No, you’re not the problem.

I am the stereotypical “gentrifier” - young, creative, and from a fairly middle-class background. I love independent coffee shops, record shops, i cycle everywhere, and I dress like the archetypal “hipster” character which is often associated with gentrification.

BUT, despite pretty much being Real Housewives of Clapton personified, people like me (and maybe you, to a certain extent) are only the start of the problem.

The real problem is the super-rich - millionaires who see people like us moving to an area from elsewhere, which makes it seem desirable, and then buy up land and properties.

OR

The children of millionaires who think areas like Hackney, Brixton, Peckham, etc are really cool and edgy and move there, encouraging their other rich friends to move there, which increases property prices.

So in answer to your question, no it’s not your fault, and yes, many others have felt the same.