Should I be worried? Sibling getting overly comfortable in family house....

sevenhills

The_Walker said:

This is beginning to sound worse by the minute. So she could effectively stay there, but since I'd own half the house I'd be liable to pay half council tax and maintenance? She's already enjoyed decades of virtually rent free easy living, while I haven't. So this really would be the icing on the cake .....

If she stays there, she has no where else to go, whilst the building is turned into flats. That could take a few years. Is it a delaying tactic?
Your sister could have good motives. She may want a flat for herself?

MobileSaver

Emily_Joy said:

MobileSaver said:

Emily_Joy said:

I am with your sibling - it is her home and she naturally wants to make some improvements - e.g. new double glazed windows, insulation, rewiring, new wallpaper, new kitchen/bathroom etc. 

I completely disagree. Yes it is the sister's home but all of the things you mention require the permission of the home owner, which the sister is not. Indeed the owner (the parents) has specifically told the sister to consult with the OP over major matters and the sister has failed to do this - the sister is already ignoring her agreement with the owner.

(3) could decrease the value of the house

That is a really good point!

While many "improvements" won't increase the value of a house by a single iota, a poorly designed or executed alteration could conceivably make a house worth less.

thegreenone

@The_Walker.  I believe you can check Land Registry to see if there is a Lien on the house.  Happy to be corrected if wrong.

RAS

The_Walker said:

I tried to talk to her about it, raising my concerns etc and she refused to discuss it. She basically shut me down. I

If the council comes after the house, and they soon might, then yes this is all a redundant issue. 

Is your sister claiming any disability benefits? 

As there is an exemption so sale if the house is occupied by someone over years OR someone with a disability.