How often should you repaint your house in Australia?

It depends on conditions, not the calendar

There is no fixed interval. Exterior paint commonly lasts somewhere around seven to ten years, but strong sun in Queensland and the north, salt air on the coast, and damp southern winters can shorten that considerably. Interior walls in busy family areas often need a refresh sooner than bedrooms or formal rooms.

Signs the exterior needs attention

Walk around the house in good light and look for:

• Peeling, flaking or blistering paint
• Chalky residue that rubs off on your hand
• Cracking on timber windows, fascias and weatherboards
• Fading on the sunniest walls
• Bare timber or rust showing through
• Mould or dark staining on shaded walls

Signs the interior needs a refresh

Scuffs that no longer clean off, water stains on ceilings, yellowing in kitchens, and marks around switches and doors. Stains on ceilings can point to a leak, so fix the source before repainting.

Why earlier is usually cheaper

Once paint fails, water gets into timber and render, and preparation becomes the biggest part of the job. Repainting while the old coating is still mostly sound usually means less scraping, less timber repair and a finish that lasts longer.

Plan the job

Exterior work is best booked for mild, dry weather. List the areas, note any rot, rust or damp, and share photos. You can post the job free on Fixit247 and compare up to 3 obligation-free quotes from verified painters, where available.