Whether you’re updating tired walls or giving your home a fresh new look before selling, the cost to paint a house in the Southern Highlands can feel like a mystery. You might have already searched online and found a dizzying range of prices. $5,000? $15,000? More? And what does that even include?
Here’s the truth: painting prices can swing wildly depending on your home, your goals, and who’s doing the job.
At Southern Highlands Painting and Wallpapering, we work with homeowners just like you every day. In this guide, you’ll learn the numbers and the factors that shape the prices so that you can make a smart, confident decision.
Table of Contents
Why House Painting Prices Vary So Much
Let’s start with the big question: why can’t anyone just give you a flat rate?
Because painting a house is not like buying a T-shirt. There’s no fixed price tag, and no two homes are exactly alike. Here are the main reasons prices vary so much:
1. House Size and Layout
This one’s obvious, but it matters more than you might think. A large two-storey home takes more time, more paint, and often requires scaffolding or ladders, which adds to the cost. Even interior jobs can vary based on how many rooms, how high the ceilings are, and how many windows or doors there are to work around.
2. Surface Condition
If your walls or weatherboards are in rough shape, you’re not just paying for paint. You’re paying for preparation. Sanding, patching, scraping off old paint, or dealing with mould or flaking takes time, and that time is built into your quote.
3. Type of Paint and Finish
Some homeowners want premium finishes or eco-friendly options, while others just want a fresh coat that does the job. Gloss, matte, low-sheen—all these choices come with different price points. A good painter will talk you through what suits your goals and budget.
4. Scope of Work
Are you painting just the walls, or are you also doing ceilings, trims, skirting boards, and doors? The more detailed the job, the more labour it involves. And if you’re doing both interior and exterior work at once, your quote will reflect that larger scope.
Average House Painting Cost in the Southern Highlands
Keep in mind, these are typical local averages based on real jobs we’ve seen across places like Bowral, Mittagong, and Moss Vale. Prices can still vary depending on the size, condition, and details of your home (as we covered above), but this gives you a solid starting point.
Interior Painting Costs
For a standard three-bedroom home with average ceiling height and prep work:
- $15,000 – $18,000 for walls, ceilings, and trim
- Add $1,500 – $2,500 for extras like feature walls, decorative mouldings, or extra coats.
Larger homes or homes with high ceilings, ornate trims, or older walls needing more prep can climb to $18,000 – $24,000.
Exterior Painting Costs
Exterior jobs often cost more due to weather exposure, scaffold hire, and surface prep:
- $8,000 to $10,000 for a single-storey home
- $15,000 to $18,000+ for a two-storey weatherboard or heritage home
If your exterior needs sanding, gap-filling, or replacement of rotten timber, that can add another $1,000–$3,000, depending on extent.
Full House Painting (Interior + Exterior)
For a complete job inside and out:
- Expect $12,000 to $25,000, depending on all the factors we’ve mentioned
What about hourly rates or per-square-metre pricing?
Some painters do offer square metre or hourly pricing, but in most cases, you’ll get a quote based on the scope of work instead. Still, for rough comparison:
- $45–$80 per square metre for interior work
- $50–$80 per square metre for exterior work, depending on access and condition
Remember, these prices usually include labour, materials, paint, and clean-up, but always check what’s in your quote.
Interior vs Exterior Painting Costs
Interior Painting Costs
When painting inside, painters are working in a controlled environment. There’s no wind, rain, or sunlight to worry about. Access is easier, surfaces are typically smoother (like plaster or gyprock), and there’s often less scaffolding or safety gear required.
Typical Interior Painting Costs in the Southern Highlands:
| Job Type | Estimated Cost |
| Standard 3-bedroom home | $15,000 – $18,000 |
| Larger or detailed homes | Up to $25,000 |
Interior Costs May Increase If:
- Ceilings are high
- There’s water damage or flaking paint to fix
You want multiple colours or custom finishes
Exterior Painting Costs
Exterior jobs often involve weatherboards, rendered walls, or brick—surfaces that need more prep and more durable paint. Plus, painters have to deal with weather delays, difficult access, and safety regulations.
Typical Exterior Painting Costs in the Southern Highlands:
| Job Type | Estimated Cost |
| Single-storey home | $8,000 – $10,000 |
| Two-storey or weatherboard home | $15,000 – $18,000+ |
Exterior Costs May Increase If:
- Your home has timber cladding that needs sanding or patching
- Access is tricky, or the site is uneven
You’re repainting a very different colour (which needs more coats)
Which One Should You Prioritise?
If the budget is tight, start with whatever will give you the biggest visual or protective impact. For example, flaking or faded weatherboards could cause long-term damage if left, while interior paint is usually more about aesthetics. But if you’re selling, fresh interiors often give the best return on investment.
What’s a Fair Price for Painting a House in the Highlands?
So, what’s a fair price to paint a house in the Southern Highlands?
If you’re being quoted:
- $15,000 – $18,000 for a standard interior job,
- $8,000–$10,000 for a single-storey exterior, or
- $20,000 $35,000 for full-house painting
You’re in the right ballpark for the Southern Highlands.
Anything far cheaper should raise questions. Is it missing prep? Is low-quality paint being used? Are key details excluded from the quote?
Remember, paint doesn’t just make your home look good. It protects it. Whether you’re trying to boost street appeal, modernise an older home, or prevent long-term damage, a quality paint job is a solid investment.
Thinking about painting your home in the Southern Highlands?
Get in touch with Southern Highlands Painting and Wallpapering for a free, detailed quote. We’ll walk through your home, explain what’s involved, and give you honest pricing with no surprises.