If you’ve been getting quotes to paint your apartment in Sydney and the prices seem all over the place, you’re not imagining it. Painting costs vary a lot depending on the size of the job, the condition of the walls, and who you hire. We paint apartments across Sydney every week, so the numbers below reflect what you’ll actually pay — not guesswork.
Quick Answer: Sydney Apartment Painting Costs
| Apartment Type | Size | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | 30–40 m² | $1,000 – $2,100 |
| 1 Bedroom | 40–60 m² | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| 2 Bedroom | 60–80 m² | $2,500 – $3,000 |
| 3 Bedroom | 80–100 m² | $3,000 – $3,500 |
These prices are for a standard repaint — walls and ceilings, two coats, quality paint, good access. They’re what most Sydney apartments fall into when the walls are in reasonable condition.
What Actually Drives the Price Up (or Down)
Wall condition is the biggest variable. If you’ve got holes, cracks, water stains, or old paint that’s peeling, expect to add $300–$800 to your quote for prep work. Painters won’t skip this — if they do, the new paint won’t last.
The number of colours matters. One neutral colour throughout is the cheapest option. Feature walls, trim in a different colour, or going from a dark colour back to white all add time and cost.
Access and building type. A ground-floor apartment in Parramatta is straightforward. A 12th-floor apartment in Chatswood where gear needs to go up in a small lift takes longer. High ceilings (over 2.7m) also add to the quote.
How many rooms need doing. Some landlords only want the living area and master bedroom refreshed before re-tenanting. You don’t have to do the whole apartment if only certain rooms need it.
How Long Does It Take to Paint a 2 Bedroom Apartment?
Most 2-bedroom apartments take 1.5 to 2 days with a two-person crew. That includes prep, priming where needed, two coats on walls and ceilings, and clean-up. If there’s significant repair work, add half a day.
A studio or one-bedder can often be completed in a single day.
Suburb-by-Suburb: Does Location Affect Price?
The short answer is: not the suburb itself, but the building type does. Inner-city suburbs like Surry Hills, Newtown, Redfern, and Darlinghurst tend to have older buildings with higher ceilings and more character features — cornices, dado rails — which take more time. North Shore suburbs like Chatswood, Hornsby, and St Leonards tend to have newer apartment stock that’s quicker to prep and paint.
If you’re in the Hills District or Western Sydney, access is usually easier and the apartments tend to be more straightforward jobs.
What’s Included in a Professional Painting Quote?
A proper painting quote should include:
- Moving and covering furniture
- Surface preparation (filling, sanding, spot-priming)
- Two coats of quality paint on all walls and ceilings
- Cutting in around edges, cornices, and window frames
- Clean-up and waste removal
What’s usually extra: feature walls in bold colours, repainting doors and trims, repairing significant water damage, painting built-in wardrobes.
Always ask what’s included before signing off on a quote.
FAQs
How much does it cost to paint a 2 bedroom apartment in Sydney? For a standard 2-bedroom apartment in reasonable condition, most Sydney painters will quote between $2,500 and $3,000. High ceilings, dark existing colours, or wall damage can push this to $3,500+.
How much does it cost to paint a 1 bedroom apartment? Expect $1,500 to $2,500 for a one-bedroom apartment. A small, well-maintained 1-bedder can often be done at the lower end of that range.
How long does it take to paint a 2 bedroom apartment? Typically 1.5 to 2 full days for a professional crew of two. Factor in drying time between coats — most jobs can’t be rushed.
Can I stay in my apartment while it’s being painted? Yes, but it’s easier for everyone if you’re not there during the job. Fumes from standard paints are low but present for the first few hours. Low-VOC paints are an option if you’re sensitive.
How do I get the best price on apartment painting in Sydney? Get at least three quotes, be flexible on timing (midweek is often cheaper than weekends), and have your walls in good condition before painters arrive. Doing your own furniture moving also reduces time on site.
Do painters charge per room or per job? Most Sydney painters price by the job, not per room. They’ll assess the whole apartment and give you a flat quote. Be wary of quotes that seem unusually low — they often come back with extras once work starts.
Ready to Get a Quote?
We paint apartments across Sydney — from Bondi to Parramatta, Chatswood to Newtown. If you want a straight answer on price without the runaround, get in touch for a free quote.