More demand for parcel to USA services could be one effect of a trend that is seeing more Brits looking at property across the pond.

According to PropertyShowrooms.com, there has been a 12 per cent increase in the number of searches for US properties during the last few weeks.

Terry Hobbs, media manager at the firm, reckons the main reason behind the increased interest in US property is the growing strength of sterling against the dollar.

He points out that a 5.4 per cent rise in the value of the pound against the US currency means Brits will get more property for their money.

"If you were looking at that on a purchase of around $200,000 [£131,000], then you would be looking at a saving of nearly $16,000 [£10,500]," he explained.

It seems that a large number of people looking at overseas property are looking to emigrate permanently, according to research from Primelocation.co.uk.

The website noted that a third (33 per cent) of those viewing foreign property are looking to make a long-term move abroad.