Cost to Paint a House in NZ

A full house repaint in New Zealand costs $5,000–$25,000. Interior-only runs $4,000–$12,000, exterior-only $4,500–$15,000. Most 3-bedroom homeowners spend $8,000–$16,000 for a complete repaint. Prep scope, house size, storeys, and surface condition are the biggest price drivers. NZ painter pricing data — updated April 2026.

Prices last updated: April 2026

House Painting Cost Summary

Small House
$5K–$10K
2-bed, single storey
Medium House
$8K–$16K
3-bed home
Large House
$12K–$25K
4-5 bed home
Per m²
$25–$80
Interior & exterior

House Painting Costs by Size

House SizeInterior OnlyExterior OnlyFull Repaint
2-bedroom$3,000–$5,500$3,500–$7,000$5,500–$10,000
3-bedroom$4,000–$7,000$4,500–$10,000$8,000–$15,000
4-bedroom$6,000–$10,000$6,000–$14,000$11,000–$22,000
5-bedroom$8,000–$14,000$8,000–$18,000$15,000–$28,000
Single storeyBase priceBase priceBase price
Two storey+20–35%+25–40%+25–40%

What Drives the Cost of Painting a House in NZ?

Four things move the price most:

  • House size — A 3-bedroom home has roughly 150–200 m² of interior walls and 120–180 m² of exterior (Stats NZ data). More surface area means more paint and labour.
  • Scope — Interior only, exterior only, or both. Bundling both saves 10–15% compared with separate projects.
  • Surface condition — Sound paint needs minimal prep. Peeling, cracking, or mouldy surfaces add 20–40% to the price.
  • Storeys — Two-storey homes cost 25–40% more due to scaffolding and slower work at height.

Each of these factors is covered in detail in our complete NZ painting cost guide.

What's Included in a House Painting Quote?

A professional quote should cover:

  • Surface prep — washing, scraping, filling, sanding, and priming.
  • Two coats of quality paint on all specified surfaces.
  • Labour, setup, floor and furniture protection, and cleanup.
  • Paint and materials (check whether included or homeowner-supplied).

See our quote example for a line-by-line breakdown of what a professional quote looks like.

Common extras: scaffolding hire, wallpaper removal, plaster repairs, lead paint removal (pre-1978 homes), and colour changes needing extra coats.

Want a More Accurate Estimate?

These ranges are a starting point. Your actual cost depends on prep, access, condition, and scope. Plug your details into the calculator for a tighter estimate.

Use Painting Cost Calculator

How to Get the Best Price

  • Get 3 quotes — Compare scope, paint brand, and number of coats like-for-like.
  • Bundle interior + exterior — Saves 10–15% vs separate projects.
  • Book in summer — Better weather means faster work. Some painters offer off-season discounts.
  • Do your own prep — Move furniture, clear gardens, and remove curtain fittings to save labour hours.
  • Use mid-range paint — Best value overall. Go premium for exteriors and high-traffic rooms.

Data References

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to paint a house in NZ?

$5,000–$25,000 for a full repaint. A standard 3-bedroom home runs $8,000–$15,000 interior and exterior combined. The final price shifts with house size, surface condition, number of storeys, and region.

How long does it take to paint a whole house?

2–4 weeks for a full 3-bedroom repaint with a crew of 2–3. Interior-only takes 5–10 days, exterior-only 5–14 days. Weather and prep scope are the main variables.

Is it worth painting a house before selling?

Almost always. A $10,000 repaint adds $20,000–$40,000 to perceived value. Focus spend on the exterior (first impressions) and main living areas for the highest return.

Should I paint my house myself to save money?

DIY cuts 50–70% off labour but takes 3–5× longer and risks a poorer finish. Interior rooms are manageable; exterior work is best left to professionals for safety and paint longevity.

Want a More Accurate Estimate?

These ranges are a starting point. Your actual cost depends on prep, access, condition, and scope. Plug your details into the calculator for a tighter estimate.

Use Painting Cost Calculator