The bigger your property, the more you'll pay – not just in paint, but in time, labour, and complexity. High ceilings, extra rooms, and multiple stories all add to the bill, especially for detailed prep and tricky access areas.

But there's good news: larger jobs can score bulk discounts. Plus, if you find a reliable tradie to do the work, you can get the job done faster.

Quick dislcaimer: painting a property is a complex job. These quotes can be be very different from what you'll get. For a closer-to-reality estimate, please use our AI-powered price quote tool.

How Property Size in Australia Impacts Painting Costs

It's pretty straightforward – larger properties need more paint and take more time to complete. This directly impacts your pocket in a few ways.

For interior painting across Australia, expect to pay between $10-$60 per square metre. The average room might cost you $400-$1,200 depending on size and complexity. Meanwhile, an entire house can range from $2,000 all the way up to $20,000+ for larger properties.

Here's what most homeowners in Australia pay:

Interior Painting

• 2-Bedroom Unit: $2,500-$5,000
• 3-Bedroom House (Single Story): $2,500-$3,800
• 4-Bedroom House (Single Story): $3,500-$4,500

The price jumps considerably for double-story homes. A 3-bedroom double-story house may cost between $3,000 and $6,000, while a 5+ bedroom double-story home ranges from $5,500-$8,000+.

Room Count and Painting Prices

Size affects painting costs in ways you might not expect. Even if two homes have the same floor area, the one with more rooms will typically cost more to paint because there are more walls, doors, and trims to deal with.

Those lovely high ceilings in larger homes look fantastic, but they need extra equipment and labour hours to reach.

Multi-story homes are more complex to paint, especially on the outside. Exterior painting for a single-story home typically runs between $3,000-$15,000, while a two-story home jumps significantly to $10,000-$20,000+. This increase comes from:

• The need for scaffolding or lifts to reach higher areas.
• Additional safety equipment and precautions.
• Extended labour time to navigate multiple levels.

More complex prep work

Architectural Features Add Complexity

Larger properties often come with architectural features that add character but also cost. Your painting budget will need to account for:

• The detailed work required for decorative trims and mouldings that are common in larger homes.
• Special attention needed for features like gables, verandahs and complex rooflines that require extra time and skill.
• Larger and older properties might need more extensive washing, sanding, and repair before painting can begin.

Possible Discount on Big Painting Projects

The good news? The cost per square metre sometimes may drop for very large projects. Painters might offer bulk discounts on paint and work more efficiently on bigger jobs. It's worth asking about volume discounts when getting quotes.

While tackling a small room yourself might save some cash, think twice before DIYing a large property. Professional painters bring efficiency, proper equipment and expertise that often make them more cost-effective for bigger jobs.

Get the Best Deal

Ready to paint your place? Here's how to get the most bang for your buck:

1. Get multiple quotes. Always compare at least three.
2. Be specific about your property. Mention size, rooms, stories, and any unique features.
3. Ask about bulk discounts, especially for whole-house jobs.

Remember, a quality paint job is an investment in your home. Paying a bit more for professional work on a larger property often pays off with better results and longer-lasting finish.

SnapTradie can connect you with trusted local tradies who'll give you a fair quote based on your property's specific needs.