How Much Does it Cost to Paint the Interior of a House? [2024]

One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to change the look of your home is to repaint the interior walls. But the amount it costs will depend on a variety of factors, such as the number of rooms and walls you want painted, the type of product and colour you want to use, and the number of painters you hire for the job. Here’s our helpful cost guide on painting the interior of a house.

What’s the average cost of painting a house interior in Australia?

There’s no one-size-fits-all ‘cost’ for painting the inside of your home. It will depend on several things like the size of the property, the type of paint you want, the condition of the walls, as well as the complexity (e.g. windows, ceiling roses, etc.).

Professional painters in Australia generally charge by the square metre. On average, you can expect to pay between $15 and $45 per square metre for interior painting, with the average cost being around $30 per square metre. The lower end of the scale is based on only using a single colour with minimal prep and trim work. A quote at the upper end might be due to the use of multiple colours, gloss architraves or having a different colour for the ceiling trim. 

Because many painters charge by the square metre, the overall cost to paint the interior of your house will change depending on the size of your home. To give you an idea of prices:

• Two bedrooms and a kitchen/living area: Quotes may be in the vicinity of $800–$1,500.
• Two-bedroom unit with one bathroom and laundry: Quotes may be in the vicinity of $2,500–$3,500.
• Three-bedroom house with two bathrooms, kitchen and laundry: Quotes may be in the vicinity of $4,500–$6,000.

What are the factors that affect the cost of painting the interior of a house?

Painting your home can be a great way to freshen up the look of your space, but before hiring a painter it's important to consider the factors that may affect the cost of the project.

Condition of the property

The age, style and condition of a home can seriously influence the cost of painting. Older properties may need a bit more prep work, which can drive up the cost. For example, an older one-bedroom apartment might require up to $1,000 or more in preparation work. Similarly, older Victorian or Federation homes, which typically have high ceilings, decorative cornices and ceiling roses, can cost over $20,000 to repaint. In contrast, new homes are easier and less expensive to paint.

How much detail do you want?

The level of detail in your home can also influence interior painting costs. You’ll need to think about the type of ceilings, windows and architraves you – or, more likely, your hipages professional – are dealing with. Ceilings with moulded cornices need more attention to detail and can therefore see the cost of your project surge. Similarly, timber French windows require more time and care to paint than standard windows, which can drive up the cost.

Access to the space

How easy the property (and all the rooms) is to access is another important factor. If your home is fully furnished, the painter may need to move and cover furniture, which can limit the amount of space they have to work in. Other factors that can influence the cost of painting your interior include:

• Total area covered.
• Number of rooms to paint.
• Height of ceilings.
• Type of paint used.
• Number of colours used.
• Damage to walls.
• Decorative plaster.

How can you save money when painting a house interior?

Painting the interior of a house can be a costly endeavour, but there are several ways to save money without sacrificing quality. Here are some tips to help you save money:

• Do the prep work yourself: The prep work for any painting job can be time-consuming, but it can also save you lots of money when you do it yourself. Preparing the walls by cleaning them and filling in any cracks or holes will ensure the paint goes on smoothly and looks great. Moving furniture and covering floors and other surfaces with sheets and cloths can also help you save money on labour costs.
• Buy your own paint and supplies: Hiring a painting contractor often means they will buy the paint and supplies for you, adding a markup to the cost. However, purchasing your own paint and supplies can save you money, so it’s worth looking for deals at your local Bunnings or other stores – and buy in bulk to save even more.
• Use one colour: Using one colour throughout your house can also save you money. Using the same colour means you can buy the paint in bulk, which usually ends up being cheaper than buying smaller quantities. And if you are using the same colour in every room of the house, it means the painting process will be faster and easier for your contractors, which can reduce labour costs.

Will painting the interior of a house increase its value?

A fresh coat of paint can make any space look brighter, cleaner and more modern, which will – in many cases – make the property more attractive to potential buyers. However, it's important to choose the right colours and finishes to appeal to a broad range of tastes.

Neutral tones are a safe choice as they are versatile and timeless. Hiring a professional painter who can ensure a high-quality job will also mean you get a better end product, enhancing the value of your home. Ultimately, painting the interior of a house can be a cost-effective way to increase its value, but it should be done professionally.

5 questions you should ask your interior house painter

Here are some key questions you should ask your interior house painter before hiring them:

• How long have you been painting properties – and do you specialise in exterior or interior painting?
• Can you provide references and photos from previous jobs?
• What type of paint do you prefer to use, and why?
• Do you offer a warranty or guarantee on your painting work?
• Will you handle the preparation work, such as cleaning and sanding, before painting?

Costs and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.