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 May 2026.

Page last updated: May 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.

Location matters too. Full-house repaint pricing in Wellington and Queenstown sits well above Hamilton, Dunedin, or Whangarei, while Christchurch and Tauranga tend to sit closer to the middle of the national range.

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.

Are you a homeowner?

Get connected with local tradies who can quote your job.

Are you a painter?

Use ATT to quote faster, win more work, and run your painter business.

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.

Are you a homeowner?

Get connected with local tradies who can quote your job.

Are you a painter?

Use ATT to quote faster, win more work, and run your painter business.