How do the processes linked to the urban property markets influence the social, economic and geographical patterns of modern cities?

The subject of this essay shall be, as stated above, an examination of the ways in which the urban property markets influence the patterns within cities. Such markets are not a naturally occurring laissez-faire phenomenon, but are manipulated and controlled in a variety of ways.  Government, developers, powerful business persons, international (e.g. European) legislation and local pressure groups can all have an influence….(short extract)