By Guest Blogger, Peter Koulizos, property lecturer and author www.thepropertyprofessor.com.au
In the past I have written numerous articles on gentrification and produced an academic paper on this subject, titled “Are there indicators that can be used as predictive precursors to identify gentrification in an area?”
There are a number of quantitative (based on numbers) factors that indicate an area is undergoing gentrification. These factors relate to the demographic changes and the property within these areas. However, there are also some qualitative (based on qualities/opinion) factors that can help determine whether an area is gentrifying.
This is light hearted look at some of the qualitative factors than you can look for to help you determine whether an area is gentrifying and possibly buy property within this location.
A is for Alcohol
If a suburb is full of traditional pubs serving only mass produced beer such as Victoria Bitter (VB), Carlton Draught or Tooheys it is probably not a gentrifying suburb. If the pub only serves old fashioned meals such as prawn cocktails and bangers and mash, it is probably not in a gentrifying suburb. If the pub is full of pokies and big TVs which only show horse racing and footy, it is probably not in a gentrifying suburb.
However, if the suburb has pubs, cafes and small bars which serve craft beer, liqueurs and Aperol Spritz, you probably are in a gentrifying suburb. If the pubs have no pokies and there is live jazz music on a Sunday afternoon, you are probably in a gentrifying suburb. If the menu has ingredients such avocado, kale and quinoa, you are definitely in a gentrifying suburb!
B is for Bikes
The type of bicycles can also indicate to you who is in the area and whether it is gentrifying. If the bikes parked outside the café belong to MAMILS (Middle Aged Men In Lycra) and they are riding brands of bikes such as BMC, Colnago, Specialized or Pinarello, you are probably not in a gentrifying suburb. If each individual’s riding gear and bicycle is worth in the thousands of dollars, you are probably not in a gentrifying suburb.
A gentrifying suburb will have different types of cyclists and bikes. Look for vintage bikes with a carry basket. If it is a female rider, she will be wearing a dress. If it is a male rider, he will be wearing rolled up jeans and boots. If it is a fixie bike (only one gear), you are definitely in a gentrifying suburb!
C is for Coffee
Finally, the coffee served in the area can help determine whether if the suburb is gentrifying. Answer the following questions to determine whether the area is gentrifying or not.
Do they just serve latte, flat white, cappuccino and the only tea on the menu is English Breakfast? Is the coffee/tea served in sparkling white cups/mugs? Do you sit in nice comfortable chairs and if you are outside, the seats are from a proper outdoor setting. If you answered yes to these questions, the area is not gentrifying.
Do they have a range of milk to add to your tea and coffee such as soy, almond and coconut? Do the tea offerings include green, jasmine and chamomile? When they serve you your tea/coffee, no two cups or saucers match. Do the tables and chairs that are inside look like they came from your grandmother’s house? If you are outside, do they expect you to sit on wooden crates and the tables are just long planks of wood on trestles? If you answered yes to these questions, you are definitely in a gentrifying suburb!
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