💰 Short Answer
Most house painting jobs in Melbourne cost between $15,000 and $25,000. Smaller homes can be done closer to $12k, while larger or older properties can easily push past $30k.
🧠 Why Painting Costs More Than People Expect
On paper, painting sounds simple:
👉 buy paint + hire a painter
In reality, most of what you’re paying for isn’t paint—it’s time and prep.
- Sanding
- Filling cracks
- Fixing old surfaces
- Multiple coats
That’s where the cost builds up.
If your home hasn’t been painted in years, expect prep work to take longer than the painting itself.
Compared to something like a full renovation, though, painting is still one of the cheapest ways to transform a space:
👉 https://ausrenoguides.com/bathroom-renovation-cost-melbourne-2026-guide/
📊 What People Actually Pay
| Project | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Interior only | $12k–$20k |
| Exterior only | $15k–$25k |
| Full house | $18k–$30k+ |
👉 Most 3-bedroom homes land around $18k–$25k
📐 Cost by House Size
| Property Size | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| 2-bedroom | $12k–$18k |
| 3-bedroom | $15k–$25k |
| 4-bedroom+ | $20k–$35k+ |
⚙️ What Actually Pushes the Price Up
1. Condition of Walls
Older homes need more prep → more labour
2. Number of Coats
Darker colours or poor surfaces need extra coats
3. Accessibility
Double-storey homes cost more
4. Exterior vs Interior
Exterior work is slower and more weather-dependent
💡 Where You Can Save (Without Regret)
If you want to keep costs down:
- Do basic prep yourself (cleaning, minor sanding)
- Avoid complex colour changes
- Paint multiple areas at once (better value quotes)
👉 Realistically, this can save you $3k–$6k
📏 Cost per Square Metre
You’ll usually see:
👉 $20 to $60 per sqm
But like all renovations—condition matters more than size.
🤔 Is It Worth Paying Professionals?
If you care about finish quality → yes.
DIY works for small jobs, but for full homes:
👉 professionals are faster, cleaner, and longer-lasting
❓ Quick Answers
How long does it take?
3–7 days depending on size
Does expensive paint matter?
Yes—better durability and finish
🔗 Related Guides
- Bathroom renovation cost Melbourne
👉 https://ausrenoguides.com/bathroom-renovation-cost-melbourne-2026-guide/
⚠️ Final Thought
Painting doesn’t add space.
But it changes how your entire home feels—for relatively low cost.