Complete Flat Refurbishment Decoration in London: Sequence, Scope and Cost Benchmarks

What 'Full Flat Refurbishment' Actually Means

A complete flat refurbishment in decorating terms covers everything that is usually touched when a property changes hands or comes off a long tenancy: walls, ceilings, woodwork throughout, any necessary plaster repairs, and sometimes the communal hallway or shared entrance. The scope varies considerably by property type — a studio flat in a 1960s block is a different job from a three-bedroom mansion flat in a purpose-built Edwardian building — but the logical sequence and the key decision points are the same.

Getting the sequence right matters. Decoration that is done in the wrong order creates rework. Getting the scope right before starting avoids cost surprises mid-project.

The Correct Decoration Sequence

The right order for flat refurbishment decoration is:

1. Plaster repairs first. Any cracking, failing plasterwork, holes from picture hooks, damaged areas around switches and sockets — all of this must be made good before painting begins. It is a common mistake to paint first and then repair, which means painting the repair as a separate exercise later. Plaster repairs need to be fully cured and dry before they receive paint. Any fresh plaster larger than a small patch needs a mist coat before the finish coat.

2. Ceilings. Always paint ceilings before walls. This avoids splashing fresh wall paint with ceiling paint. Apply two coats of ceiling white — Dulux Trade Brilliant White or Farrow & Ball All White for premium work. Coving and cornice should receive their ceiling colour at this stage.

3. Walls. Apply mist coat to any new plaster. Apply two coats of finish emulsion. On large walls with a single colour, a short-nap roller on an extension pole gives a fast, even result. Cutting in at ceiling, skirting and architrave requires careful brushwork.

4. Woodwork last. Skirting boards, architraves, door frames, window frames, window sills and doors receive their topcoat after the walls are finished. This is the most time-consuming part of a flat refurbishment — there is a significant linear footage of woodwork in even a small flat. The most common mistake is rushing the woodwork and leaving brush marks or uneven coverage on the most closely examined surfaces.

5. Doors. Doors should be painted last of all, or at least have their final coat applied last, to minimise the risk of fresh paint being damaged by movement during the project.

Managing Access in a London Flat

Access logistics are a real consideration in London. Most flats are in converted houses or mansion blocks where:

• There is no lift, meaning materials and equipment travel via staircase
• The communal hallway must remain accessible to other residents throughout the job
• Parking for a van is limited or restricted
• The flat may be occupied, requiring careful containment of dust and odour

For occupied flats, work room by room where the layout allows it. Ensure that one habitable room — typically the bedroom — is completed and closed off before starting adjacent rooms. Low-VOC products are increasingly specified in occupied flats for this reason.

For void flats, the logistics are simpler but the expectation is often a faster programme. Landlords and managing agents expect a typical two-bedroom flat to be completed in four to five working days with a two-person team.

Communal Hallway vs Private Flat: Different Rules

Communal hallways in mansion blocks and converted houses are a specific case. The decision to repaint a communal hallway is usually made by the freeholder, the managing agent, or — in leasehold buildings with a residents' management company — by a committee decision.

Practically, communal hallway work differs from private flat work in several ways:

Access must be maintained throughout. You cannot clear a communal hallway of residents' belongings — any items stored there are not your responsibility to move. Work is often done in sections, keeping exit routes clear at all times.

Period features require care. The hallways of Edwardian mansion blocks in particular contain original mosaic tile floors, decorative plasterwork on the ceiling, and elaborate coving. These must not be obscured, damaged or painted over.

Colour decisions are collective. A managing agent or residents' company usually specifies the colour — typically something neutral, period-appropriate and durable. Dulux Trade Diamond Matt in a stone colour, or F&B Elephants Breath in premium buildings, are common specifications.

Durability matters more. Communal areas have higher traffic and more contact than private flats. Specify scrubbable finishes — Dulux Diamond Matt, Crown Clean Extreme — for all areas up to dado height.

Cost Benchmarks for London Flat Refurbishment

These are approximate guide figures for labour plus materials in London (2026), for a competent two-person team:

• Studio flat, full interior repaint: £800–£1,200
• One-bedroom flat, full interior repaint: £1,200–£1,800
• Two-bedroom flat, full interior repaint: £1,800–£2,600
• Three-bedroom flat, full interior repaint: £2,800–£4,000
• Premium specification (F&B or Little Greene throughout, plaster repairs included): add 25–40% to the above

These benchmarks assume a standard specification — emulsion walls, white satinwood woodwork, white ceiling. Properties with extensive cornice work, high ceilings, or significant plaster repairs will sit at the top of or above these ranges.

Get a Quote for Your London Flat

Whether you are a landlord preparing a void property, a managing agent commissioning communal area works, or an owner-occupier refurbishing your home, contact us for a free quote. We will survey the flat, clarify the full scope and provide a detailed written estimate within 48 hours.