Typical cost for a whole 2-bed flat
For a standard two-bed flat with two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen (or open-plan living/kitchen), a bathroom and a small hallway, a full repaint of walls, ceilings and woodwork usually costs £1,800–£3,500. Walls and ceilings only, with the woodwork left as it is, might be £1,300–£2,500.
In London, prices are typically 20–30% higher, so £2,300–£4,500 for the full job is common.
| Room | Walls and ceiling | Including woodwork |
|---|---|---|
| Living room or open-plan living/kitchen | £350 – £700 | £450 – £900 |
| Main bedroom | £280 – £480 | £350 – £650 |
| Second bedroom | £220 – £400 | £300 – £550 |
| Kitchen (separate) | £250 – £450 | £350 – £650 |
| Bathroom | £200 – £350 | £250 – £500 |
| Hallway | £150 – £350 | £250 – £500 |
Indicative room-by-room costs for a 2-bed flat (2026)
How long does it take?
A two-bed flat usually takes one decorator around one and a half to two and a half weeks, or a pair of decorators about a week. Empty flats are much quicker – no furniture to move, nothing to protect and no residents to work around – which is why landlords often book decorators between tenancies.
What makes flats different
Flats come with some practical issues that houses don't:
- Parking can be difficult or need permits, especially in cities
- Getting materials and equipment up several floors takes time if there's no lift
- Some blocks have rules on working hours and use of communal areas
- Communal hallways and stairwells are usually the freeholder's responsibility
- Open-plan living spaces are large, uninterrupted areas that are quick to roll but need careful cutting in
Rather leave it to a professional?
Landlords and rental flats
If you're repainting a rental flat between tenants, speed and durability usually matter more than designer colours. A durable, wipeable emulsion in a neutral shade makes future touch-ups easy. Our guide to painting a rental property between tenants covers this in more detail.
Ways to keep the cost down
Get all the rooms done together rather than one at a time – decorators prefer bigger, continuous jobs and often price accordingly. Clear the flat as much as possible, pick colours early and keep woodwork as it is if it's in good condition. Choosing one colour throughout (with white ceilings and woodwork) also speeds things up.
Compare quotes from local interior decorators, and check typical painter and decorator costs for your area.
