How much does painting actually cost in 2026?
A plain-English pricing guide for London and Leicester — realistic ranges, what really affects your quote, and how to budget with confidence.
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Pricing for painting and decorating depends on prep, access, surface condition, finishes, and how much cutting-in is needed. Below is a clear way to think about costs in London and Leicester, so you can budget with confidence.
The headline number: a professional painter and decorator typically costs £250–£320 per day for labour in 2026, depending on location. Leicester and the wider Midlands sit toward the lower end (around £250–£280), while London rates are usually £290–£320 per day to account for travel, parking and higher overheads. Materials (paint, fillers, masking, dust sheets) are charged on top — typically £40–£120 per room depending on paint quality and coverage.
Typical price ranges (2026)
| Job | What’s included | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Painter day rate | One experienced decorator on site — labour only, tools included | £250–£320 / day |
| Single room repaint | Prep + 2 coats walls (incl. materials) | £350–£650 |
| Hallway / stairs / landing | High cutting-in + protection + durability finish (incl. materials) | £550–£950 |
| Full 2-bed flat repaint | Walls, ceilings, woodwork — standard condition (incl. materials) | £1,800–£3,200 |
| Exterior refresh | Scrape/sand, patch, prime, weatherproof system (incl. materials) | £900–£3,500+ |
The day rate is labour only. Whole-job totals above are typical homeowner quotes including materials, assuming good-condition surfaces. Heavy prep, wallpaper removal, scaffolding or premium paints will push pricing higher.
Tip: For a sharper estimate, measure room length, width and height, and note whether there’s wallpaper removal, stains, water damage, cracks or lots of woodwork.
What changes the price the most?
- Prep level: filling, sanding, stain-blocking, caulking and patch repairs.
- Surface condition: flaking paint, damaged plaster, nicotine staining, damp marks.
- Access: high ceilings, stairwells, narrow hallways, exterior scaffolding or ladder work.
- Finish choice: durable/washable paints cost more but last longer.
- Colour changes: dark-to-light (or bright colours) may need extra coats or primer.
How to budget accurately
- Decide finish: matt vs durable matt vs eggshell/satin (especially for halls and kitchens).
- List rooms + extras: ceilings, doors, skirting, frames, radiators.
- Note condition: “good / average / needs repairs” is enough for a quick quote.
- Send photos: a wide shot plus close-ups of cracks and edges saves time and avoids surprises.