Which factor can often exacerbate the effects of gentrification?

An increase in property values is a significant factor that can exacerbate the effects of gentrification. When property values rise, it often leads to higher rents and housing costs, which can displace long-term residents who can no longer afford to live in their neighborhoods. This financial pressure can alter the cultural fabric of the community, as lower-income residents are pushed out in favor of wealthier individuals moving in. Additionally, as wealthier individuals arrive, their preferences and spending habits can shift local business dynamics, further impacting the original residents and potentially leading to a loss of community identity. This cycle of displacement and cultural change demonstrates how rising property values are central to the gentrification process and its often detrimental effects on established communities.