New analysis has revealed that 57% of homes in England will need energy efficiency upgrades to meet the government’s minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) target of band C by 2030.

Insulation firm SuperFOIL reviewed more than 25 million EPC records to assess the energy profile of England’s housing stock. The findings show that just 43% of homes currently achieve an EPC rating of A–C, leaving the majority in need of improvement to comply with forthcoming regulations.

Under the government’s net-zero strategy, all privately rented homes in England and Wales must reach EPC band C by 2030. The deadline is even tighter for commercial properties, which must meet band C by April 2027 and band B by April 2030. SuperFOIL estimates that 88% of commercial buildings will require upgrades to meet that target.

The research comes as household energy debt hits a record £4.4 billion, and domestic electricity bills have risen by a further 2% since October. Improving a property from EPC band D–G to band C can save hundreds of pounds annually, as up to a quarter of a home’s heat is lost through an uninsulated roof.

Homes rated band D typically spend around £200 more per year on gas and electricity than those rated C, while a band F home could spend £550 more.

However, the report notes that not every property can realistically reach a C rating, particularly older pre-1900 homes built from natural stone or single-skin walls, which lack cavities for insulation.

A spokesperson for SuperFOIL said:  “A great first step for any homeowner is to check their property’s EPC report on the Government’s official register. It highlights your current energy rating, shows where your home is losing energy, and provides clear recommendations to help improve efficiency.

“For those needing financial support, schemes such as the Energy Company Obligation and Warm Homes Local Grant are available to help low-income households living in inefficient homes (EPC D–G) install measures such as insulation or solar panels to cut energy use and lower bills.”