How much does it cost to paint a 3-bedroom house?

In 2026, painting an entire 3-bedroom house including labour and materials typically costs between £1,200 and £3,000. The price varies depending on the quality of paint, the condition of the walls and the experience of the decorator.

What is the best paint brand for interior walls?

There are quality options for every budget. The key factors are that the paint should be wipeable, low-odour and offer high coverage. Popular UK brands include Dulux, Farrow & Ball, and Crown. Ask your decorator to recommend a suitable water-based emulsion for interior walls.

How much does a painter charge per day in the UK?

In 2026, a professional painter and decorator in the UK charges between £150 and £350 per day depending on location and experience. Additional work such as ceiling painting, plaster repairs and priming may carry extra charges.

How long does interior paint take to dry?

Water-based interior emulsion paints are touch-dry within 1 to 2 hours and fully cured within 24 hours. Wait at least 4 hours before applying a second coat. Good ventilation shortens drying time.

House Painting Costs 2026: A Room-by-Room Price Guide

How Much Does House Painting Cost?

House painting costs in 2026 range from £8 to £20 per square metre including materials and labour. For a standard 2-bedroom flat, the total cost typically falls between £800 and £1,800, while a 3-bedroom property runs between £1,200 and £3,000.

House painting is one of the most common and fundamental renovation tasks. Over time walls can fade, become stained or develop cracks. Regular repainting refreshes your home's appearance and protects wall surfaces. However, prices vary significantly depending on paint quality, wall condition, the number of rooms and your location within the UK. In this guide you will find detailed, up-to-date house painting costs for 2026.

Room-by-Room House Painting Costs

Because every room differs in size, prices vary by room type. The table below shows current prices including labour and materials:

Room Type	Budget Paint	Mid-Range	Premium Paint
Living Room (20–30 m²)	£250 – £450	£450 – £800	£800 – £1,400
Bedroom (12–18 m²)	£180 – £350	£350 – £600	£600 – £1,000
Kitchen (8–14 m²)	£150 – £300	£300 – £500	£500 – £800
Bathroom (4–8 m²)	£100 – £200	£200 – £400	£400 – £650
Children's Room (10–16 m²)	£160 – £320	£320 – £550	£550 – £900
Hallway / Landing	£80 – £180	£180 – £350	£350 – £550

These prices include primer, filler and minor repairs. Major crack repairs or ceiling painting are charged separately. If you are planning a comprehensive renovation, take a look at our home renovation guide for full guidance.

Factors That Affect House Painting Costs

Several factors determine the overall cost of painting your home:

Paint quality and brand: Budget emulsion paints cost around £20 to £40 per litre, while premium paints from brands like Farrow & Ball or Little Greene range from £50 to £100 per litre. Higher-quality paint typically requires fewer coats and lasts longer.
Wall condition: Cracks, damp marks or old flaking paint require additional preparation work, which can add 20 to 40 per cent to the total cost.
Ceiling painting: Ceilings are usually priced separately and cost roughly 30 per cent more than wall painting due to the awkward working position.
Number of rooms: When booking multiple rooms at once, most decorators will offer a per-room discount.
Location: Labour rates are higher in London and the South East compared with other parts of the UK.

What to Look Out for When Hiring a Painter

Before hiring a painter and decorator, always get quotes from at least three professionals. When comparing quotes, look beyond price alone — check the paint brand they intend to use, the number of coats included and the preparation work covered.

Ask whether the quote includes a primer coat, because painting without primer affects both the colour finish and the longevity of the paint. Ensure good ventilation during painting. Water-based paints are safer in terms of fumes. Always protect your furniture and floors with dust sheets. After painting, ventilate the rooms for at least 48 hours to allow full curing.

DIY or Hire a Professional?

DIY painting may seem appealing from a budget perspective, but achieving a quality finish requires experience. Proper roller technique, cutting in around edges and even coat distribution are skills a professional brings. That said, you can gain experience by tackling a single small room yourself.

If you choose DIY, you will need a good roller set, an angled brush, a paint tray and masking tape. The total cost of these materials runs between £30 and £80. When you hire a professional, they supply their own tools. For larger areas and especially for ceilings, hiring a painter is the right choice in terms of both time and quality.

Seasonal Painting Tips

The best seasons for interior painting are spring and autumn. In summer, excessive heat can cause paint to dry too quickly and crack. In winter, low temperatures and high humidity slow drying and can affect the finish.

Check the weather forecast before starting. Avoid rainy or highly humid days. The ideal room temperature for painting is between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius. Before painting your walls, browse our wall decoration ideas article for colour and pattern inspiration.

Conclusion

House painting costs in 2026 range from roughly £200 to £5,000 depending on paint quality, number of rooms and wall condition. Getting multiple quotes, choosing quality paint and timing the work to the right season will protect your budget and deliver a long-lasting finish. After painting, you might also consider refreshing your bathroom — see our bathroom renovation costs guide for full details.

At builderquote.co.uk you can compare renovation prices and find the best options for your budget.