Thinking about giving your flat a fresh coat of paint? Whether you have just moved into a new place, want to refresh a tired living room or need to get a rental property ready for its next tenant, one question usually comes first: how much will it cost?
The good news is that you do not always need to redecorate the whole flat at once. The price will depend on which rooms need work, how much preparation is required and whether you want to paint the walls alone or include the ceilings, doors and skirting boards.
Quick answer: Painting and decorating a flat in London can cost around £1,200–£2,500 for a two-bedroom property, depending on the work involved. A one-bedroom flat may cost less, while larger properties or flats with damaged walls can cost more. These are indicative estimates, so it is worth getting a quote based on your property.
How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Flat in London?
There is no single price for painting a flat. A small apartment with clean walls and a simple colour scheme is usually quicker to decorate than a property that needs wallpaper removed, cracks filled and old paint stripped away.
As a starting point for your budget, the following estimates show what you might expect to pay in London in 2026.
| Type of flat | Estimated painting cost |
| Studio flat | £800–£1,500 |
| One-bedroom flat | £1,200–£2,500 |
| Two-bedroom flat | £1,500–£3,000 |
| Three-bedroom flat | £2,000–£4,000+ |
These are planning estimates rather than fixed market prices or quotations from Paint & Handy. They may not cover every type of redecoration.
For comparison, Checkatrade’s London painting and decorating listings report an average job cost of around £1,080, with listed jobs ranging from £649 to £1,826. That figure covers a range of painting and decorating jobs, so it should not be treated as the price of repainting an entire flat.
Before setting your budget, decide what you want painted. Walls only will cost less than a job that also includes ceilings, doors, skirting boards and repairs.
Painter and Decorator Prices in London by Room
Sometimes, a full redecoration is not necessary. If the bedroom looks tired or the living room needs a new colour, you may be able to focus on those areas instead.
Here are some indicative prices to help you plan.
| Room or area | Estimated cost |
| Small bedroom | £250–£450 |
| Double bedroom | £300–£600 |
| Living room | £350–£900 |
| Kitchen walls and ceiling | £250–£600 |
| Hallway | £200–£500 |
| Ceiling only | £150–£320 |
These ranges are for budgeting purposes, not guaranteed London rates. Room dimensions, surface condition and the amount of woodwork all affect the final quote. Specialist finishes and kitchen cupboard painting may cost extra.
What will a painter do for the price?
Imagine you want to repaint a bedroom before moving into a new flat. The decorator may need to cover the floor, fill a few nail holes, sand the walls and apply two coats of paint.
That is a fairly straightforward job if the existing paint is in good condition. If the walls are cracked or the old paint is peeling, more preparation will be needed before the new colour goes on.
When asking for a quote, check whether the price includes:
- Protecting the floor and nearby furniture.
- Filling small holes and sanding rough patches.
- Applying primer where needed.
- Painting the walls and applying the agreed number of coats.
- Painting ceilings, doors and skirting boards if requested.
- Cleaning up after the work.
A quote for painting walls alone may look cheaper, but it will not cover the same work as a full room redecoration.
What Can Make Your Painting and Decorating Bill Higher?
Two flats with the same number of bedrooms can have very different decorating costs. The difference often comes down to the condition of the property and the finish you want.
1. The condition of your walls
Walls that are smooth and ready to paint are usually cheaper to work on. Cracks, holes, peeling paint and damaged plaster take extra time to repair.
If you have old wallpaper, ask whether removing it is included. The same applies to larger plaster repairs. These jobs can add to the bill, particularly if the walls need time to dry before painting begins.
2. The paint you choose
Standard trade paint can be a practical option for many homes. If you prefer a premium brand or a specialist finish, expect the material cost to rise.
Think about how each room is used, too. A hallway that gets a lot of foot traffic may benefit from a washable finish. Bathrooms may need paint suited to their moisture levels and surface conditions.
Your decorator can help you choose a suitable product without spending more than necessary.
3. Changing from dark colours to light ones
Want to turn a dark blue bedroom into a soft white space? You may need extra coats or a suitable primer to cover the old colour properly.
The same applies when painting over stains or uneven patches. Tell your decorator about the existing colours before the quote is prepared.
4. Ceilings, doors and skirting boards
It is easy to focus on the walls and forget about the rest of the room. However, yellowed ceilings, chipped door frames and scuffed skirting boards can make a freshly painted room look unfinished.
Ask whether these areas are included. Woodwork often needs its own preparation and paint, which adds to the time required.
5. Access to the flat
London flats can bring a few practical challenges. Parking restrictions, narrow staircases, limited lift access and occupied rooms can all affect how the work is carried out.
If you are renting out the property, arranging access between tenancies may make the job easier. Let the decorator know about any restrictions before agreeing on the schedule.
A tip before you book: Ask for a written quote that explains what is included, which paint will be used and whether repairs cost extra. Comparing two quotes is only useful when both cover the same work.
Does the Painting Price Include Labour and Materials?
Not always. Some decorators quote for labour only, while others include paint and basic supplies in the total price.
Before accepting a quote, ask whether it covers:
- The decorator’s labour.
- Wall and ceiling paint.
- Primer, filler and undercoat.
- Paint for doors and other woodwork.
- Floor coverings and masking materials.
- VAT, where applicable.
You can buy the paint yourself, but check the brand, finish and quantity with your decorator first. Buying the wrong product may lead to wasted paint or delays.
It is also worth checking the VAT position. GOV.UK confirms that the standard VAT rate is 20% for most taxable goods and services. Not every decorator is VAT-registered, so check the quotation rather than assuming tax is included.
How Long Does It Take to Paint a Flat?
If you are planning a move or preparing a rental property, the time needed can matter just as much as the price.
For a straightforward repaint, you could use the following as a rough planning guide:
| Property size | Possible working time |
| Studio flat | 2–3 days |
| One-bedroom flat | 3–5 days |
| Two-bedroom flat | 4–7 days |
| Three-bedroom flat | 5–10 days or longer |
These are estimates, not promised completion times. A decorator may finish sooner if the rooms are empty and the walls are in good condition. Repairs, wallpaper removal, drying time and detailed woodwork can extend the job.
Before work starts, agree on the expected finish date and discuss whether you need to move furniture or keep certain rooms available.
How to Get a Fair Quote for Your London Flat
You do not need to know every technical detail before contacting a painter. A few simple details will help them understand the job and give you a more useful estimate.
Start with these five steps:
- List the rooms. Tell the decorator whether you need the bedroom, living room, kitchen, hallway or the whole flat painted.
- Explain what needs painting. Be clear about walls, ceilings, doors, frames and skirting boards.
- Mention any damage. Point out cracks, peeling paint, stains or wallpaper that needs removing.
- Discuss your paint choices. Share your preferred colours and whether you have a particular brand in mind.
- Ask for everything in writing. Check the price, materials, preparation work, expected timescale and any extra charges.
If possible, share a few photos before arranging a visit. They can help the decorator understand the job, although a site visit may still be needed to confirm the price.
For landlords and property managers, it is also sensible to agree on the work before the next tenant moves in. This gives the decorating team time to finish without disrupting the new occupant.
Painting and Decorating Services in London from Paint & Handy
A fresh coat of paint can make a flat feel cleaner and more welcoming without the expense of a full renovation. The key is choosing the right work for your budget and making sure the surfaces are ready before painting starts.
Paint & Handy provides painting and decorating services in London for residential and commercial properties. Services include interior painting, ceiling work, doors, coving, skirting boards, wallpaper hanging and related decorating tasks.
If your flat also needs minor repairs, the team offers handyman services in London. This can be helpful when you want to deal with a few maintenance jobs alongside the painting.
Paint & Handy lists a rate of £32.50 per half-hour for its stated services, with a minimum one-hour booking. This is a published service rate, not a fixed price for painting an entire flat. Sundays, bank holidays and work outside standard hours may have special rates, so ask for a project-specific quotation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does it cost to paint a one-bedroom flat in London?
As a starting budget, allow around £1,200–£2,500 for a one-bedroom flat. The actual price will depend on the rooms, wall condition, paint choice and whether ceilings and woodwork are included.
2. How much does it cost to paint a two-bedroom flat in London?
A two-bedroom flat may cost around £1,500–£3,000 or more. A straightforward repaint will usually involve less work than a property that needs plaster repairs, wallpaper removal or several coats to cover dark colours.
3. How much does a painter cost per room?
A small bedroom may cost around £250–£450, while a living room may cost £350–£900 under the indicative estimates in this guide. Ask whether the price covers labour and materials, as this can make a big difference when comparing quotes.
4. Is it cheaper to paint a flat yourself?
DIY painting can save on labour costs, particularly if the walls are already in good condition. However, you will still need paint, brushes, rollers, protective coverings and preparation materials, as well as time to complete the work.
5. Does a painter and decorator supply the paint?
Many decorators can supply paint and other materials, but not every quote includes them. Confirm the brand, finish and number of coats before work begins.
6. How long does it take to paint a two-bedroom flat?
A straightforward repaint may take around four to seven working days. The schedule can change if the walls need repairs, furniture must be moved or the job includes ceilings, doors and detailed woodwork.
7. Should I repair walls before painting?
Yes. Loose paint, cracks and damaged plaster should be dealt with before the new paint goes on. If you notice damp patches, find out what is causing the damp before decorating, or the problem may return.
8. Can I arrange painting between tenants?
Yes. Landlords often arrange painting between tenancies to refresh rooms and prepare the flat for the next occupant. Agree on the scope of work and access arrangements in advance, and allow enough time for the paint to dry.
Get a Quote for Painting Your Flat in London
Painting a flat does not have to mean spending money on work you do not need. Start by deciding which rooms need attention, then compare quotes that cover the same preparation, paint and finishing work.
Whether you are refreshing your own home, preparing a rental flat or getting a property ready to sell, a clear quote will help you plan your budget with fewer surprises.
If you need help with your next decorating project, visit Paint & Handy’s painting and decorating service page or contact the team for a quote.
