Cost guides
How much does it cost to paint the outside of a house?
Exterior painting costs in the UK for 2026: front doors, sash windows, terraced fronts and whole houses, plus scaffolding, render repairs and timing.
6 October 2026 · 2 min read · By Harry
The outside of your house takes the weather every day, so paint that is chosen and applied properly lasts far longer, and costs less over time. These are typical prices for exterior painting in London and the UK in 2026.
How much does exterior painting cost?
| Job | Typical London price | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Front door and frame | £280 – £420 | 1–2 days |
| Sash window, outside only | £180 – £320 each | half a day |
| Railings and gates | £300 – £900 | 1–2 days |
| Front of a terraced house | £1,800 – £3,200 | 4–7 days |
| Full semi-detached exterior | £3,800 – £6,500 | 1–2 weeks |
| Large detached or stucco-fronted house | £7,000 – £15,000+ | 2–4 weeks |
Outside London, expect prices around 20 to 30 per cent lower. Scaffolding is extra wherever ladders and towers are not safe.
What does scaffolding cost?
Scaffolding for the front of a two-storey terrace typically costs £800 to £1,500, and for a whole semi-detached house £1,800 to £3,500. On busy London streets a council licence for scaffolding on the pavement adds to the cost and the lead time. It is worth doing any roof, gutter or window repairs while the scaffold is up.
What affects the price?
- Preparation. Washing, scraping, filling and priming are most of the job. Flaking paint and bare timber take time.
- Repairs. Rotten sills and frames need cutting out and splicing; cracked render needs render repairs before painting.
- Surface. Smooth render is quicker than pebbledash or brick; stucco and period details take longer.
- Paint system. Breathable masonry paints, silicate paints and limewash for older walls, and microporous or oil-based paints for timber.
- Height and access. Three storeys, basements and narrow side returns all add time.
When is the best time to paint?
From April to October, when it is dry and stays above about 8°C day and night. Read our guide to the best weather for exterior painting, and book early: spring and summer fill up fast.
Getting a quote
Ask for a written quote that lists the preparation, repairs, paint system, number of coats and whether scaffolding is included. See our exterior house painting service, or get a free quote.
Questions
How much does it cost to paint the exterior of a house in the UK?
Painting the front of a terraced house usually costs £1,800 to £3,200 in London, and a full semi-detached exterior £3,800 to £6,500, plus scaffolding where it is needed.
How much does scaffolding add to exterior painting?
Scaffolding for the front of a two-storey terrace typically costs £800 to £1,500 for a few weeks, and a full semi-detached house £1,800 to £3,500.
How often should you paint the outside of a house?
Masonry and render usually need repainting every 8 to 10 years, and exterior woodwork such as windows and doors every 5 to 7 years.
Related services
Exterior painting
Masonry, render, windows, doors and timber painted with weather-resistant systems that protect your home and lift its kerb appeal.
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