Key Takeaways
- 1Interior painting costs €8-€15 per m² (labour + paint). A 3-bed apartment costs €1,500-€3,000.
- 2Exterior facade painting costs €12-€25 per m² depending on condition and access.
- 3Best time to paint exteriors: March-May or September-November (avoid summer heat).
- 4Always use paint rated for Spanish UV exposure—UK paints fade within 2 years.
Quick Answer
Interior painting in Spain costs €8-€15 per m² (labour + materials). Exterior facade painting costs €12-€25 per m². For a typical 3-bedroom villa, expect €2,500-€5,000 for interior and €3,000-€8,000 for exterior.
The Costa del Sol sun is brutal on paintwork. Understanding local conditions, the right products, and fair pricing helps you avoid paying twice for a job that fails after one summer.
Interior Painting Costs (2026)
| Property Type | Typical Cost | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (50m²) | €800 - €1,200 | Walls & ceilings, 2 coats |
| 2-bed apartment (80m²) | €1,200 - €1,800 | Walls & ceilings, 2 coats |
| 3-bed villa (150m²) | €2,500 - €4,000 | Walls, ceilings, woodwork |
| 5-bed villa (300m²) | €5,000 - €8,000 | Full interior, premium finish |
| Single room | €200 - €400 | Walls & ceiling |
* Prices include labour, standard paint, and preparation. Premium paints or specialty finishes add 20-40%.
Exterior Facade Painting Costs
Exterior work is more expensive due to scaffolding/access equipment, weather-resistant paints, and surface preparation (often years of sun damage to repair).
| Property Type | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Townhouse facade | €1,500 - €3,000 | Front only, scaffolding included |
| 2-storey villa (all sides) | €4,000 - €7,000 | Including scaffolding rental |
| Large villa (400m² facade) | €8,000 - €15,000 | Complex access, premium paint |
| Perimeter walls (per linear m) | €15 - €30 | Both sides, typical 1.5-2m height |
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Best Time to Paint in Spain
Best Months
- • March - May: Mild temps, low humidity
- • September - November: Summer heat passed, before rains
- • Paint cures properly at 10-30°C
- • Painters less busy = better rates
Avoid
- • June - August: Too hot, paint dries too fast
- • December - February: Risk of rain, cold nights
- • Direct sun causes blistering
- • High humidity prevents proper adhesion
Choosing the Right Paint for Spain
Don't Use UK/Northern European Paints
Paints designed for UK weather will fade, crack, and peel within 1-2 years under Spanish UV. Always insist on paint rated for Mediterranean/Spanish conditions.
Recommended brands for Spanish conditions:
Buy locally: Leroy Merlin · Bricomart · AKI · Bauhaus
What Affects the Price?
Surface condition
Flaking paint, cracks, or damp need repair first. Can add 30-50% to cost.
Access difficulty
Scaffolding costs €500-€2,000. Cherry pickers for tall buildings add more.
Number of colours
Multi-colour schemes (trim, shutters, walls) take longer = higher labour.
Paint quality
Budget paint: €3-€5/litre. Quality exterior: €15-€25/litre. Worth it for longevity.
Questions to Ask Your Painter
- "What paint brand will you use?" — Ensure it's rated for Spanish UV.
- "How many coats?" — Minimum 2 for exterior, primer may be needed.
- "What preparation is included?" — Filling cracks, sanding, priming.
- "Do you have insurance?" — Essential for scaffolding work.
- "What guarantee do you offer?" — Good painters offer 2-3 year guarantee.
Written by
Rosa Martinez
Interior Designer at CostaTrades
Expert contributor covering home maintenance, renovation, and property management on the Costa del Sol. Helping expats navigate Spanish construction and property ownership.
