How Much Does It Cost to Paint a 3 Bed House in London?
A detailed breakdown of the cost to paint a 3 bed house in London, including materials, labour, and timelines.
One of the most common questions we hear from homeowners across East London is: how much does it cost to paint a 3-bed house in London? It's a fair question, and one that deserves an honest, detailed answer rather than a vague "it depends." In this guide, we'll break down the real house painting prices in London for 2026, explain what drives costs up or down, and help you budget accurately for your project.
What Is the Average Cost to Paint a 3-Bed House in London?
For a full interior redecoration of a typical three-bedroom house in London — covering all rooms, ceilings, walls, and woodwork — you should budget between £3,500 and £6,500. That's a wide range, and the actual figure for your home will depend on a number of factors that we'll cover below.
This estimate assumes two professional painters working simultaneously, and includes all preparation and application labour. It does not include the cost of paint or materials. It does not typically include wallpaper (which adds cost) or specialist finishes such as limewash or venetian plaster.
Factors That Affect House Painting Prices in London
1. Condition of the Walls and Surfaces
Surface preparation is the single biggest variable in any decorating quote. If your walls are in good condition — clean, dry, and with minimal cracks or imperfections — preparation is straightforward. However, if walls have significant damage, old flaking paint, damp patches, or multiple layers of old wallpaper to strip, the preparation alone can add hundreds of pounds to the job.
Older properties in East London — particularly Victorian terraces and 1930s semis common in areas like East Ham, Forest Gate, and Plaistow — often have heritage plaster that requires more careful preparation and priming before painting can begin.
2. Whether the Property Is Occupied
Decorating an empty property is significantly faster and cheaper than working around a family still living in the home. In an occupied house, furniture needs to be moved and protected, work must be planned room by room to minimise disruption, and progress is naturally slower. Expect to add 10–20% to the overall cost if the property is occupied during works.
3. Scope of Woodwork
Woodwork — skirting boards, architraves, window frames, doors, and banisters — is labour-intensive and often the most time-consuming part of an interior decoration. A Victorian terrace with high ceilings, deep skirtings, and ornate architraves will have considerably more woodwork to paint than a modern new-build with flush doors and minimal mouldings.
4. Number of Rooms and Room Sizes
A three-bedroom house varies enormously in total square footage. A compact terrace in East Ham might have smaller rooms on two floors, while a larger Edwardian semi in Forest Gate could have high ceilings, a bay-fronted reception room, and a substantial kitchen-diner. Always get quotes based on a proper site visit — online calculators can only give a rough ballpark.
Room-by-Room Price Guide for London
- Single bedroom: £300–£500 (walls, ceiling, woodwork)
- Double bedroom: £400–£650
- Living room or reception: £450–£800 (larger rooms, often more woodwork)
- Kitchen: £350–£600 (depends on tile splashback areas and number of units)
- Bathroom: £250–£450
- Hallway and stairs: £400–£800 (often the most complex due to height and angles)
How Long Does It Take to Paint a 3-Bed House?
With two experienced painters working full days, a full interior redecoration of a three-bedroom house typically takes two to three weeks. Rushing the job to save time is a false economy — proper drying time between coats is essential for a durable, professional finish. We never apply second coats too soon, even when clients are keen to move back into rooms quickly.
Interior vs Exterior: What's the Difference in Cost?
Exterior painting tends to be quoted separately and is generally less expensive than a full interior redecoration for the same property. A full exterior repaint of a three-bedroom semi — covering masonry walls, timber windows, fascias, soffits, and the front door — typically costs between £1,500 and £3,500 depending on condition and access. Scaffolding requirements, if needed, are an additional cost.
What's Included in a Professional Decorator's Quote?
A proper quote from Paez Brothers will always include:
- Full surface preparation (filling, sanding, priming as required)
- Two coats of paint on all surfaces (or more where needed)
- Trade quality workmanship on all surfaces
- Protection of floors and furniture with dustsheets
- Daily clean-up and final site clearance
- Full public liability insurance cover throughout
Get an Accurate Quote for Your London Home
The only way to get an accurate price for painting your three-bedroom house is through a proper site visit and assessment. Painter prices in East London vary, but at Paez Brothers we offer free, no-obligation quotes for all properties across East Ham, East London, and surrounding areas. Use our online quote tool to get started or request a free site visit — we'll give you a detailed, honest price with no hidden extras.
