What does a painting & decorating cost?
As a national mid-range guide: £1,400 to £2,700 for a typical 90 m2 project, including 20% VAT. Budget finishes start around £1,100, premium runs to £4,100, and London adds a quarter. Set your own size, finish and region below for an instant estimate, no email required.
Painting & decorating, mid-range, Midlands
£1,400 to £2,700
Including 20% VAT. An indication, not a quote: prices vary per trade and property.
Take it further
Prices include 20% VAT. New builds and some energy-saving works can qualify for 0% or reduced VAT; ask your installer.
Got quotes in already? Check if they are fair. Want to know when the money leaves? See the phase-by-phase plan.
What drives the price
- Preparation: filling, sanding and priming is where good decorators earn their rate.
- Ceilings, woodwork and walls each price differently; whole-room is the honest unit.
- Paint quality: designer brands double the material cost, not the labour.
- Occupied rooms: moving furniture and masking adds real hours.
All figures come from the same validated 2026 price data as the calculator above (sources: Checkatrade, MyJobQuote and comparable national 2026 cost guides, checked August 2026; see how we price), so this page and your estimate can never disagree. Planning this in London? See the London guide, or compare every region in the regional overview. How to pay for it (remortgage, loan or savings) is its own guide: paying for a renovation. Planning an extension or loft? Check permitted development first.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth painting before selling?
Fresh neutral paint is consistently the highest-return cosmetic job before a sale: modest cost, photographs well, and removes the "project" feel for viewers. Just keep it neutral; buyers repaint taste, not tiredness.
Do these prices include VAT?
Yes, all ranges include 20% VAT. New builds and some energy-saving works can qualify for 0% or reduced VAT; ask your installer whether your project applies.
How much does the region matter?
A lot: London typically runs 20 to 35 percent above the national average (this site plans with +25%, the quarter mentioned above), and the North of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland sit 10 to 20 percent below. The calculator adjusts for your region automatically, and the regional overview shows every factor.
How accurate is this range?
It is a guide range from national 2026 cost guides, adjusted for finish level and region. Real quotes vary per trade, property and specification; treat it as a starting point, budget 10 to 15 percent contingency, and always get at least three itemised quotes.