How much does it cost to paint a house in Sydney? Interior painting typically costs $20–$60 per square metre, and exterior painting ranges from $30–$80 per square metre. A standard 3-bedroom home interior costs $3,000–$8,000, while a full interior + exterior repaint ranges from $8,000–$20,000.
These are the real figures from 2026 Sydney projects — not vague estimates. Below, we break down every factor that affects your painting cost so you can budget accurately and avoid surprises.
Interior Painting Costs
Interior painting is the most common service homeowners request. Here's what you can expect to pay in Sydney:
Per Square Metre Pricing
- Basic repaint (same colour, good condition): $20–$35/sqm
- Standard repaint (colour change, minor prep): $35–$50/sqm
- Premium (extensive prep, feature walls, high ceilings): $50–$60+/sqm
Per Room Estimates
- Single bedroom: $400–$800
- Living room: $600–$1,200
- Kitchen: $500–$1,000
- Bathroom: $300–$600
- Hallway: $300–$700
- Ceiling (per room): $200–$500
Full Home Interior Estimates
- 2-bedroom apartment: $2,000–$5,000
- 3-bedroom house: $3,000–$8,000
- 4-bedroom house: $5,000–$12,000
- 5+ bedroom house: $8,000–$18,000
Exterior Painting Costs
Exterior painting costs more than interior due to surface preparation, weather considerations, and access requirements.
Per Square Metre Pricing
- Single-storey (easy access): $30–$50/sqm
- Double-storey (scaffolding needed): $50–$70/sqm
- Complex surface (render, masonry repair): $60–$80+/sqm
Full Exterior Estimates
- Single-storey house: $5,000–$10,000
- Double-storey house: $8,000–$15,000
- Large/complex home: $12,000–$25,000
- Fence painting (per metre): $15–$35
- Deck staining: $20–$40/sqm
What Affects the Price?
Several factors will push your painting quote higher or lower:
1. Surface Condition
Walls in good condition need minimal prep — just a light sand and clean. But walls with extensive cracking, peeling, water damage, or old wallpaper need significantly more preparation time, which increases the cost.
2. Ceiling Height
Standard 2.4m ceilings are straightforward. Higher ceilings (3m+) require scaffolding or platforms and add 15–30% to the cost.
3. Paint Quality
Premium paints (Dulux Wash & Wear, Taubmans Endure) cost more upfront but last 10–15 years vs 3–5 years for budget paints. We always recommend premium — it's cheaper per year of service life.
4. Number of Colours
A single colour throughout is the most efficient. Multiple colours, feature walls, and accent trims add time for cutting-in, cleaning brushes, and masking.
5. Access & Height
Properties requiring scaffolding, rope access, or work at height add significant cost. A double-storey exterior with complex rooflines can add $2,000–$5,000 in scaffolding alone.
How to Get the Best Value
The cheapest quote is rarely the best value. Look for licensed, insured painters who use premium materials and include thorough preparation in their price.
Tips for Saving Money
- Bundle interior + exterior: Doing both at once saves 10–15% vs separate jobs
- Book in off-peak season: Winter/early spring often has better availability and pricing
- Minimise colour changes: Fewer colours = less time = lower cost
- Maintain your paint: Washing exterior walls annually extends paint life by 2–3 years
- Ask about warranty: Professional painters who guarantee their work save you money long-term
What Should Be Included in a Quote?
A professional painting quote should always include:
- Detailed surface preparation (filling, sanding, priming)
- Number of coats specified (minimum 2 coats of topcoat)
- Paint brand and product specified
- Full protection (drop sheets, masking)
- Cleanup included
- Timeline with start and completion dates
- Workmanship warranty
- Licence number and ABN
Get a Free Quote from KPSS Painting
KPSS Painting provides free, detailed written quotes for all Sydney properties. We include everything listed above — no hidden fees, no surprises. Licensed (469375C), insured, and ABN registered (71 674 955 367).