“Natalie, for heaven’s sake, you already own four flats—why do you need another one? Where are Mum and I supposed to go, out on the street?” I shouted at my sister when I found out she wanted to take our family home. This is the story of how my sister’s greed nearly left Mum and me without a roof over our heads, and how I fought to keep what was rightfully ours.
**The Family Home and Its History**
Our family had always lived in a spacious three-bedroom flat in the heart of London. My parents were given this place back in the seventies, and over the years, it became our family nest. My sister and I grew up here, and after Dad passed, Mum raised us on her own. The flat’s old but roomy, with high ceilings and large windows. Mum and I still live here, though the place is long overdue for renovations.
My older sister Natalie moved out years ago. She married well—her husband’s a successful businessman—and over time, they built up a comfortable fortune. Natalie already owns four properties: two she rents out, one she bought for her son, and the fourth is where she lives with her husband. I never envied her wealth—in fact, I was happy for her. But then she announced she wanted to take our family flat for herself.
**“It’s My Inheritance”**
It all started when Natalie came round for a visit. After some small talk, she brought up the flat. “Mum, you’re struggling here—the stairs are steep, and the lift’s ancient. Why don’t we sell this place, and I’ll help you and Emily find something smaller?” she suggested. I was stunned. “Sell it? Where would Mum and I live?” Natalie just shrugged, saying it was “her inheritance” and she had every right to claim her share. The flat belonged to the three of us—Mum, her, and me—and she wanted her cut.
I couldn’t believe it. For one thing, Mum’s still alive—what inheritance? And Natalie knew perfectly well we had nowhere else to go. Her idea of “something smaller” sounded more like a bedsit. I snapped, “Natalie, you’ve got four flats—why take this one? Are Mum and I just meant to end up homeless?” She started going on about property investment, calling it a “smart financial move,” but I knew it wasn’t just about money. She wanted it all for herself.
**Talking to Mum and the Fallout**
When Mum overheard us arguing, she was devastated. She’d always tried to be fair to both of us, but even she had enough. “Natalie, have you no shame? This flat is our home—I’ve spent my whole life here.” But Natalie wouldn’t budge. “I don’t want a fight, but it’s my legal right. If we don’t sell, I’ll take it to court for a forced division.”
I couldn’t believe my own sister would go that far. We were never especially close, but I never thought she’d sink so low. I tried reasoning with her, reminding her that Mum and I couldn’t afford another place—I’m a teacher, and Mum’s living on her pension. Natalie just waved me off. “You’ll figure something out.”
**What Now?**
Right now, I’m at my wits’ end. I don’t want to take her to court—it’s expensive, drawn-out, and the stress would break Mum. But I’m not giving up our home without a fight. I offered to buy Natalie out, but she named a price I couldn’t scrape together in ten years. Mum’s in tears, saying she’d rather die than leave the home she’s lived in her whole life.
I don’t know what to do. Should I try talking to Natalie again? Or is legal action the only way? If anyone’s been through something similar, tell me how you handled it. How do you protect your home without tearing the family apart? I need advice—badly.
