Most homes have average energy efficiency

Using the Energy Performance Certificate's energy efficiency rating bands, two out of five homes in England and Wales (44%) rate 'average' for energy efficiency falling into band D, whilst only a tiny proportion (1%) of homes achieve the highest ranking of band A or B. Higher energy ratings mean lower energy bills, which is an important consideration in the winter months.

Flats have the highest energy efficiency amongst different property types with almost half of flats (49%) classified as band B or C. For all other property types, the largest proportions of properties achieve a Band D rating; 47% of bungalows, houses (45%), maisonettes (41%) are in this band.

If homeowners made energy savings measures to their properties, as many as 58% of homes in England and Wales could potentially achieve a band C rating. The same measures could see homeowners in South Gloucestershire, Swindon, Portsmouth and Easington potentially improve their average rating score by 7%, enough to push the average home in each area up from band D to band C. (See Table 3)

Martin Ellis, chief economist at Halifax Estate Agents, commented: "The overwhelming majority of homes have an average energy efficiency rating, with hardly any in the top two most efficient bands.

"However, more sellers are likely to make improvements to their homes over time, leading to improved EPC ratings in the future, as they become increasingly aware of the benefits of making their property more efficient. For example, better loft and cavity insulation would raise the energy efficiency rating of a home."