The short answer
Painting a house exterior in the UK typically costs £2,000–£5,000+, with a mid-terrace often landing around £2,200–£4,500 outside London and more in the capital. Exterior work usually costs roughly 1.4× the interior rate per square metre because of the access, weather-resistant masonry paint and heavier surface preparation. The main drivers are property size and height, the access needed (ladders, towers or scaffolding), the condition of the render and woodwork, and the paint. A larger detached house, or one needing scaffolding and render repair, sits at the upper end of the range.
Exterior decorating is a bigger, weather-dependent job than interior work, and the access often costs as much as the painting. Here is what typically drives an exterior price and where it climbs.
Typical UK costs
- Mid-terrace~£2,200–£4,500
- Semi / detachedhigher, by size
- Exterior vs interior~1.4× per m²
- Scaffoldingoften a separate line
- Timeseveral days to weeks
What drives an exterior price
- Size and height: a two- or three-storey house has more wall area and needs more access equipment than a bungalow.
- Access: ladders and towers suit lower work, but full elevations often need scaffolding — a real cost worth seeing itemised.
- Surface preparation: cleaning, filling render cracks, treating rust on metalwork and removing flaking paint is the bulk of a good exterior job.
- Paint and surfaces: weatherproof masonry paint, plus separate woodwork and metalwork coatings, all add to the figure.
| Item | Typical figure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| House exterior (overall) | £2,000–£5,000+ | size, height & access |
| Mid-terrace | ~£2,200–£4,500 | outside London |
| Exterior vs interior | ~1.4× / m² | access & weather paint |
| Scaffolding | separate line | for full elevations |
Indicative UK figures for guidance. Sourced from MyJobQuote and Checkatrade cost guides.
Why preparation and access matter most
On an exterior, the painting itself is often the quick part — it is the preparation and access that set the price and the result. Render that is cracked, masonry that is dirty or covered in algae, and woodwork that is flaking all need treating before paint will last, and that work happens at height. A quote that breaks out cleaning, repairs, access and the number of coats is easier to trust than a single round number, and it lets you compare like for like. Exterior work is also weather-dependent, so timing matters — dry spells make for better adhesion and fewer delays.
Want an exterior quote on your home?
Get matched with a vetted painter and decorator who assesses the elevations, plans safe access, sets out the prep and quotes on a clear specification.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to paint a house exterior in the UK?
Typically £2,000–£5,000+, with a mid-terrace often around £2,200–£4,500 outside London and more in the capital. Exterior work usually costs roughly 1.4× the interior rate per m² because of access, weatherproof paint and heavier preparation.
Why is exterior painting more expensive than interior?
Because of access and preparation. Full elevations often need towers or scaffolding, the surfaces need cleaning and repair before painting, and weather-resistant masonry paint costs more — all of which add to the figure.
Does the exterior price include scaffolding?
Not always. On a two- or three-storey house, scaffolding is often a separate line. Ask whether access, render or woodwork repairs and the paint grade are included so you can compare quotes on the same scope.
Sources & further reading
Figures on this page are typical UK ranges drawn from published sources and depend on your specific job. They are guidance, not a quotation.