Moving Beyond the Gentrification Gaps: Social Change, Tenure Change and Gap Theories in Stockholm

Abstract

Production-side theories of gentrification are generally confined to the rent and value gaps. In Stockholm, the value gap, involving tenure conversions from rental to co-operative ownership, is usually cited as the primary gentrification mechanism. However, results described here indicate that gentrification has taken place in rental properties even prior to tenure conversion. Together with the small number of conversions taking place, this means that the value-gap mechanism is of limited importance. It is suggested that mechanisms operating within the rental sector, such as 'luxury renovations' and the housing allocation process, are more significant in Stockholm, and that gap theories are of little relevance. More generally, explanations of gentrification in a mixed economy such as that of Sweden need to look beyond traditional theories.