How Much Does Graffiti Removal Cost in Melbourne? (Guide for Councils & Property Owners)

Hi, I’m Joaquin Trapero, the owner of GraffitiGoneNow here in Melbourne. If you’re dealing with graffiti on your property or managing a community space, you’re probably asking: how much will this cost to clean up? I get it – as someone who’s spent years removing graffiti around Melbourne, I know cost is a big concern. 

In this guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know about graffiti removal prices in Melbourne. We’ll look at why understanding the cost matters, what factors influence the price, typical rates (like per square metre charges), some real-world examples, and even when the council might cover it. I’ll also touch on things like urgent after-hours jobs, local stats about graffiti (did you know Melbourne spends over $100 million a year cleaning it up?)

Whether you’re a council officer, a business owner, a school principal, or just a homeowner with an unwanted tag on your fence, this guide is for you. I’m speaking from my own experience in Melbourne’s graffiti removal scene, so you’ll get a local perspective with a friendly, straightforward explanation. Let’s dive in!

What Factors Influence the Cost of Graffiti Removal?

Graffiti removal costs can vary significantly depending on several key factors:

Size of the Graffiti

Generally charged per square metre; larger graffiti requires more resources, while small tags usually attract a minimum fee.

Surface Type

• Porous surfaces(brick, concrete) absorb paint, requiring multiple treatments, thus increasing costs.
• Smooth surfaces (glass, metal, painted walls) usually clean up easier and cheaper.
• Delicate or historic surfaces need gentle cleaning techniques, raising the price.
• Wood/plastics may react adversely to chemicals, potentially requiring repainting.

Type of Graffiti 

Spray paint and markers differ in removal difficulty; permanent markers may leave faint stains. Etched graffiti requires polishing or replacement, substantially increasing costs.

Location & Access

• Height: Graffiti in hard-to-reach spots (upper floors, rooftops) needs special equipment like ladders or lifts, increasing costs.
• Tight spaces: Busy CBD laneways or roadside locations often require traffic management, adding expense.
• Water/Power Access: Limited access can necessitate bringing water tanks or generators, raising overall prices.

Urgency (After-Hours/Emergency)

Immediate or after-hours removals typically incur higher fees due to staff overtime and quick mobilisation.

Multiple Spots

Cleaning multiple scattered tags can take longer than one large area, potentially increasing the total cost.

Repainting/Restoration

Removing graffiti may strip underlying paint, requiring repainting, which adds additional expense.

Protective Coatings

Applying anti-graffiti coatings adds upfront costs but significantly reduces future graffiti removal efforts. Coatings come in sacrificial (single-use) or permanent options.

When quoting a job, I usually ask specific questions about these factors or inspect the site directly to provide an accurate estimate. In case you need the services of professional graffiti removers, contact us today!

Our Graffiti Removal Rates in Melbourne

Melbourne graffiti removal pricing generally follows these structures:

Per Square Metre Pricing

Typical industry rates average around $27 per square metre (+GST). Larger jobs might receive a slightly lower rate due to economies of scale.

Minimum Call-Out Fee

Small jobs (like a single tag) often attract minimum charges around $150–$250 + GST, covering initial travel and setup.

Additional Square Metre Charges

Once a job exceeds the minimum area covered by call-out fees, additional square metres are charged at around $27 per m².

Anti-Graffiti Coatings

Typically priced at about $29 per square metre (+GST), coatings prevent future graffiti and are recommended for frequently targeted areas.

Hourly Rates (Less Common)

Complex jobs might use hourly rates ($60–$100/hour per worker), though most quotes provide fixed area-based pricing.

Volume Discounts

Councils or properties with regular graffiti issues often negotiate lower rates due to ongoing or large-volume work.

Always confirm if quotes include GST clearly. The rates mentioned reflect average conditions; complicated jobs (difficult access, stubborn graffiti) may incur additional charges.

Next, I’ll share realistic price examples for common scenarios to give you a clearer idea of expected costs.

Graffiti Removal Cost Examples (Common Scenarios)

To give you a clearer picture, here are a few typical graffiti removal scenarios around Melbourne and what they might cost. Keep in mind these are approximate ranges – actual quotes can vary by provider, but these examples use the typical rates we discussed:

These examples should give you a sense of typical graffiti cleaning prices in Melbourne. Always get a personalised quote, though, because every site is different. I also suggest asking the provider if their quote includes things like repainting or if it’s just removal, so you know if you need to budget extra for paint touch-ups.

When Will the Council Pay for Graffiti Removal?

You might be thinking, “Can I get the council to handle this for free?” In some cases, yes, but there are limitations. Here’s a breakdown of when local councils around Melbourne will step in to cleaning your brick wall when you as the property owner are on the hook.

Graffiti on Public Property 

If the graffiti is on council-owned property (for example, a city-owned building, public playground equipment, street signs, benches, etc.), the council will cover the cost. As a resident or business, you just need to report it. Melbourne councils generally have dedicated budgets for cleaning their own assets – after all, it’s ratepayer money being used to keep the city clean. 

Graffiti on Private Property (visible from public land)

This is where it gets interesting. Under Victorian law (Graffiti Prevention Act 2007), councils have the power to remove graffiti from private property with the owner’s consent or after following certain notice procedures if the graffiti is visible from a public place.

For instance, Yarra City Council provides two free graffiti removal services per property per year for private property owners who request it​. If you live or have a business in the City of Yarra (which includes suburbs like Fitzroy, Collingwood, Richmond, etc.), you can call the council and they’ll arrange their contractor to remove the graffiti at no charge, up to twice a year. That’s a pretty generous service and helps a lot of small businesses and residents.

Other councils have similar schemes. City of Melbourne itself has been very proactive – they launched a “Clean Melbourne Graffiti Blitz” program and generally will remove graffiti from private buildings in the CBD if the owner allows it, because they want a clean city. You often see council crews blasting graffiti off laneway walls in the morning.

City of Port Phillip (St Kilda area) and City of Stonnington (Prahran, South Yarra) have offered free removal for graffiti on private property facing the street, especially for residential properties or small business storefronts. They might have limits, like not covering an entire huge commercial warehouse but focusing on graffiti that affects the public streetscape.

Other Councils: Some councils may not automatically offer free cleaning, but they might supply you with a graffiti removal kit (chemicals, paint vouchers) so you can DIY, or they might coordinate volunteer programs (like community graffiti cleanup days).

For more information about Melbourne’s graffiti laws please visit our guide here linked!

When Councils Won’t Remove:

If the graffiti is on private property and not causing a public eyesore, councils will generally leave it to you. Also, if it’s what they classify as “art” or a permitted mural, obviously they won’t touch it. Some areas in Melbourne are known for street art (e.g., Hosier Lane). Councils distinguish between illegal graffiti versus commissioned street art. Illegal graffiti gets the removal treatment; street art is left alone (unless it itself gets tagged over, then they might clean the tag).

GraffitiGoneNow Keeping Melbourne Graffiti-Free and Your Costs Down

Understanding graffiti removal costs in Melbourne starts with looking at factors like the size, location, and type of surface. Larger jobs often secure slightly lower per-square-metre rates, while heritage sites or delicate materials require specialised treatments. If you’re in a hurry or need after-hours support, costs can spike, but acting fast often prevents further tagging. Plus, certain local councils may even cover part of the expense if it’s deemed a public eyesore.

In my two decades tackling graffiti around Melbourne, I once had a challenging case on a century-old terrace home in Fitzroy. The spray paint had seeped into the porous bricks, requiring multiple gentle treatments to avoid damage. Despite the painstaking effort, seeing those bricks restored was incredibly rewarding. It’s moments like these that keep me passionate about helping property owners preserve the city’s character and heritage.

If you have any lingering questions about graffiti removal costs or want a personalised quote, I’d be happy to offer guidance from my two decades of experience. For property owners dealing with recurring tagging, we can also talk about proactive solutions such as protective coatings. Whenever you’re ready, I’d love to help you reclaim your space with GraffitiGoneNow. Let’s work together to keep Melbourne’s walls vibrant—without the unwanted paint.