More than half of homes in England currently fall below the C Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating that landlords will be required to meet by 2030, research shows.

Analysis by home improvement specialists Eurocell found Eden in Cumbria has the least energy-efficient housing in England. 4,319 (17%) of the 24,361 homes here are classed as either an F or G on the rating scale. 

Other areas with efficiency issues include West Devon where 15.83% of homes rated F or G, and Cornwall where the figure is 14.91%.

Tower Hamlets has the most energy-efficient housing in the country, according to Eurocell’s research, with an impressive 34.39% of homes having above-average EPC ratings.

Across England, more than 56% of homes are classed as having below-average energy efficiency, scoring a D or lower. 

The D rank makes up the largest national share, with more than 9.3m homes in this tier. In contrast, only 74,770 homes have scored top marks and have gained an A certification – just 0.3% of the country’s available housing stock. 

Commenting on the research, Beth Boulton, marketing director at Eurocell, said:“To meet the UK’s climate targets, almost all homes will need to be energy efficient by 2050, so the fact that 56% of English homes are currently below average comes as quite a shock. With energy bills continuing to rise, urgent action is needed to address the impact of inefficient housing.”

““Thankfully, there are practical steps homeowners can take to improve their energy efficiency. Simple upgrades such as installing modern UPVC windows, sealing draughts, or adding insulation can make a huge difference. For those looking to future-proof their homes, investing in renewable energy solutions like solar panels or heat pumps can provide long-term savings while reducing carbon footprints.”