How Much Does Exterior House Painting Cost in London?
The honest answer depends on three things: the size of your property, what condition the existing paintwork is in, and the surface type you're dealing with. A painter who quotes without seeing the property is guessing. Here's what the actual numbers look like for London homes.
| Property Type | Approx. Size | Typical Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-storey terraced | 60–90m² exterior | £800 – £1,500 | Most common in inner London |
| Semi-detached | 90–130m² exterior | £1,200 – £2,200 | Side elevation adds cost |
| Detached house | 130–200m²+ exterior | £1,800 – £3,500 | 4+ sides, often 3 storeys |
| Scaffolding (if needed) | — | £400 – £800 | For 2+ storeys or complex access |
These prices include labour, materials, surface preparation, and site clean-up. They do not include structural repairs like re-rendering or major crack filling — if those are needed, we identify them during the free site survey and price them separately so there are no surprises.
Not sure where you fall? Call us on 020 8225 5125 for a free, no-obligation site survey. We'll assess every surface, identify any prep work needed, and give you a detailed quote before anything is agreed.
What Drives the Cost of Exterior Painting in London?
Size is the obvious one. But London properties throw up several less obvious cost factors that often catch homeowners off guard.
- Surface type — pebbledash needs more material and time than smooth render. Timber windows and soffits require different products entirely.
- Condition of existing paintwork — if it's flaking, chalking, or has hairline cracks, preparation takes longer. This is where most cost variation comes from.
- Access — properties with restricted street access (common across terraced streets in Islington, Hackney, and Hammersmith) may require more complex scaffold arrangements.
- Paint specification — premium weatherproof masonry coatings cost more than standard masonry paint, but they last significantly longer. We use resin-based products specifically rated for the UK climate.
- Seasonal timing — external work is weather-dependent. Painting in ideal conditions (dry, 10°C+) produces better results and reduces the number of coats needed.
The Part Most London Painters Don't Talk About: Preparation
Surface preparation is why some exterior paint jobs last a decade and others start peeling within two years. It's also where corners get cut when someone needs to hit a low quote.
A properly prepared exterior involves pressure washing, removing all loose and chalky paint, filling hairline cracks with flexible exterior filler, applying the correct primer for the specific surface (masonry, timber, and UPVC each need different systems), and then building up coats. Skip any of those steps and the topcoat fails faster.
When you're comparing quotes, the question to ask isn't "how much is the cheapest?" — it's "what does your preparation process include?" A detailed answer is a good sign. A vague one isn't.
What Happens If You Leave Exterior Paintwork Too Long?
Deteriorating exterior paintwork isn't just a cosmetic problem. When the protective coating breaks down, moisture gets into render and brickwork. In London's freeze-thaw winters, that leads to spalling brick, cracked render, and eventually damp inside the property. Repairs at that point cost considerably more than a timely repaint. Most well-painted London homes need recoating every 7–10 years when the right products are used correctly from the start.
For more on protecting the fabric of your home, the GOV.UK planning guidance is useful if your home is in a conservation area. The Historic England advice for homeowners covers paint choices for older and listed London properties specifically.
Exterior Surfaces We Paint in London
Different surfaces need different products and different preparation. What works on smooth render will damage UPVC or sit poorly on timber. Getting that right matters — it's the difference between paintwork that looks good and paintwork that holds up.
Masonry & Render
- Smooth and rough-cast render
- Pebbledash (specialist flexible coatings)
- Brick & masonry (breathable finishes)
- Concrete (specialist primers required)
Timber & Other
- Windows, doors & frames
- Fascias, soffits & bargeboards
- Timber cladding
- UPVC (specialist adhesion systems)
Brick walls in particular get misunderstood. Many homeowners assume painted brick is hard to undo — and they're right. We always discuss long-term implications during the site survey so you can make a fully informed decision before any work starts.
Our Exterior Painting Process
Every job follows the same sequence, regardless of property size. It keeps the quality consistent and means nothing gets missed.
- Free site survey — we walk the property, assess every external surface, note anything needing repair, and agree the paint specification and colours with you. Nothing is committed to until you're happy with the quote.
- Surface preparation — this is the foundation of every job. We clean all surfaces, remove flaking and chalky paint, fill cracks with the appropriate product for each surface, and apply the correct primer. In most cases, this takes the first full day or two.
- Paint application — we apply the agreed number of coats by brush, roller, or professional airless spray depending on the surface and access. Coverage is checked between each coat.
- Protection and clean-up — windows, doors, paths, plants, and garden furniture are all masked or covered before we start. Everything is removed when the job is complete and the site is left tidy.
DIY vs Professional Exterior Painting: What's Actually Different?
DIY exterior painting is technically possible, but there are a few realities worth knowing before you decide.
Professional (Prima Decor)
- Correct surface prep included
- Trade-grade weatherproof coatings
- Safe scaffold access arranged
- 12-month workmanship warranty
- Consistent finish across full elevation
DIY
- Lower upfront material cost
- Time-intensive — 3–7+ days
- Scaffold hire still needed for 2 storeys
- No warranty on result
- Prep often rushed or skipped
Most homeowners who attempt a full exterior themselves end up calling professionals within 2–3 years when the paint starts failing — usually from inadequate preparation rather than the wrong product. That means paying twice.
Areas We Cover Across London
Prima Decor is based in Twickenham and covers properties across London and Surrey. We regularly work in Richmond, Kingston, Wimbledon, Chelsea, Fulham, Hammersmith, Islington, Hackney, and beyond. Distance doesn't affect our pricing — quotes are based on the scope of the job, not your postcode.
If you're outside these areas, call us on 020 8225 5125 — we'll let you know straight away if we can help.
Other Painting Services for Your Home
We cover everything inside and outside your property. If you're refreshing the exterior, it's often a good time to plan interior work at the same time — less disruption and often better value when booked together.
- Interior House Painting London — rooms, ceilings, woodwork, and feature walls
- Wallpapering Services London — all paper types including heritage and specialist finishes
- Spray Painting London — kitchens, doors, and cabinetry
- Commercial Exterior Painting London — for business properties and managed buildings
