How much does it cost to decorate a whole house in Sunderland?
Updated October 2026 · Prices include VAT and are typical ranges, not quotes.
Short answer: decorating the inside of a typical 3-bed house in Sunderland usually costs £1,900–£2,500, and a 4-bed about £3,000–£3,700. Local decorators typically charge around £190 a day.
Sunderland is one of the cheaper places in the North East to get a house decorated. Local listings put the average whole-house job at about £2,620, and day rates sit below national averages.
Whole-house costs by size
| Home | Typical cost (inside) |
|---|---|
| 1–2 bed flat | £1,500–£2,000 |
| 2-bed house | £1,800–£3,500 |
| 3-bed house | £1,900–£2,500 |
| 4-bed house | £3,000–£3,700 |
| 5-bed house | £4,000–£7,500 |
From HaMuch, Fantastic Services (Sept 2026) and Checkatrade figures quoted by Whito (Oct 2026). Ranges assume walls, ceilings and woodwork in standard paint. Check what each quote includes.
How Sunderland compares
Average cost of a whole-house decorating job across the region, from local price listings:
| Town | Average whole-house job |
|---|---|
| Washington | £2,600 |
| Newcastle | £2,610 |
| Sunderland | £2,620 |
| Gateshead | £2,620 |
| South Shields | £2,710 |
| Durham | £2,950 |
Source: HaMuch (last updated June 2025). Local day rates from HaMuch decorator listings.
Cost per room
If you're only doing some rooms, these are typical prices for paint and labour outside London:
| Room | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Ceiling only | £120–£250 |
| Small room or hallway | £350–£450 |
| Bedroom | £400–£550 |
| Living room | £500–£800 |
| Large through-lounge | £600–£1,000+ |
| Hall, stairs and landing | £875–£1,600 |
From Fantastic Services (Sept 2026) and Whito (Oct 2026). Halls and stairs cost more because of the height and the scaffolding or ladders needed.
Day rates in Sunderland
Decorators in Sunderland and Washington typically charge around £190 a day, according to local listings. National guides put day rates outside London at £230–£355, so Sunderland is good value. Quotes for a whole house are usually a fixed price rather than a day rate.
How long it takes
- One room: one to two days, plus a day if there's heavy filling or old paper to strip.
- A 3-bed house inside: about one to two weeks with a professional team.
Extras that add to the cost
| Extra | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Filling cracks and holes | £50–£100 |
| Stripping old wallpaper | £100–£300 per room |
| Hanging new wallpaper | £15–£40 per m² |
| Feature wall | £150–£400 |
| Premium or eco paint | £20–£50 extra per tin |
From MyBuilder.
Ways to keep the cost down
- Clear the rooms yourself. Some decorators charge for moving furniture.
- Do it in stages, starting with the rooms you use most.
- Compare like with like. Get at least three written quotes for exactly the same rooms and finish.
- Agree the paint up front: the brand, the finish and the number of coats.
What to ask before you book
- Is the paint included, and which brand?
- Is preparation included: filling, sanding, masking and covering floors?
- Are you insured?
- When can you start, and how long will it take?
- Is this a fixed price, or a day rate?
Common questions
Is a fixed price or a day rate better?
For a whole house, a fixed price is usually better, as you know the total up front. A day rate suits small or unclear jobs, but make sure you agree roughly how many days it will take.
Does a 3-bed cost more if it's a terrace or a semi?
The size of the rooms matters more than the type of house. High ceilings, long staircases and lots of woodwork all add time, which is common in older terraces.
Should I paint the outside at the same time?
Outside work is priced separately and depends on the weather. Doing both together can save on travel and setup, so ask for both in one quote.
Sources
- HaMuch, cost of painting and decorating a house (updated June 2025)
- HaMuch, painter and decorator rates in County Durham and Sunderland
- Fantastic Services, painting and decorating cost guide (updated September 2026)
- MyBuilder, painting and decorating costs
- Whito, interior painting cost UK (updated October 2026)