Planning to redecorate your home? Knowing how much painters and decorators charge can make it much easier to set a realistic budget before requesting quotes.
In 2026, professional painting and decorating costs vary considerably according to where you live, the condition of the surfaces, the size of the job and the finish you want. London and the South East generally sit towards the higher end of UK pricing, while preparation-heavy or specialist projects can cost considerably more than a straightforward repaint.
This guide explains typical painter and decorator costs in the UK, from day rates and individual rooms to complete interiors and exterior painting.
If you are looking for professional painters and decorators across London, Kent or Surrey, call Brush Strokes Decorating on 0203 621 1234 for a free, no-obligation quote.
Average Cost to Hire a Painter in the UK in 2026
Professional painters and decorators commonly charge around £150–£350 per day across the UK, although rates can be higher in London and the South East. Some experienced decorators or specialist contractors may charge £400 or more per day depending on the work involved.
For complete projects, typical UK market prices can include:
- Small or medium room: approximately £600–£1,300+
- Larger room: approximately £1,000–£2,000+
- Two-bedroom flat: around £4,500–£6,500+
- Three-bedroom house interior: approximately £7,000–£10,000+
- Exterior of a three-bedroom semi-detached house: around £4,000–£7,000+
- Small jobs done separately: Brush Strokes charges a minimum of 2 days (£660 labour), e.g. for 1 window, 1 door or 1 ceiling
These are broad budgeting figures rather than fixed prices. Properties requiring significant repairs, specialist finishes, extensive woodwork or difficult access can cost considerably more.
A cheaper day rate does not necessarily mean a cheaper decorating project. Surface preparation, workmanship, the number of decorators required and what is included in the quote can make a much bigger difference to the final cost.
What Affects Painter and Decorator Costs?
Two similarly sized rooms can have very different decorating costs. Some of the biggest factors include:
- Surface condition: Cracks, peeling paint, damaged plaster and uneven surfaces may need filling, sanding, repairing or priming before painting begins. Good preparation is one of the most important parts of achieving a lasting finish.
- Size and accessibility: Larger rooms naturally require more time and paint. High ceilings, stairwells and awkward exterior areas can also increase labour or access costs.
- Number of coats: Changing from a dark colour to a much lighter shade may require extra coats or a suitable base coat.
- Paint choice: Standard trade paints and premium products have different material costs. Specialist designer paints may also require additional preparation and careful application.
- Woodwork and detailing: Doors, window frames, skirting boards, architraves, cornices and other detailed features add considerably more labour than simply painting walls.
- Location: Painter and decorator prices tend to be higher in London and parts of the South East because of labour costs, travel, parking and demand.
If you are comparing quotes, make sure each decorator is pricing the same scope of work rather than comparing the headline figure alone.
How Much Does Interior Painting Cost?
For a straightforward interior repaint, painting walls commonly costs around £10–£20 per square metre. Pricing by square metre gives a useful guide, though a full room quote also accounts for preparation, ceilings, woodwork and other details.
As part of a project, Brush Strokes’ interior prices are:
- Walls and ceilings: £15 per m²
- Skirting boards: £15 per linear metre
- Architrave/door frames: £15 per linear metre
- Picture and dado rails: £10 per linear metre
- Internal door and frame (1 side): £120
- Windows: £100 per m²
A medium-sized room may cost around £1,000–£1,300 for a straightforward professional repaint, while rooms with substantial preparation, extensive woodwork or premium finishes can cost £2,000 or more.
Whole-property projects vary even more. A three-bedroom home’s interior might start at around £7,000, and more comprehensive decorating projects can reach £10,000 or significantly higher.
This is particularly relevant in London and the South East. If you are comparing local prices, our painters and decorators in South London can assess the property and provide a detailed quotation based on the work required.
How Much Does Exterior House Painting Cost?
Exterior painting often costs more than an equivalent interior project because the surfaces are exposed to weather and may require considerably more preparation.
As a broad 2026 guide, painting the exterior of a typical three-bedroom semi-detached property may cost around £4,000–£7,000 or more. Larger detached properties, period homes and buildings requiring extensive preparation or specialist access will usually cost more.
As part of a project, Brush Strokes’ exterior prices are:
- Masonry (smooth): £25 per m²
- Masonry (pebble dash): £35 per m²
- Windows: £180 per m²
- Doors and frames (1 side): £200
- Fascia and soffit: £40 per linear metre
We use scaffolding for any work from the first floor upwards.
Your quote could be affected by:
- Cracked or deteriorating exterior surfaces
- Peeling or flaking existing coatings
- Timber repairs
- Window and door detailing
- The number of storeys
- Scaffolding or specialist access
- Weather-resistant paints and coatings
Exterior decorating is also weather-dependent. Scheduling work during suitable conditions helps coatings adhere and cure correctly, rather than simply completing the work as quickly as possible.
What Should Be Included in a Painting and Decorating Quote?
Before accepting a quote, check exactly what has been included. A professional decorating quotation should make the scope of work clear, including surface preparation, areas being painted, agreed finishes and any materials supplied.
You should also establish whether the price includes furniture and floor protection, minor repairs, paint, waste removal, parking or access equipment and VAT where applicable.
This is particularly important when comparing several decorators. One quote may initially appear more expensive but include substantially more preparation and materials than another.
You can also ask:
- How many coats are included?
- Who supplies the paint?
- Does the quote include ceilings and woodwork?
- Are repairs charged separately?
- Is VAT included?
- How long is the work expected to take?
- How will furniture, flooring and other surfaces be protected?
Is Hiring a Professional Painter Worth the Cost?
Painting yourself can reduce labour costs, but DIY expenses can add up once you factor in paint, preparation materials, tools and equipment. It can also take considerably longer than expected.
Professional decorators can prepare surfaces properly, achieve a consistent finish and handle difficult areas efficiently, making them particularly worthwhile for larger or more complex projects.
Brush Strokes Decorating has provided domestic and commercial decorating services since 2006 across London, Kent and Surrey. Get in touch or call 0203 621 1234 for a free consultation and no-obligation quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a painter charge per day in the UK in 2026?
Typical UK painter and decorator day rates are around £150–£350, although London and South East rates can be higher. Specialist work, difficult access and more experienced decorators may also command higher rates. At Brush Strokes, small jobs done separately carry a 2-day minimum of £660 for labour.
How much does it cost to have one room professionally painted?
A straightforward room can commonly cost around £600–£1,300, while larger rooms or projects requiring repairs, detailed woodwork or premium finishes can cost £2,000 or more.
Are materials included in painter and decorator prices?
Sometimes. Some decorators provide labour-only prices, while others include standard materials within the project quote. Always check exactly what is included before comparing prices.
Why are painters more expensive in London?
Higher labour costs, parking, travel, congestion, property complexity and stronger demand can all contribute to higher decorating prices in London and the wider South East.