The Victorian regional towns where house prices are soaring in a downturn

Key points

• House prices in Victoria's regions rose 6.7 per cent over the past year, even as the Melbourne market slowed after interest rate rises. Glenelg recorded the biggest jump, with prices climbing more than a quarter in 12 months.
• Agents in Portland and Ararat say interstate investors are driving demand, while limited listings push prices up. Mansfield was one of the few areas where the median house price fell, dropping by more than $75,000 in the September quarter.
• Experts say regional areas are attracting buyers through relative affordability and more job options.