Friday, 10 May 2013

Gentrification and its effects

Gentrification is when wealthier people move into a run down area and regenerate it by improving their housing.

Positive impacts
  • Housing is improved (double glazing, central heating, inside toilets)
  • Value of houses increase in the area, allowing residents already in the area to sell their houses for more money
  • New businesses move into the area to cater for the wealthier residents, such as bars and restaurants, this creates jobs for the lower and middle class as well
  • Crime rates may fall, as there are less derelict buildings so less graffiti and vandalism take place
Negative impacts
  • High demand for housing could cause problems for current residents, landlords could demand more money from their tenants or kick them out so they can sell the house while it's value is high
  • Children of the original homeowners may be unable to afford a property nearby and therefore forced to move out, which can have the negative multiplier effect of the skilled moving out
  • The traditional shops such as launderettes and charity shops, that the less affluent residents will need may be forced to shut down to make way for the coffee shops and boutiques that the wealthier desire
  • Tension can be caused between the local people and the new residents, quite often forming a social gap 

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