The explosion in sales of laminate flooring, which has prompted fears for the future of the carpet industry, is boosting home sales and prices, according to the UK’s largest group of independent estate agents.

But laminate flooring is just a passing trend, say the 740 members of Home Sale Network.

Right now, homebuyers prefer to see easy-clean laminate floors, rather than someone else’s choice of carpet, say more than half (52%) of Home Sale Network members throughout the country – selected for their professional standards.

As a result, if two identical homes are for sale – one with carpeting throughout, and one with laminate flooring in relevant areas – the majority of Home Sale Network members (57%) say that the home with laminate flooring will sell first.

This trend also has a cash value for home sellers. According to more than a third of Home Sale Network members (36%), well chosen and well fitted laminate flooring can increase house prices by up to 5%. Taking the latest average house price of more than £160,000, announced by the Deputy Prime Minister, that amounts to a price boost of up to £8,000.

But the news is not all bad for traditional carpet manufacturers, says Richard Tucker, Managing Director of Home Sale Network. He commented, “The majority of our members (54%) say that laminate flooring is a passing trend, and carpets will again become the preferred floor covering.

“Almost a quarter (22.5%), however, predict that the next passion will be for real wood flooring, with 6.5% forecasting that the next fashion will be continental style ceramic floor tiles”, said Mr Tucker.

“Only 17.5% of our members believe that laminate flooring is here to stay”, he added.