Painting the outside of a house costs anywhere from £1,500 to £6,000 for most properties in the UK. The final figure depends on size, condition, materials, access, and labour rates in your area. A small terraced house may sit at the lower end. A large detached property with rough render and tricky access can push well beyond the average. You need clear numbers before you set a budget. Below, you will find a detailed breakdown of what drives the cost and where your money goes.
Average Exterior Painting Costs in the UK
For a standard guide:
- Small terraced house: £1,500 – £2,500
- Semi-detached house: £2,000 – £3,500
- Detached house: £3,000 – £6,000+
Painters often price by square metre. Expect £15 to £25 per m² for labour and materials combined. In London and the South East, you can expect higher rates. Rural areas often cost less. These figures assume good access and surfaces in fair condition.
Labour Costs
Labour makes up the largest share of the total. Professional decorators charge £150 to £250 per day per painter. A full exterior job usually takes between 3 and 7 days, depending on scale and preparation work. Preparation takes time. Scraping loose paint, sanding rough areas, filling cracks, and cleaning mould or algae. Skilled tradespeople never rush this stage. If they do, the finish fails within a few years. Two painters working five days at £200 per day each will cost £2,000 in labour alone. Add materials and equipment hire, and the total climbs fast.
Scaffolding and Access Equipment
Access changes everything. A single-storey bungalow may only need ladders. A three-storey townhouse will require scaffolding. Scaffolding costs between £600 and £1,500, depending on height and duration. If your home sits on a slope or has conservatories and extensions in the way, installers need more time and materials. That increases the hire fee. Never ignore this cost. Safe access protects both workers and your property.
Type of Surface
Different surfaces demand different preparation and paint.
- Smooth render: Easiest and cheapest to paint
- Roughcast or pebble dash: Requires more paint and effort
- Brickwork: Needs specialist masonry paint
- Timber cladding: Requires priming and weatherproof coating
Rough or porous surfaces absorb more paint. That drives up material costs. Timber needs sanding and sealing before top coats. Neglect this step, and rot sets in quickly. Expect to pay more if your exterior has not seen fresh paint for ten years or more.
Condition of the Exterior
Condition determines preparation time. Hairline cracks cost little to repair. Large cracks, flaking render, or rotten timber raise the bill. Painters may need to replace boards or stabilise loose surfaces before they begin. If damp stains appear, you must solve the source first. Painting over damp leads to blistering and peeling within months. A well-maintained house costs far less to repaint than one left exposed to harsh weather for years.
Paint Quality and Materials
Quality paint costs more upfront. It lasts longer. Expect to pay £40 to £80 per 10-litre tub for premium masonry paint. Cheap alternatives may cost half that, but they fade faster and offer weaker weather resistance. Most exteriors need two full coats after priming. Large detached homes may require 40-60 litres of paint. Do not cut corners here. Strong UV resistance and waterproof properties protect brick and render from long-term damage.
Additional Features That Increase Costs
Small details add up.
- Soffits and fascias
- Guttering
- Window frames
- Doors
- Garage doors
- Decorative trim
Each feature requires careful cutting in and precise brushwork. Painting uPVC frames costs more due to specialist primers. Gloss finishes on timber demand sanding between coats. Complex architecture increases labour hours.
Timing and Season
Most exterior painting takes place between late spring and early autumn. Dry weather ensures proper curing. During peak months, decorators fill their diaries quickly. Higher demand may raise day rates. Booking early often secures better pricing. Cold or damp conditions delay work and extend labour time. That increases cost.
How to Control Your Budget
You can manage costs without sacrificing quality.
Good preparation before the painters arrive saves hours of labour. Simpler colour schemes reduce cutting-in time. Always request a detailed written quote. It should outline labour, materials, access equipment, and the number of coats.
Is It Worth the Investment?
A freshly painted exterior transforms kerb appeal. It protects brickwork and render from moisture. It seals timber against rot. It increases property value. Most quality exterior paint jobs last 8 to 12 years when applied correctly. Spread the cost over a decade, and the annual expense feels modest. If you neglect exterior maintenance, you face far higher repair bills later.
Final Cost Overview
- Budget at least £2,000 to £4,000 for an average UK home
- Add scaffolding if your house exceeds two storeys
- Invest in high-grade masonry paint
- Prioritise proper surface preparation
Every home differs. Size, access, and condition shape the final quote. Yet one fact remains consistent: careful preparation, skilled labour, and durable paint define the true value of an exterior repaint. Choose wisely. Paint once. Protect your home for years.
