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Egypt was ousted from the top spot in January's Top of the Props Chart, replaced by the USA, proving that visitors to TheMoveChannel.com are eager to take advantage of the ongoing trauma in the American housing market and snap up a bargain whilst prices are lower than usual.

Our Top of the Props chart provides a monthly pop chart snapshot of the most popular countries on the site and last month, the USA reigned supreme, attracting the most interest from visitors to the site.

USA today

The housing market in America is enduring one of its toughest periods ever, with USA property sales all across the country continuing to fall and desperate estate agents shutting up shop.

But, there is a shaft of light at the end of the tunnel. The so called ‘Obama effect’ that people are hoping will kick in following the new President’s inauguration is expected to have a huge impact on the property market.

According to research from the Association of British Travel Agents, (ABTA) more and more visitors will begin to flock to the country, eager to see what the new President does to alter the American way.

ABTA Spokesperson Frances Tuke said, "With the election of the 44th President Barack Obama, for many reasons, people will feel a whole new optimism.

Many will be keen to experience the new landscape that is being created following his appointment," Ms Tuke added.

In a slow housing market, one type of buyer is still flocking to America. According to a new study by the American National Association of Realtors, a quarter of estate agents said their business with overseas buyers had increased over the past five years.

Nutty about Brazil

Brazil has well and truly transformed itself into one of the main economic powerhouses of the future.

The Brazilian economy is one of the fastest-growing, emerging economies worldwide and together with Russia, India, and China as part of the BRIC group of countries, Brazil is one of the predicted world leading economies of the future.

The country's stock market has also grown by 400 per cent in the last five years and GDP is up five per cent, making Brazilian properties an investment destination with huge potential.

Dan Johnson, Director of TheMoveChannel.com said, "The Brazilian Real has weakened against Sterling over the last six months – one of the few currencies to do so".

With the economy there still strong, inflation under control and interest rates still falling, expect this market to outperform most others during the course of 2009,” he added.

Other movers and shakers

December's winner Egypt had to be content with third place in January whilst Turkey fell by one place to nab fifth.

The ever popular United Arab Emirates came in seventh, suggesting that the spate of bad publicity Dubai has endured of late has had a knock on effect on investor interest.

Thailand fell a massive sixth places to sneak in at number eight, possibly indicating that the recent political turmoil in the country has made investors think twice about purchasing Thai properties.

Bulgaria and the Dominican Republic brought up the rear, at ninth and tenth places respectively. The latter also nabbed the title of being the highest new entry to the Top of the Props chart.