Britain’s homes are in “urgent need” of energy efficiency updates, with a new study finding that just over half of them only meet 1970s or earlier insulation standards.

The study, conducted by EDF in partnership with property data platform Sprift, looked at data from 21 million homes. It found that the average ‘insulation age’ of homes across the country is 48 years old.

Energy-efficiency measures such as insulation are considered a key part of helping the UK reach its net zero goals. But the study found that only one-fifth (19%) of households have updated their insulation measures in the past two years, despite the energy crisis.

The study analysed the current levels of home insulation including floor, roof, window and wall insulation against building regulations across different time periods to calculate the nation’s home insulation age.

Experts analysing 21 million homes found 13,916,843 million properties in England and Wales (55%) only meet the insulation standards of the 1976 Building...