Written by masterpiecemakeovers
February 14, 2025

How Much Does House Painting Cost in Melbourne? A Breakdown of Prices and Factors

House painting is one of the most effective ways to refresh the look of your home and increase its market value. Whether you’re planning to sell your property or simply want to enhance your living space, painting can make a significant impact. However, understanding the costs associated with house painting in Melbourne is crucial for budgeting and decision-making.

In this comprehensive painting price guide for Melbourne, we will cover everything you need to know about the cost to paint a house in Melbourne, including price estimates, factors affecting costs, and money-saving tips. Read on to ensure you get the best value for your painting project.

1. Average House Painting Costs in Melbourne (2024 Guide)

The cost of painting a house in Melbourne varies based on several factors, including the size of the home, the complexity of the job, and whether you are painting the interior or exterior. Below is a general price range:

House TypeInterior Painting CostExterior Painting Cost
Apartment (1-2 bedrooms)$2,000 – $4,500$3,000 – $6,000
Small house (3 bedrooms)$5,000 – $8,000$6,000 – $10,000
Medium house (4 bedrooms)$7,500 – $12,000$8,000 – $15,000
Large house (5+ bedrooms)$10,000 – $20,000+$12,000 – $25,000+

DIY vs. Professional Painting Costs

When it comes to painting your home, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is whether to go the DIY route or hire a professional painter. While taking on the task yourself might seem like a great way to cut costs, there are several factors to consider. DIY painting can save on labor costs, but it often requires significant time, effort, and expertise, and mistakes can lead to expensive fixes. On the other hand, professional painters bring skill, efficiency, and high-quality results, but their services come at a premium. In this section, we will compare the costs of both options, helping you make an informed decision based on your budget, skill level, and desired outcome.

  • DIY painting may reduce costs but requires time, effort, and expertise.
  • Professional painting ensures quality and durability, often providing a warranty on workmanship.

2. Factors Affecting House Painting Prices in Melbourne

When planning a painting project in Melbourne, it’s crucial to recognize that no two jobs are priced alike. Several factors play pivotal roles in determining the house painting cost, including the size of the property, the type and quality of paint chosen, and the labor rates charged by local painters. Additionally, the amount of prep work and necessary repairs can further influence the total bill.

2.1 House Size and Number of Rooms

  • Painters typically charge per square meter or per room.
  • Multi-story homes cost more due to extra labor, safety equipment, and scaffolding requirements.

2.2 Interior vs. Exterior Painting Costs

  • Interior painting includes walls, ceilings, trims, and doors.
  • Exterior painting involves walls, fences, decks, and roofing, often requiring weather-resistant paint.

2.3 Type and Quality of Paint Used

  • Premium paints provide longer-lasting results but are more expensive.
  • Eco-friendly and low-VOC paints are recommended for better indoor air quality.
  • Popular brands in Melbourne: Dulux, Wattyl, Taubmans, and Haymes Paint.

2.4 Labor Costs and Professional Painter Rates in Melbourne

  • Most painters charge $35 – $70 per hour or $15 – $40 per square meter.
  • Experienced painters with strong reputations charge higher rates but deliver better results.

2.5 Prep Work and Repairs Before Painting

  • Costs for wall repairs, sanding, priming, and filling cracks.
  • Older homes may require lead paint removal or additional surface preparation.

3. Cost Breakdown: Interior vs. Exterior House Painting in Melbourne

When it comes to house painting in Melbourne, understanding the difference in costs for interior and exterior projects is essential for accurate budgeting. Interior painting focuses on walls, ceilings, trims, and doors, often demanding a controlled, indoor environment that allows for more predictable work hours and easier access. In contrast, exterior painting involves weather-related challenges such as wind, rain, and extreme temperatures, which can prolong the project timeline and increase labor costs. This section will break down the typical expenses you can expect for both interior and exterior painting, helping you better plan and allocate funds for your home improvement venture.

Interior Painting Cost Estimates

When estimating interior painting costs, it’s important to remember that no two projects are alike. The overall expense is influenced by factors such as the size of each room, surface conditions, paint quality, and any prep work or repairs needed. Moreover, painting individual rooms can cost significantly less than tackling an entire apartment or multi-bedroom house in one go. In this section, we break down the typical price ranges for different interior spaces—helping you budget effectively and achieve the look and feel you want for your home.

Room TypeEstimated Cost
Single Room$400 – $1,500
Living Room$800 – $2,500
Kitchen$500 – $2,000
Whole Apartment$2,000 – $6,000

Exterior Painting Cost Estimates

When it comes to exterior painting in Melbourne, several additional considerations come into play compared to interior work. Weather-resistant paints, scaffolding or lifts for multi-story homes, and safety measures can all add to the overall cost. Moreover, Melbourne’s variable climate often demands high-quality products and more meticulous preparation to ensure long-lasting results. This section provides a clearer picture of the typical expense range for exterior painting, helping you anticipate budget requirements and make well-informed decisions for your home improvement project.

House TypeEstimated Cost
Small Home$6,000 – $10,000
Medium Home$8,000 – $15,000
Large Home$12,000 – $25,000+

Additional costs apply for special finishes, timber treatments, and weather-resistant coatings.


4. Money-Saving Tips for House Painting in Melbourne

Painting your home in Melbourne doesn’t have to break the bank. With strategic planning and a few insider tricks, you can significantly reduce your overall painting costs. Whether it’s timing your project during off-peak seasons or knowing how to negotiate with painters, small changes can lead to big savings. In this section, we’ll explore practical, money-saving tips that not only help you stay within budget but also ensure a smooth, high-quality finish for your property.

  • Get multiple quotes from painters to compare prices.
  • Book painters during the off-season (autumn and winter) for discounts.
  • Buy paint in bulk to save costs.
  • Consider DIY for small areas, like a feature wall.

5. How to Choose the Right Painter in Melbourne

Selecting the perfect painter can make all the difference between a successful house-painting experience and one fraught with delays and subpar results. While cost and availability are important considerations, factors such as professional credentials, customer reviews, and industry reputation play a significant role in ensuring you get value for your money. In this section, we explore best practices for finding a reliable painter in Melbourne, including tips on verifying qualifications, soliciting multiple quotes, and reading online reviews, so you can choose a professional who aligns with your vision and budget.

  • Check licenses and insurance to ensure reliability.
  • Read customer reviews on platforms like Hipages, Oneflare, and Google Reviews.
  • Ask for a written quote to avoid hidden costs.

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About House Painting Costs in Melbourne

1- How much does it cost to paint a 3-bedroom house in Melbourne?

  • Expect to pay between $5,000 – $8,000 for interior painting and $6,000 – $10,000 for exterior painting.

2- Do painters charge per square meter or per hour?

  • Painters may charge $15 – $40 per square meter or $35 – $70 per hour, depending on job complexity.

3- What’s the best time of year to paint a house in Melbourne?

  • Spring and autumn provide optimal weather conditions for exterior painting.

4- How long does house painting take?

  • Small homes: 3-5 days
  • Medium homes: 7-10 days
  • Large homes: 10-14+ days

5- Can I save money by buying my own paint?

  • Yes, but professional painters may get trade discounts that you don’t.

6- Is exterior house painting more expensive than interior?

  • Yes, due to weatherproofing requirements, higher labor costs, and additional equipment like scaffolding.
Interior Paint Colour Trends in 2025

Conclusion: Get the Best Value for Your House Painting in Melbourne

House painting is a worthwhile investment, but costs can vary widely. By understanding the factors that influence painting prices in Melbourne, you can budget effectively and hire the right professionals for the job.


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