House Painting Cost Guide, Australia 2026
Price ranges based on current Australian market rates. Actual costs vary by city, surface condition, and paint quality.
Interior painting, full house by city
Figures are for interior walls and ceilings of a standard 3-bedroom home. Trim, doors, and exterior work add to the total.
Per square metre rates
What affects the price
- ·Surface prep: The biggest variable. Walls in poor condition needing filling, sanding, and priming can add 35–60% to the cost.
- ·Ceiling height: Rooms with 3m or higher ceilings require extra ladder or scaffold work, adding 30–40% to labour.
- ·Colour change: Going dark to light needs primer and extra coats, adding $800–$1,500 to a full-house job.
- ·Location: Sydney can cost more than double what the same job costs in Hobart, due to labour rate differences.
- ·Paint quality: Premium paints cost more upfront but last significantly longer and are easier to clean.
Common questions
How many coats does a professional job include?
Two finish coats is standard. Walls in poor condition, or those going from dark to light, need a primer coat first. Always confirm the number of coats in writing before the job starts.
How long does interior painting take?
A two-person crew can typically finish the interior of a standard 3-bedroom home in 3–5 days, assuming walls are in good condition and no major colour changes are involved.
Should I be home during the job?
Most homeowners prefer to be out during painting due to fumes and the disruption of moving furniture. Agree on a clear site access arrangement with your painter before work starts.
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