Annual movement in painting and decorating prices

Estimating rates in the BCIS Painting and Decorating Prices dataset increased by an average of 4.1% in the year to 1Q2026.

The dataset presents guide prices for redecoration work in existing properties as well as for decoration work in new buildings. It includes internal and external work and a full range of surface treatments.

Following updates to the dataset, it now contains more than 3,900 rates with 168 resources. New items in the 2026 dataset include anti-graffiti paint, radiation shielding paint and shellac-based stain blocker primer or sealer, reflecting a broader range of specialist applications.

Data services director Karl Horton said: ‘An average increase of 4.1% across the dataset represents greater growth than was seen in the year to 1Q2025, when painting and decorating prices increased by an average of 2.9%.’

Each rate in the dataset is supported by detailed labour hour allowances and material quantities, enabling estimators to plan labour resources, material procurement and project sequencing as well as calculate costs.

The pricing information is presented in two sections. Rates are provided either per operation or per coat, allowing users to build specifications for particular jobs, and as composite prices for a range of common painting and decorating specifications to support rapid estimate calculation.

Prices are presented as national averages based on a contract value of around £45,000. Subscribers to the online BCIS CapX service can adjust the rates for specific projects, including applying inflation and UK location factors, changing the contract value, and adding allowances for preliminaries and overheads and profit.

Material supply prices are current at 1Q2026 and labour costs incorporate the latest wage agreement from the Building and Allied Trades Joint Industry Council at 2Q2025.

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