Blog>Cost Guides>How much does it cost to paint a house exterior in 2026?
Last updated: 27 March 2025
How much does it cost to paint a house exterior in 2026?
Discover the average cost of exterior house painting, material and labour costs, and the factors that can affect pricing.
Fast Facts
The average cost to paint a house exterior is around £30 per square metre
For the average-sized semi-detached property (approx. 90m²), this equates to around £2,700
Remember to factor in the cost of scaffolding, which is often required for exterior painting
A fresh coat of paint on your house exterior can transform it from tired and dated to modern and inviting. Exterior painting helps to protect your home from weather damage and can also help to increase its value. But how much does it cost to paint a house in the UK?
Here, you'll find everything you need to help budget for this home improvement project, including material and labour costs, tips to save money, and how to find experienced painters near you.
Average cost to paint the exterior of a house
Exterior house painting costs will vary depending on factors such as property size, the condition of its current paintwork, the type and quality of paint you choose, and labour rates.
| House painting costs | Cost + VAT (low range) | Cost + VAT (high range) |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior paint project | £3,000 | £6,000 |
| Sealing coat/ primer (materials and labour) | £1,000 | - |
| Stabiliser/ primer (materials only) | £260 | - |
| Masonry paint (materials only) | £300 | - |
| Scaffolding hire (per project) | £330 | - |
| Painter hourly rate | £27.50 | £50 |
| Painter day rate | £220 | £400 |
| Average cost to paint exterior of house (per m²) | £20 | £40 |
| Last updated: April 2026 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | ||
The cost to paint a house in the UK typically ranges from £3,000–£6,000.
The costs in the table are estimated figures for exterior house painting in the UK, for use as a guide only. They:
Reflect the cost of a large project, e.g. a 4+ bed detached house
Relate to painting the exterior of modern, non-listed homes constructed from modern materials (including brick and mortar)
Cover painting both the front and rear of the property in one colour of paint
House painting cost by property type
The type and size of property you wish to paint will significantly impact the total cost you're quoted.
| Item | Low | High | Average | Timescale |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost to paint external walls of detached house (120m²) | £2,400 | £4,800 | £3,600 | 7 days |
| Cost to paint external walls of semi-detached house (90m²) | £1,800 | £3,600 | £2,700 | 5 days |
| Cost to paint external walls of terrace house (40m²) | £800 | £1,600 | £1,200 | 3 days |
| Average cost to paint exterior of house (per m²) | £20 | £40 | £30 | |
| Last updated: March 2025 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | ||||
As a guide, exterior painting might cost, on average:
£1,200for a terraced house (approx. 40m²)
£2,700for a semi-detached house (approx. 90m²)
£3,600for a detached house (approx. 120m²)
Exterior painting cost per square metre
Knowing the approximate square meterage of your property can help to get a clearer picture when looking for quotes.
On average, exterior house painting costs £30per square metre.
To work out the square metre measurement, multiply the height of each external wall by its width. Do this for each wall you want painted and combine them for a total square metre figure.
Masonry paint cost
As a guide, a litre of masonry paint will cover approximately 5 square metres of wall (two coats). Paint is normally sold in 5-10 litre cans. For a detached property:
Sealing coat (primer) will cost around £260
Masonry paint might cost in the region of £300
Painter hourly rates
For house painting, the hourly rates of professional painters in the UK can vary considerably – depending on the individual tradespeople you hire and where you live in the country.
As a guide, painters typically charge:
Between £27.50–£50per hour
Between £220–£400per day
How long does it take to paint a house?
Most exterior house painting projects take between 4-7 days, depending on your property size, how much preparation is needed, and the complexity of the job. As a guide:
Painting the exterior of a terraced house (approx. 40m²) might take 3 days
Painting a semi-detached property (approx. 90m²) might take 5 days
A detached property (approx. 120m²) could take up to 7 daysto complete
Check out our guide to painter and decorator prices to find out more.
See the tradespeople we've checked for your job
Factors affecting house painting prices
Several factors will affect the price you're quoted for exterior house painting. Here are some of the key considerations to bear in mind.
1. The size of your property
Larger properties require more paint, preparation, and labour
Many tradespeople will provide an exterior painting cost per square metre - having the dimensions of your house can often help to get a more accurate quote
You must also include the cost to paint any additions to the property, including conservatories, extensions, and porches
2. The amount of preparation work required
Preparation is the key to a great, long-lasting finish with external paint projects, so it’s crucial you invest the time at this stage:
Cleaning or removing the current paintwork (if required) is a time-consuming and messy job
Any damage needs to be repaired with a sand/cement mixture before painting, which can take time to complete properly
3. The type and quality of paint you choose
There's a wide range of masonry paint available in a variety of shades and colours.
The amount of paint you need, and therefore the total paint costs, depends on:
The size of your house
The number of coats needed
The method of painting your decorator is using
Ensure that you have a spare supply of colour-matched paint for any touch-ups that may be required in the future.
4. The complexity and scope of the job
Do you just want the front of your property painted, or all exterior walls refreshed?
Do you also want window trims painted, and in the same or contrasting colour?
Do you have any intricate exterior detailing on fascias or woodwork, for example?
All of these factors can affect the figure you're quoted for house painting.
5. Scaffolding hire
Your decorator will probably use scaffolding while painting your property - a cost that you'll need to include in your calculations.
The cost of scaffolding for house painting depends on the amount of scaffolding you have and the length of time you need it
Most companies rent scaffolding by the week
There are regional variations in scaffolding costs, with scaffolding costing more in London, for example, than in other areas of the country
While it may be tempting to ask your tradesperson to use a ladder and avoid the cost of scaffolding, working for long periods up a ladder is unsafe and illegal.
Current health and safety laws require anyone working at a height for more than 30 minutes at a time to use a platform tower or scaffold.
Hidden costs to be aware of
We've covered the main costs involved in painting a house exterior and the key factors that can affect the figure you're quoted for your project.
However, there can also be some less obvious expenses that can catch people off guard.
Take a look through this list of possibilities and consider whether any of these might need to be factored into your budget.
Cleaning: Jet washing or fungicide treatments may be needed to create a clean surface ready for painting
Extensive repair work: Damaged, damp, or heavily cracked walls will need to be repaired before they can be repainted
Waste removal: If the repair work creates lots of waste, it may be necessary to hire a skip for disposal
Permit fees: If scaffolding needs to be erected on a public road or footpath, you may need to apply for a permit from your local council
Tricky access: Sloped gardens, tight alleyways, or particularly high structures may need additional scaffolding or more labour, which will increase the overall price
Additional assets: If you want guttering, fascias, soffits, or window trims painted, this typically comes at an additional cost
Use our request a quote form to get house painting quotes from painters we've checked and cover your area, or search your postcode, below, to find relevant tradespeople near you.
See the tradespeople we've checked for your job
How to save money on house painting
Painting the exterior of your home is a task that should be done every 5-10 years. Committing to maintaining your exterior paintwork can help to ensure a longer-lasting finish and less costly quotes when it's time to repaint.
Additional ways to save on house painting costs include:
Choosing cost-effective materials: Shop around for the best durable paint for house exteriors (or ask the advice of a professional painter and decorator)
Requesting multiple quotes: Ask for itemised quotes from at least three local painters so you can compare like-for-like and ensure you're receiving a fair price for the work
Hire an experienced painter: A professional painter will have the tools and know-how to tackle your exterior painting project with unrivalled efficiency, helping to reduce the time it takes to complete the job
On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.
DIY exterior painting
Painting the exterior of your home yourself can be challenging and time-consuming. It involves:
Plenty of preparation - removing any flaky paint and cleaning the walls to ensure a smooth finish and proper paint adherence
Thorough repairs - ensuring cracks or damage are dealt with to ensure a long-lasting end result
Careful paint application - including primer and multiple paint layers for a high-quality finish
Bear in mind, for many homeowners, exterior house painting will involve working at height on scaffolding, typically for several days or weeks.
What's involved in painting a house?
Erect access equipment
Remove any existing flaky paint and brush off loose dirt from walls
Remove stubborn dirt with water and a brush
Clean any mould, moss, or algae with either a bleach/water solution or a fungicide treatment
Make good any repairs to walls with sand/cement mixture and allow the walls to fully dry
Treat the wall with a stabilising solution and allow to dry
Apply one coat of specialist masonry paint and allow to dry
Apply a second coat of specialist masonry paint
Apply a third coat of paint if the wall is being painted for the first time
Key takeaways
The average cost to paint a house is between £3,000–£6,000
The total cost depends on the size of your property, the condition of your current paintwork or brickwork, the type and quality of paint you choose, and local labour rates
Preparation is crucial to achieving a long-lasting and high-quality exterior finish
Your tradesperson will need to use scaffolding while painting your home - remember to factor in the cost of this item
Some tradespeople will provide an exterior painting cost per square metre, whereas others will provide a total cost for the job
Exterior house painting prices may vary considerably across the UK
Why not search with your postcode to find exterior painters that we've checked and work in your area?
See the tradespeople we've checked for your job
FAQs
How much does it cost to paint a 3-bedroom house in the UK?
As a guide, expect to pay between £1,800 - £3,600 to paint the exterior of a semi-detached house (approx. 90m²).
What factors influence the cost of exterior house painting?
There are several factors that can influence your house painting quote, including the size of your property, the amount of preparation work needed, the type and quality of paint used, and local labour rates.
How long does it take to paint the exterior of a house?
Painting a house exterior can take anywhere from 7 days - 3 days depending on the property size and the scope of the job.
Can I paint my house exterior in the winter?
Yes, it is possible to paint your house exterior in winter but you'll need to keep a close eye on the weather and plan accordingly. Wind and low temperatures will impact the drying time. Read our top tips for painting in cold weather.
What is the best type of paint for exterior walls?
When choosing the best paint for house exteriors in the UK, use weather-resistant masonry paint to ensure durability.
Do I need scaffolding to paint my house?
Yes, scaffolding is needed to paint a house exterior. UK health and safety laws require anyone working at a height for more than 30 minutes at a time to use a platform tower or scaffold.
Do I need a licence or permit to erect scaffolding?
If the scaffolding is erected on private property, no licence is needed. However, if it extends onto a public road or footpath, you'll need a permit from your local council.
How often should you paint the exterior of a house?
The exterior of your house should be painted every 5-10 years depending on the weather conditions and the paint quality you select.
Does exterior paint increase your home value?
Keeping your property exterior in tip top condition can help increase its value. Exterior paint can also help to protect your home from weather damage.
Do you need planning permission to paint the exterior of your house?
In most cases, you don't need planning permission to paint the exterior of your home. However, if you live in a listed property or a conservation area, you may need permission to repaint your home. You may also need to use special materials and employ approved tradespeople to complete the job.
More Exterior Painting Articles
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