A string of regional NSW towns – mostly somewhat affordable areas sought by tree-changers and investors – recorded house price growth of more than 10 per cent over the past year. Topping the list with a rise of 30 per cent in the 12 months to December is Broken Hill, a 1100-kilometre drive from Sydney, Domain’s latest House Price Report shows. The top four LGAs – including Gunnedah, the Yass Valley and Tamworth – all have median house prices under $1 million, are inland and rose by more than 20 per cent over the past year. By contrast, pricey coastal lifestyle destinations were largely flat over the same time period, as the Byron shire held steady and Kiama prices edged down 2 per cent.