If you’re planning to repaint your home in Sydney, one of the first questions on your mind is likely: how much is this going to cost?
The honest answer is that it depends — on the size of your home, the condition of the surfaces, the quality of paint you choose, and whether you need interior work, exterior work, or both. But we can give you realistic ranges based on what we see across hundreds of projects every year in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs and beyond.
Average House Painting Costs in Sydney
Here’s a general guide to what you can expect to pay for professional house painting in Sydney in 2026:
| Project Type | Typical Price Range | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Single room (interior) | $400 – $900 | Walls and ceiling, 2 coats, prep work |
| Full interior (3-bed house) | $5,000 – $12,000 | All rooms, hallways, ceilings, doors and trims |
| Full exterior (3-bed house) | $6,000 – $15,000 | All external walls, eaves, fascias, gutters, window frames |
| Full interior + exterior | $10,000 – $25,000+ | Complete repaint inside and out |
| Roof painting | $3,000 – $8,000 | Pressure wash, primer, 2 coats of roof membrane |
These are ballpark figures. Heritage homes, multi-storey properties, and surfaces requiring significant repair work will naturally sit at the higher end.
What Factors Affect the Cost of Painting a House?
1. Size and Layout of the Property
The bigger the home, the more paint and labour required. But layout matters too — a home with high ceilings, lots of detailed trim, or hard-to-reach areas will take longer than a straightforward single-storey.
2. Surface Condition and Preparation
Prep is where the real work happens. Cracked, peeling or damaged surfaces need sanding, filling, patching and sometimes priming before a single coat of paint goes on. Skipping prep is the number one reason cheap paint jobs fail early. At BrushUp Painting, we spend significant time on preparation because it’s what makes the finish last.
3. Paint Quality
Premium paints from trusted brands like Dulux and Taubmans cost more upfront but deliver better coverage, colour retention and durability. Over a 10-year cycle, they often work out cheaper because you won’t need to repaint as soon.
4. Interior vs Exterior
Exterior painting generally costs more per square metre due to scaffolding or ladder work, weather-dependent scheduling, and the need for more durable coatings that withstand Sydney’s UV, salt air, and rain.
5. Access and Scaffolding
Multi-storey homes or properties on slopes may require scaffolding, which adds to the total cost. Safety is non-negotiable, and proper access equipment ensures the job is done right.
6. Number of Colours and Finishes
A straightforward single-colour job is quicker than a project requiring multiple feature walls, accent colours, or specialty finishes. Each additional colour adds time for cutting in and changeovers.
How to Get an Accurate Quote
The best way to know exactly what your project will cost is to get a detailed, fixed-price quote from an experienced painter. Here’s what to look for:
- On-site inspection — A reputable painter will visit your property before quoting, not just estimate over the phone.
- Fixed price, not hourly — You should know the total cost upfront with no surprises at the end.
- Detailed scope — The quote should list exactly which areas are being painted, the number of coats, and the brand and type of paint being used.
- Insurance and licensing — Make sure they carry public liability insurance and hold the correct trade licences.
Why Cheap Quotes Can Cost You More
It’s tempting to go with the lowest quote, but in painting, you genuinely get what you pay for. Common shortcuts taken by budget painters include:
- Skipping or rushing surface preparation
- Using watered-down or low-quality paint
- Applying only one coat instead of two
- Not properly protecting floors, furniture, and landscaping
- No warranty or follow-up for touch-ups
The result is often a finish that starts peeling or fading within 12–18 months, meaning you end up paying twice.
Get a Free, No-Obligation Quote from BrushUp Painting
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to paint a 3-bedroom house?
A full interior typically takes 3–5 days depending on the condition of the surfaces and the number of rooms. Adding exterior work can extend the timeline to 7–10 days.
Is it worth painting the exterior of my house before selling?
Absolutely. A fresh exterior paint job is one of the highest-ROI improvements you can make before listing. It dramatically improves street appeal and can increase perceived property value.
Do you provide colour consultation?
Yes. We’re happy to offer guidance on colour selection and can provide sample pots so you can see how colours look in your space before committing.
What areas in Sydney do you service?
We proudly service Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs and surrounding areas, including Bondi, Coogee, Randwick, Paddington, Vaucluse, Double Bay, Woollahra, Maroubra, and more. Contact us to check if we service your area.