Exterior House Painting Cost
Painting the exterior of a house in the UK is likely to cost between £600 and £6,000, depending on the type and size of property.
A new coat of paint can completely transform the look of your property, boost kerb appeal, and even protect walls from the elements. But how much does exterior house painting cost in the UK?
This guide breaks down the average prices, what factors affect the total cost, and how to save money while still getting a professional-quality finish.
How much does it cost to paint the outside of a house?
This is how much people have paid for getting the exterior of various size houses painted including any woodwork such as windows or around the fascias or perhaps dormers and doors. The prices quoted will usually include both materials and labour costs.
User submitted prices
| Job type | House type | Description | Price | Units | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exterior Painting & Decorating | 3 bed Semi-detached house | Outside | £450 | Total price | North West |
| Exterior Painting & Decorating | 3 bed Detached house | Preparing exterior, 9 windows and 3 doors. Fill in where needed with wood filler and putty. Paint 2 coats of undercoat and paint 1 coats of top coat. Paint Apex of garage and top of windows. Silicone round windows. Touch up paint on front of house. Materials and Labour. | £1,980 | Total price | East Midlands |
| Exterior Painting & Decorating | 4 bed Detached house | Large victorian Bay window including pillars, one sash opener and large masonry sill. Poor Condition. Full refurbishment. 2 x Undercoat 1 x Gloss | £530 | Total price | South East |
| Exterior Painting & Decorating | 3 bed Semi-detached house | Paint fascia and soffits. | £925 | Total price | South East |
| Exterior Painting & Decorating | 3 bed Bungalow | 3 bedroomed detached bungalow. Painting all exterior woodwork. Deal with windows needing new putty. Small amount of woodwork repair eg to a sill and two doors. Paint used Superdec. Took about 3 or 4 days with two men on the job. | £1,700 | Total price | Cymru Wales |
| Exterior Painting & Decorating | 3 bed Detached house | Painting 2 colour gloss exterior 10 small wooden window frames and sills for 3 bed house including treatment/repair of rotten or damaged sections | £1,100 | Total price | South West |
| Exterior Painting & Decorating | 4 bed Detached house | Preparing and painting exterior window frames and 2 sets of patio doors on large 4 bedroom house | £2,170 | Total price | South West |
| Exterior Painting & Decorating | 5 bed Detached house | 18 various windows and doors (doors 5) 4 coats sadolin. Garage door. Window sill rub down. | £4,800 | Total price | East Midlands |
| Exterior Painting & Decorating | 3 bed Bungalow | single storey detached long stone cottage: front & rear walls and gable ends, chimney, downpipes, 2 coats. | £755 | Total price | Scotland |
| Exterior Painting & Decorating | 3 bed Terraced house | 3 bedroom house prep work back and front painted,fascia board painted undercoat and gloss, some gutters replaced, downpipe replaced. | £990 | Total price | South East |
| Exterior Painting & Decorating | 3 bed Detached house | Mask all double glazed windows and apply 3 coats oil based masonary paint to external walls only. | £3,660 | Total price | Scotland |
| Exterior Painting & Decorating | 4 bed Detached house | Victorian sash windows, porch and 2 doors. | £1,980 | Total price | West Midlands |
| Exterior Painting & Decorating | 4 bed Terraced house | Top half brickwork painted, 3 bay windows wood and leaded glass frames painted accordingly, eaves and metal drainage pipes sanded and repainted. | £2,970 | Total price | London |
| Exterior Painting & Decorating | 3 bed Detached house | Painting front of cottage and bit of the side. cost includes paint. | £650 | Total price | South East |
| Exterior Painting & Decorating | 3 bed Terraced house | 2 soffits, 3 casement windows, 2 sash windows, 3 sided sash bay window, front door. Masonry paint to 8 sills + porch. | £1,330 | Total price | South East |
| Exterior Painting & Decorating | 3 bed Detached house | prepare and apply 2 coats of masonry to rough cast walls | £3,812 | Total price | West Midlands |
| Exterior Painting & Decorating | 3 bed Detached house | Price for painting fascias and external woodwork on small-medium 3 bed detached house including paint. | £610 | Total price | North West |
| Exterior Painting & Decorating | 3 bed Semi-detached house | 2 storey 3-bed semi. Paint all elevations including chimney stack with 2 coats masonry paint. Repair, prepare and paint all external woodwork including front door and two garage doors. Paint front porch and inner front door | £3,320 | Total price | London |
Average cost of exterior house painting in the UK
The cost of painting the outside of your home varies depending on the size of your property, the condition of the walls, and the type of paint you choose.
In addition to the prices submitted by WhatPrice users, here’s a general price guide for exterior house painting in 2025:
| Property Type | Average Cost (Labour + Materials) | Typical Range | Timeframe |
| Small terrace (2 bed) | £750 to £1,200 | £600 to £1,500 | 3 to 4 days |
| Semi-detached house | £1,200 to £2,000 | £1,000 to £2,500 | 5 to 7 days |
| Detached house | £2,000 to £4,500 | £1,800 to £6,000 | 7 to 12 days |
| Bungalow | £900 to £1,500 | £800 to £2,000 | 3 to 5 days |
These prices include labour and materials but not major repairs. If your walls need rendering, crack repairs, or scaffolding, costs will rise.
What affects exterior house painting costs?
Several factors influence how much you’ll pay for exterior painting. Knowing these can help you budget more accurately.
1. Property size and height
Larger homes naturally cost more, as they take more time and paint. Multi-storey houses often require scaffolding, which can add £500 to £1,500 to your total bill.
2. Wall condition
If your walls are in good shape, a painter can get straight to work. However, cracked render, damaged brickwork, or peeling old paint will need repairing first. Surface preparation can add 1 to 3 extra days to the job and increase costs.
3. Type of paint used
- Standard masonry paint: £20 to £40 per 5L tin (covers approximately 40 to 50m²).
- Premium weatherproof paint: £50 to £80 per 5L.
- Specialist coatings (anti-mould, breathable, or heat-reflective): £80 to £120 per 5L.
Premium paints cost more upfront but last longer, meaning fewer repaints over time.
4. Access and scaffolding
If your home is tall or has awkward areas, scaffolding or cherry pickers may be needed. Scaffolding hire can range from £300 for a small job up to £1,500+ for larger properties.
5. Labour costs
Painters and decorators in the UK typically charge £150 to £250 per day. Rates are higher in London and the Southeast compared to northern regions.
6. Extra features
Painting extras such as fascias, soffits, downpipes, doors, or window frames will add to your quote. Expect an extra £200 to £600 depending on the number of features.
Benefits of exterior house painting
Painting your home’s exterior isn’t just about looks. There are several practical benefits:
- Improves kerb appeal: A fresh exterior can increase property value and make a great impression on visitors or buyers.
- Protects walls: Quality exterior paints act as a barrier against rain, frost, and UV damage.
- Prevents damage: Seals small cracks and reduces water penetration, helping avoid costly repairs later.
- Customises your home: Choose from a wide range of colours to give your property a unique, modern style.
How to reduce cost of exterior house painting
Exterior painting can be a big investment, but these tips will help you keep costs under control:
Get multiple quotes
Always compare at least 3 quotes from reputable painters.
Time your project wisely
Painters are busiest in summer. Booking in spring or autumn may save money.
Tackle repairs in advance
Fixing cracks or damaged render yourself (if you’re confident) can reduce prep time.
Use standard colours
Off-the-shelf paints are cheaper than custom-mixed shades.
Combine jobs
If you’re also painting fences, garages, or outbuildings, ask for a package deal.
Choose quality paint
While premium paint costs more, it lasts longer, saving money in the long run.
FAQs
How often should you paint the outside of your house?
Most homes need repainting every 5 to 10 years, depending on paint quality and exposure to weather.
Is it cheaper to DIY exterior painting?
DIY may save money upfront, but professional painters deliver a longer-lasting finish and handle scaffolding safely. Mistakes in prep or application can lead to peeling and higher costs later.
Does painting add value to my home?
Yes. A fresh exterior can add 5 to 10% to your property’s value, especially if you’re selling.
How long does exterior painting take?
Between 3 and 12 days, depending on property size, condition, and weather.
Do I need planning permission to paint my house?
Not usually, unless your home is listed or in a conservation area. Always check with your local council if you’re unsure.
Get a painting and decorating quote
Ready to refresh your home’s exterior? Compare free, no-obligation quotes from trusted local painters and decorators.
