around £2,000 inside, while a five-bed house can climb to £6,000 or more. Add the outside, and the numbers shift again.
How Much Does It Cost to Paint the Inside of a House?
Interior painting is usually priced per room, per day, or per square metre. Checkatrade’s June 2026 figures give a useful baseline for standard trade paint:
| Job | Typical UK price |
|---|---|
| Small room (8m²) | £350 |
| Medium room (18m²) | £450 |
| Large room (30m²) | £1,000 |
| Hallway, landing and stairs | £1,600 |
| 2-bed flat (whole interior) | £1,500 to £2,500 |
| 5-bed house (whole interior) | £5,500 to £7,500 |
| Ceilings | £15 per m² |
| Woodwork | £15 per m² |
| One door (both sides) | £90 |
| One radiator | £15 |
Other guides land in a similar place. Fantastic Services puts most rooms at £350 to £600, rising to £1,000 or more for a large living room with ceilings and woodwork. MyJobQuote gives an average of £475 for a living room.
How Much Does It Cost to Paint the Outside of a House?
Exterior work costs more per job because it involves scaffolding or ladders, weather planning, and tougher masonry paint. MyJobQuote says a typical exterior job takes three to five days, and a three-bed semi-detached house usually needs about 30 to 50 litres of masonry paint for two coats.
Published prices vary quite a lot between guides. Checkatrade’s June 2026 table lists about £1,300 for the exterior design of a three-bed semi and £2,000 for a four-bed detached home, while MyJobQuote’s wider range reflects larger properties, rendered walls and higher-access jobs. Treat these as a range, not a promise, and always compare local quotes.
Decorator Day Rates and Hourly Costs
Many painters quote a day rate, especially for whole-house jobs. Checkatrade’s average is £325 per day, while Fantastic Services reports £230 to £355 outside London and £280 to £460 in London. For hourly work, Rated People gives a typical range of £20 to £50 per hour.
What Pushes the Price Up (or Down)?
- Location. London and the South East can cost 20% or more above the UK average.
- Surface condition. Cracks, flaking paint or old wallpaper mean extra prep. MyJobQuote says filling and stripping can add roughly £50 to £300 or more per room.
- Paint quality. Checkatrade’s figures assume standard trade paint. Premium brands such as Farrow & Ball or Little Greene will raise the total.
- Room size and detail. High ceilings, spindles and intricate woodwork all add hours.
- Plastering. Small repairs for water-damaged plaster typically cost £50 to £100, but larger skim jobs are priced separately.
- Access. Exterior work on tall or awkward homes may need scaffolding.
DIY vs Hiring a Professional
Doing it yourself is far cheaper on paper. Checkatrade estimates about £50 to £100 for paint alone for a medium room, compared with roughly £450 for a professional. The catch is that brushes, rollers, dust sheets and your own time all add up, and first-time results can be patchy. For ceilings, stairwells and exteriors, many homeowners find a professional is better value, partly because decorators are insured and bring the right equipment. For a simple bedroom refresh, DIY is often the sensible choice.
Hidden Costs to Plan For
- Wallpaper removal and wall repairs
- Scaffolding or tower hire for exteriors (see Screwfix’s painting guides for materials planning)
- Specialist or premium paint
- Moving furniture and protecting floors
- Extra coats over dark colours
7 Smart Ways to Save Money
- Get at least three itemised quotes from checked local painters.
- Paint several rooms in one go, since the decorator is already on site.
- Choose standard trade paint and fewer colours.
- Clear furniture and take down fixtures yourself before the decorator arrives.
- Do light prep, such as cleaning, filling small holes and taping edges, if you’re confident.
- Book outside the spring and summer rush if your project is flexible.
- Keep up regular maintenance so paintwork lasts longer between full repaints.
How Long Does It Take?
A small to medium room usually takes one to two days including prep and clean-up. Whole interiors of a medium house often run to a week or more, and exteriors typically take three to five days, weather permitting.
Final Thoughts
So, how much to paint a house in the UK? Expect roughly £1,500 to £2,500 for a small flat’s interior, £5,500 to £7,500 for a five-bed home, and anywhere from about £1,200 upward for exterior work depending on size and access. Prices change with location, paint choice and preparation, so use the figures above as a budgeting guide and confirm with written quotes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to paint a 3-bed house inside in the UK?
Costs sit between the 2-bed and 5-bed averages, so roughly £3,000 to £5,000 for a typical 3-bed, depending on prep and finish. Get a room-by-room quote to be sure.
Is it cheaper to pay per room or per day?
Per room is easier to budget for single spaces. Day rates tend to suit whole-house or open-ended jobs, as Fantastic Services notes.
Does painting a house add value?
A fresh, neutral finish can improve kerb appeal and make a home easier to sell, and exterior painting also protects against weather damage.
How often should a house be repainted?
Interiors are commonly refreshed every five to ten years in busy areas, while exteriors depend on the surface and exposure. Regular checks help you catch problems early.
