The smaller capital cities and regional markets continue to lead price growth in residential markets, according to data from two research companies.

SQM Research records 1.6% growth nationwide in house prices in May, with Brisbane, Adelaide, Canberra and Hobart all recording increases above 2% during the month.

SQM says house prices have grown 18.9% nationally and 16.9% in the combined capital cities in the 12 months to 31 May.

CoreLogic says house prices have grown 15.6% in the past 12 months nationally but 22.4% in the Combined Regional areas. Its 1 June Home Value Index records monthly rises in Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Hobart and Darwin, as well as all seven state regional markets, with Adelaide leading with an increase of 1.9%.

CoreLogic records declines of 1.1% in Sydney and 0.8% in Melbourne in May, while SQM says Sydney prices recorded no change in May while Melbourne fell 0.4%.

The figures highlight the data differences from alternative sources and the dominance of the smaller cities and regions.