Hypervacancy- is defined as a neighborhood that has deteriorated to the point where a given property is just as likely to be abandoned than occupied. Hypervacancy is a condition in which vacant properties are so extensive and centralized that they define the character of the entire area.

The Social Implacations

Abandoned properties are not only sen as eyesores, they also act like a cancer to other surrounding areas. They have a devastating effect on the financial condition of the entire neighborhood. They generate no substantial revenue for the city further devaluing neighboring properties. Abandoned/vacant homes also bring an aesthetic cost such as broken windows, garbage dumping and overgrown lawns. Additionally squatters or people with bad intent might find their way inside. Residents who live in these neighborhoods begin to feel detached, weakening the community as a whole. This disinvestment symbolizes that the mayor, city elective, etc. doesn't care about their area, increasing the likelihood of decline and further abandonment.

How do we fix it?

Although hypervacancy is a serious problem, it's by far a symptom of other problems including concentrated crime, poverty, poor schools, food deserts, economic decline and disinvestment. All those involved with policy need to continue working to rebuild these neighborhoods. There is nothing inevitable or hard about tackling the affordable housing issue. We just need steadfast will to enact the policies that will increase systematic change. Thousands of homes sit empty for decades, deteriorating to the point where they are dragging down communities with them. It has been an established financial principle that homeownership is key to wealth building. It will take efforts from both the government as well as new and smart innovative ways to solve this problem...but we at PadCrush feel it's a problem worth tackling.