Cost of Painting & Decorating in the UK (2026 — London vs Regional Guide)

Painting and decorating costs in the UK vary significantly depending on location, property size, and the amount of preparation required. In 2026, homeowners outside London typically pay £150–£220 per day, while in London and the South East rates are higher at around £220–£300 per day.

London & South East Pricing

In London, a single room repaint usually costs £350–£550. Larger living rooms and open-plan spaces cost £550–£850, especially if there are feature walls or high ceilings. A full 3-bedroom house interior repaint in London typically costs £1,800–£3,200.

Exterior painting in London is also more expensive due to access, parking restrictions, and higher labour costs. A standard house exterior repaint costs £1,300–£2,500, with larger or three-storey properties exceeding £3,500.

Regional UK Pricing (Midlands, North, Wales, Scotland)

Outside London, costs are lower. A single room repaint typically costs £250–£400, a large room costs £400–£650, and a full 3-bedroom house interior repaint usually costs £1,200–£2,200.

Exterior painting outside London costs around £900–£1,800 for an average house, with larger properties reaching £2,500–£3,000.

What’s Included

Painting and decorating normally includes:

Protecting floors and furniture

Filling cracks and sanding surfaces

Priming bare or repaired areas

Applying two coats of paint

Cleaning up after completion

Extra work such as repairing plaster, treating damp or mould, or stripping old wallpaper will increase costs.

Best Time to Book

Spring and summer are the busiest seasons, especially for exterior work. Booking in winter or early spring can be cheaper, particularly outside London where demand is more seasonal.

Summary

London prices are typically 20–30% higher than the rest of the UK due to higher labour, travel, and business costs. Regional areas offer better value, but quality and preparation still matter more than the cheapest quote