Hiring a painter in the UK is a smart way to refresh your home, boost its value, and avoid the hassle of doing it yourself. Whether you’re planning a complete house makeover or need a single room updated, understanding the cost of hiring a painter in the UK is an essential first step. But how much should you expect to pay in 2025?
The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. The cost of painters varies depending on several things—from the job size to the type of paint you choose. Some homeowners are surprised by the extras involved, while others underestimate the difference between DIY and professional work.
In this blog, we’ll break down the average cost of hiring a painter in the UK, explore the key cost factors, and help you decide what’s right for your budget and home. Whether you’re looking into interior painting costs in the UK or trying to compare DIY vs professional painting costs, we’ve got you covered. For accurate estimates and quality results, it’s worth consulting experienced painters in South London who understand local pricing and deliver expert finishes.
Brush Strokes Decorating offers expert painter and decorator services in the UK, combining top-quality finishes with honest, transparent pricing. From small flats to large family homes, we deliver reliable, professional results across the UK.
Contact us today on 0203 621 1234 or email us at info@brushstrokesdecorators.com for a free quote.
Transform your home or business with professional painting services from Brush Strokes Decorating—delivering high-quality finishes, expert care, and dependable results every time.
Average Cost To Hire A Painter In The UK
For most standard residential jobs, the average cost to hire a painter in the UK ranges between £150 and £400 per day, depending on the complexity and location. Smaller jobs, like a single room, might cost £250–£500, while whole-house painting could range anywhere from £1,500 to £4,000 or more.
Here’s a general breakdown of painter costs by type of job:
- Single Room (Walls & Ceiling): £300–£500
- Three-Bedroom House (Interior): £2,000–£3,000
- Exterior Painting (Terraced House): £1,200–£2,500
- Hourly Rate (For Touch-ups or Small Jobs): £18–£30/hour
These figures reflect standard labour cost rates in 2025 and may vary by region, time of year, and demand.
Factors Affecting Painting Costs In The UK
Several elements can influence what you’ll pay. Understanding the factors affecting painting costs in the UK can help you better plan your budget and avoid surprises.
- Size and type of space: Larger areas require more time and materials, increasing costs. High ceilings, stairwells, and tricky corners can also increase prices.
- Surface preparation: If walls need sanding, filling, or priming, it adds time and labour.
- Paint type and quality: High-end paints cost more but tend to last longer. Paint quality makes a difference in both appearance and durability.
- Location: Costs are typically higher in London and the South East than other regions.
- Project complexity: Intricate designs, feature walls, or multiple colours will cost more due to the time and precision involved.
- Urgency: Last-minute or out-of-hours jobs can attract premium pricing.
Interior Painting Costs In The UK
The cost of painting the inside of your home depends on the number of rooms, the condition of the walls, and your style preferences. For example, adding trims, mouldings, or multiple coats will raise the price.
Here’s what you can expect for interior painting costs in the UK in 2025:
- Walls Only: £5–£7 per square metre
- Ceilings: £7–£9 per square metre
- Skirting & Woodwork: £10–£15 per metre
- Doors (Each): £40–£80
Whether refreshing a bedroom or redoing an entire floor, choosing between premium and standard finishes will also impact your total spend.
Exterior House Painting Costs
Exterior house painting costs are higher than interior jobs because of the added preparation and safety measures required. External surfaces may need pressure washing, scaffolding, and weatherproof coatings.
Average costs for common UK home types include:
- Terraced House: £1,200–£2,500
- Semi-Detached: £1,800–£3,000
- Detached House: £2,500–£5,000+
Remember that exterior painting is usually seasonal and weather-dependent, which may affect scheduling and availability.
Labour Costs For Painters In The UK
The labour costs for painters in the UK typically fall between £150 and £200 per day for a professional decorator. Highly skilled or specialised painters may charge more, especially in high-demand areas.
If you’re hiring through a decorating company, this may also include materials, insurance, and clean-up—but always confirm what’s included in the quote.
While you can hire less experienced workers at lower rates, quality work is an investment. Poor workmanship often leads to repainting or repair costs down the line.
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Hidden Costs Of Hiring A Painter
When budgeting, it’s easy to overlook some of the hidden costs of hiring a painter, which can quickly add up if not accounted for upfront.
- Furniture Removal or Protection
- Wall Repairs or Prep Work
- Additional Coats for full coverage
- Premium Paint Brands
- Travel or Parking Charges, especially in city centres
A good painter will detail all of this in their estimate. At Brush Strokes Decorating, we pride ourselves on being upfront about pricing so there are no unpleasant surprises.
Final Thoughts
Whether renovating a room or giving your home a complete facelift, understanding the cost of hiring a painter in the UK in 2025 is key to getting value for your money. From interior to exterior painting, prices vary based on location, job size, and materials—but with the right team, it’s always well-spent money.
While DIY vs professional painting costs may seem tempting to compare, remember that a professional finish looks better, lasts longer and saves you time. Experienced painters know how to prepare surfaces properly, apply paint evenly, and protect your property throughout the process.
If you’re ready to invest in high-quality, stress-free residential painting services in the UK, look no further than Brush Strokes Decorating. Our expert decorators always offer transparent pricing, attention to detail, and beautiful results.
Get in touch with Brush Strokes Decorating today for a no-obligation quote and discover how easy it is to transform your space with a fresh coat of paint—done right the first time.