RP Data's market update lists the best performing property markets in Australia over the past 10 years.

Culburra Beach was 10th on the list of regional markets with the greatest average annual price growth.

The town now has a median unit price of $226,000.

The largest average annual growth over the decade in a regional area was at Silkwood, in Far North Queensland, where house prices grew by an average of 35 per cent each year.

The median house price in Silkwood is $235,000.

RP Data senior research analyst Cameron Kusher said cheaper areas had had the greatest growth, with new developments helping to boost prices.

"In regional areas it has generally been remote areas or those on the outskirts of larger regional markets which have seen prices grow from a very low base," Mr Kusher said.

But he warned: "While these areas generally see strong price growth initially, over the longer term the prospects aren't so rosy.

"Undoubtedly getting into newly developed areas early can be a great strategy for making money, however when reality kicks in and the lack of amenity strikes home, the growth prospects tend not to be as strong."

Property Council of Australia Illawarra chapter chairman Geoff Jones said there were few sales each year in areas such as Culburra Beach, so one big sale could skew data.

He said there could be several factors influencing such a large jump in property prices over the decade.

"Somewhere over the 10 years there has been some event that's made it attractive," Mr Jones said.

It could have been a housing development, a shopping centre, a new freeway connection or train line, which would make the town more attractive to investors.

Mr Jones warned buyers not to rush into areas with such strong growth, as it was unlikely to continue.

"Finding the next emerging area - that's the key," he said.