Quick Answer
Painting the exterior of a typical Melbourne house costs $4,000–12,000 depending on size, storey count, surface condition, and paint quality. A standard single-storey brick veneer (200–300 m² of paintable surface) runs $4,500–7,000 with a professional painter. DIY can cost $800–2,500 in materials, but preparation and working at height make it a significant project.
Professional Exterior Painting Costs
Cost by House Size and Type (Melbourne 2026)
| House Type | Paintable Surface | Professional Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small unit / townhouse | 80–150 m² | $2,500–4,500 | 2–3 days |
| Single-storey (3 bed) | 150–250 m² | $4,000–7,000 | 3–5 days |
| Single-storey (4–5 bed) | 250–350 m² | $6,000–9,000 | 4–6 days |
| Double-storey (3–4 bed) | 300–450 m² | $8,000–14,000 | 5–8 days |
| Large double-storey (5+ bed) | 450 m²+ | $12,000–20,000+ | 7–10 days |
Cost per Square Metre
| Surface Type | Rate (Labour + Materials) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rendered cement / texture coat | $18–35/m² | Most common in SE Melbourne homes |
| Bare brick (sealed and painted) | $20–40/m² | Porous brick needs additional primer coats |
| Weatherboard timber | $22–45/m² | Requires thorough sanding and priming |
| Fibre cement sheeting | $18–30/m² | Common in 1980s–2000s homes |
| Colorbond or metal cladding | $15–28/m² | Specialist paint required |
What Does Exterior Painting Include?
A professional exterior painting quote should cover: pressure-washing the exterior surface, filling cracks and holes, sanding rough areas, masking windows, doors and fixtures, applying a primer coat (mandatory on bare or previously unpainted surfaces), two coats of exterior-grade acrylic topcoat, painting fascias, gutters, bargeboards, window frames, door frame, and cleanup.
Extras and Additional Costs
| Extra Item | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Scaffold hire (2-storey) | $800–2,000 | Often included in pro quote; confirm |
| Pressure washing | $200–500 | Usually included in full exterior quotes |
| Render crack repair | $300–800 | May be additional if extensive |
| Repainting gutters and downpipes | $400–900 | Enamel or metal paint required |
| Heritage / council-approved colours | +$200–600 | Colour approval process adds cost |
| Window and door frame painting | $800–2,500 | Depends on frame type and number |
| Fence painting (included) | Often separate quote | Timber paling fence: $400–1,200 extra |
DIY Exterior Painting Costs
Materials Budget
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior acrylic paint (10 L) | $120–280 | Dulux Weathershield, Taubmans Endure — budget 10 L per 80–100 m² |
| Exterior primer (10 L) | $80–160 | Mandatory on bare surfaces and weatherboards |
| Roller kit (brushes, trays, rollers) | $50–120 | Long-pile rollers for rough render |
| Ladder (6–10 m extension) | $200–500 purchase / $60–120/day hire | Kennards Hire, Coates Hire |
| Drop sheets and masking tape | $30–80 | |
| Crack filler and caulk | $30–80 | Exterior grade flexible filler |
What Affects Exterior Painting Costs?
1. Surface Condition and Preparation Required
A house that hasn’t been painted in 15+ years with peeling paint, chalky render, mould growth, and multiple cracks can easily cost 40–60% more than a well-maintained house of the same size. Preparation is where the work is.
2. Storey Count and Access Difficulty
Double-storey homes require scaffolding or elevated platforms, which adds $800–2,000 to the project. Homes with steep pitches, hip rooflines, or complex elevations cost more due to restricted access.
3. Paint Quality
Professional-grade exterior paints (Dulux Weathershield Max, Taubmans Endure+) cost 30–50% more than budget trade paints, but deliver 10–15 year lifespans versus 5–7 years. Over time, better paint is cheaper.
4. Colour Changes
Changing from light to dark (or dark to light) may require additional primer coats and can add $500–1,000 to the total. Heritage properties in Frankston, Berwick, or Dandenong Heritage Overlay areas may require council colour approval.
How Long Does Exterior Paint Last in Melbourne?
| Paint Grade | Typical Lifespan | Brands |
|---|---|---|
| Premium exterior acrylic | 10–15 years | Dulux Weathershield Max, Taubmans Endure+, Haymes Solaguard |
| Standard exterior acrylic | 7–10 years | Dulux Weathershield, Taubmans Endure |
| Economy exterior paint | 4–7 years | Various trade paints |
Melbourne’s UV intensity (north-facing walls fade fastest), coastal salt air in Frankston and Mornington, and the extreme temperature range all accelerate paint degradation. Premium paint is a worthwhile investment for any exterior in SE Melbourne.
Tips and Gotchas
- Never paint in direct summer sun — Melbourne’s summer heat causes paint to dry too quickly, leaving brush marks and reducing adhesion. Ideal painting temperature is 10–28°C with low humidity.
- Don’t skip the primer on render — bare or chalky render soaks up topcoat and leaves an uneven finish. A sealer coat saves paint and gives a better result.
- Check for mould before painting — Melbourne’s cool, wet winters cause mould growth on south-facing walls. Treat with diluted bleach solution, rinse thoroughly, and allow to dry before painting with mould-resistant paint.
- Always pressure wash first — painting over chalky, dirty render traps contaminants under the new coat and causes premature peeling.
- Get quotes that specify the paint brand and product. A quote that just says “two coats of quality exterior acrylic” is meaningless — ask for the specific Dulux or Taubmans product code.
- DIY is viable for single-storey only — working above 2 metres on a ladder is a significant fall risk. Scaffold hire at ~$1,500 for a week makes professional quotes more competitive for two-storey.
- Check if your property is in a Heritage Overlay — parts of Frankston, Dandenong, and Berwick have heritage controls requiring council approval for colour changes. Check your council’s planning portal before ordering paint.
- Hold back 10% of the quote as final payment — pay only when all edging, windows, and touchups are complete. A reputable painter won’t object to this.
Local Resources
- Dulux Colour Service — exterior colour consultation
- Painting Services Melbourne — local licensed painters
- Kennards Hire — scaffold hire Melbourne
- hipages — find licensed painters in SE Melbourne
FAQ
How much does it cost to paint a house exterior in Melbourne?
A single-storey Melbourne home (150–250 m² of paintable surface) costs $4,000–7,000 professionally. Double-storey homes run $8,000–14,000. DIY materials for a single-storey job cost $800–2,000 but require significant time and access equipment.
How long does exterior paint last in Melbourne?
Premium exterior acrylic (Dulux Weathershield Max, Taubmans Endure+) lasts 10–15 years. Standard exterior acrylic lasts 7–10 years. Melbourne’s UV intensity, coastal salt air in the south, and extreme temperature range (10–42°C) all accelerate paint degradation.
Is it better to DIY or hire a painter for exterior painting?
DIY is practical for single-storey homes where you can safely work at height. For double-storey homes, the scaffold cost alone narrows the price gap significantly. Professionals work faster, produce better results on difficult surfaces, and take liability for the outcome — worth serious consideration for any home worth over $700,000.
How do I get a fair price for exterior painting in Melbourne?
Get at least 3 quotes, ensure each specifies the paint brand and product, includes surface preparation, and covers all trim and fascia work. Ask for references and check Google reviews. The middle quote is often the best value — the cheapest frequently omits preparation or uses economy-grade paint.
Do I need council approval to paint my house in Melbourne?
Generally no — repainting in the same colour never requires approval. Changing colours on a property in a Heritage Overlay may require council consent. Check your property’s planning overlay on your local council’s planning portal or the DELWP’s VicPlan tool before proceeding.
Final Thoughts
Exterior painting is one of the highest-ROI maintenance jobs you can do on a Melbourne home — a fresh, well-prepared paint job adds kerb appeal, protects the substrate from weather damage, and is one of the top-cited improvements by real estate agents before sale. The key decisions are: whether to DIY or hire a pro (hire for two-storey), which paint grade to use (don’t cut corners — buy premium), and whether to address surface defects before painting. A job done well lasts 10–15 years; one done poorly may need redoing in 3–5.
