If you’re planning a repaint, the first question is always cost. The short answer: most Australian homes fall between $5,000 and $12,000 for a full repaint, with interior work commonly $28–$45 per m² (walls + ceilings + trims) and exteriors typically $35–$60 per m², depending on preparation, access, and finish quality.
This guide breaks down what drives the price, how to budget accurately, and where to get value—with helpful internal resources and a paint calculator.
Quick answer (30-second estimate):
• Small unit/1–2 bed: $2,500–$6,000
• Typical 3-bed home: $6,000–$12,000
• Large/2-storey & complex exteriors: $10,000–$20,000+
Use our Paint Quantity Calculator to size your paint needs, then request quotes.
What Actually Influences House-Painting Cost?
A good way to think about pricing is in terms of entity–attribute–value (EAV), so you can compare quotes
like-for-like:
- Entity: House (location: Australia; city focus: Melbourne)
- Attributes: scope (interior/exterior), surface area (m²), height/storeys, substrate (plaster,
brick, timber, render), condition (prep), access (scaffolding), finish level (standard/premium), paint system
(primer/topcoats), colour count - Example value set: Interior + exterior, 210 m², 2 storeys, weatherboards, moderate prep,
scaffolding required, low-sheen interior + elastomeric exterior, 2 colours
Core Drivers of Price
- Surface area & storeys – more m² and height = more paint and labour.
- Condition & prep – filling, sanding, priming, mould treatment, rust treatment.
- Access & safety – second storey, steep blocks, tight side access → ladders/scaffolding/EWP.
- System & finish – premium low-VOC or coastal-grade systems cost more but last longer.
- Colour count & detail – feature walls, intricate trims, timber staining add time.
- Location & scheduling – metro vs regional labour rates; peak vs off-peak seasons.
Need help scoping? For inside work see Interior Painting in Melbourne. For outside work see Exterior Painting in Melbourne.
Typical Australian Price Ranges (Sanity-Check Your Quotes)
Rule of thumb:
- Interior (walls + ceilings + trims): approx. $28–$45 per m²
- Exterior: approx. $35–$60 per m²
By Home Type (Illustrative Only)
| Home type / scope | Low | Typical | Higher (complex) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-bed unit – interior only | $2,500 | $3,500 | $5,000 |
| 3-bed single-storey – interior | $4,500 | $7,500 | $10,000 |
| 3-bed weatherboard – exterior only | $5,000 | $8,500 | $12,000 |
| 4-bed 2-storey – interior + exterior | $10,000 | $15,000 | $20,000+ |
For a full home repaint and colour planning, start here: Residential Painting in Melbourne.
Interior vs Exterior: Which Costs More (and Why)?
Interior jobs are faster to access and less weather-dependent. Costs rise with
patching, high ceilings, ornate cornices, and complex trims/doors.
Exterior jobs require surface washing, spot priming, gap-sealing, and often height access.
Timber/weatherboards and rendered surfaces demand more prep. Coastal homes may need specialty primers/topcoats
to resist salt and UV.
Considering a curb-appeal refresh? Talk to House Painters Melbourne for facade, trims, and doors.
Real-World Scenarios (What to Expect)
Scenario A – Interior Refresh, 3-Bed Home (Standard Height)
- Walls & ceilings (two coats), doors/trims (enamel or water-based enamel)
- Minor patching & caulking, light sanding
- Budget: $6,000–$9,500
Scenario B – Exterior Weatherboard Repaint, Single-Storey
- Wash, scrape back flaking paint, prime bare timber, fill & caulk, two topcoats
- Fascias, eaves, windows, doors included
- Budget: $6,500–$11,000
Scenario C – Two-Storey Exterior with Access Challenges
- Height equipment/scaffolding, thorough prep on upper weatherboards/render
- Premium elastomeric or self-priming acrylic on facades
- Budget: $12,000–$20,000+
Melbourne-Specific Cost Notes
- Access & heritage: Inner-suburb terraces and heritage fascia/cornice detail add time.
- Weather windows: Autumn–spring is prime; book early for exteriors.
- Strata & body corporate: Shared access and height approvals can affect schedule and cost
(see Strata Painters in Melbourne). - Industrial/commercial sites: Permit, height, and coating spec requirements apply—get purpose-built
quotes via Industrial Painting in Melbourne and Commercial Painters Melbourne.
Prep & Materials: Where Money Is Well Spent
Preparation often decides longevity. Expect good quotes to itemise:
- Cleaning & mould treatment (exterior), degreasing (kitchens), stain blocking where needed
- Filling/sanding, gap-sealing; rust treatment on metal elements
- Priming (spot or full), then two finish coats with the right sheen for the room
Paint systems to discuss:
- Low-VOC interior for air quality; washable low-sheen for living areas; semi-gloss for trims; bathroom paints with anti-mould.
- Exterior: UV-resistant acrylics, elastomeric for hairline cracks, coastal-grade systems near the bay.
Want a materials estimate before you brief us? Try the Paint Quantity Calculator.
How to Compare Quotes (and Avoid Under-Scoping)
When quotes vary widely, it’s usually scope—not mysterious “cheap paint.” Ask each painter to confirm:
- Areas included: rooms, ceilings, trims, windows/doors, exteriors.
- Preparation detail: patching, sanding, priming, mould or rust treatment.
- Number of coats and paint brands/lines.
- Access equipment: ladders, scaffolding, EWP included?
- Colour changes: more colours = more cutting-in/time.
- Protection & cleanup: furniture, floors, gardens.
- Timeframe, warranty, and touch-up policy.
If your home is owner-occupied and you need staged rooms or weekend work,
flag that early via Contact Us so the schedule is costed correctly.
Cost per m² vs Cost per Room: Which to Use?
Per m² pricing is the most objective for total scope (especially on new builds or clear floor plans).
Per room helps when tackling staged work (e.g., bedrooms first).
A typical bedroom (3×3 m) with walls/ceiling/trims often sits around $450–$900,
depending on prep and coatings; master bedrooms and living areas cost more due to size and detail.
DIY vs Professional: Where Do You Really Save?
DIY can save labour on small, simple rooms if you own drop sheets, rollers, and a quality ladder.
But for large houses, exteriors, high ceilings or timber restoration, the learning curve and safety risk can outweigh savings.
Professional crews are faster, deliver better prep, and manage access safely—crucial for exteriors,
high ceilings, timber restoration, and time-sensitive projects.
Prefer fully managed quality? Talk to House Painters Melbourne for a fixed-scope proposal.
How to Plan Your Budget (Without Surprises)
- Measure approximate m² (or run the Paint Quantity Calculator).
- Decide scope (interior/exterior/rooms, trims, ceilings).
- Select finish level (standard vs premium low-VOC/coastal).
- Get 1–2 written quotes with prep and coats clearly itemised.
- Schedule smartly (off-peak, flexible start dates can help).
One external resource for sanity-checking national painter rates and inclusions:
FAQs (Fast, Practical Answers)
How many coats do I need?
Most interiors and exteriors: primer (where needed) plus two finish coats.
Dark-to-light colour changes or problem surfaces may require an extra coat.
How long will it take?
A 3-bed interior typically takes 3–6 days with a 2–3 person crew, depending on prep and access.
Exteriors add weather windows and access setup.
How often should I repaint?
Interiors: about 7–10 years (earlier for high-traffic areas).
Exteriors: about 5–8 years depending on exposure and system quality.