Comparing the gentrification rates between metro served and non-metro served major housing estates: A case study of Hong Kong

Abstract

This study examines if metro served major housing estates in Hong Kong gentrify faster than non-metro served ones. If so, in what distance does this effect last? Data of the latest population censuses conducted in 2016 and 2021 are employed in the analyses. Controlling the changes in population characteristics, the results show that major housing estates with metro served within 250m gentrified faster than non-metro served ones (in terms of all three gentrification indicators). The effects lessened when larger sized buffers are employed. Meanwhile, the effects of new stations are also revealed through the analyses. These results provide a fuller picture of how gentrification happens in rental housing with different metro accessibility, which are important references for academic research and policy implementations.