'AITA for secretly buying the house next door to stop my in-laws from moving in?'

In a recent post on Reddit, user OkMine9845 shared a story about a tricky situation involving his wife, her difficult relationship with her parents, and his decision to purchase a house next door to their family home to prevent his in-laws from becoming neighbors.

The OP began by explaining that his wife, a "natural people-pleaser," struggles with standing up to her parents, who have a history of overstepping boundaries, being bossy, and offering unsolicited opinions.

OP purchases neighboring house to block in-laws from moving in

While the OP doesn’t have major issues with his in-laws, he has no problem setting boundaries, a skill he developed after leaving home at a young age and becoming financially successful before turning 30.

A few years ago, the couple moved away from her parents, which helped ease some of the tension. However, things took a turn when the in-laws began discussing selling their primary home and buying a place closer to them.

A few years ago, the couple moved away from her parents, which helped ease some of the tension. However, things took a turn when the in-laws began discussing selling their primary home and buying a place closer to them.

"Recently, MIL finally retired, and they started making noises about selling their primary residence and buying near us," OP shared.

The situation became more complicated when a house two doors down from the couple went on the market. The in-laws expressed interest in buying it, but their lowball offer, combined with certain conditions, set off alarms for the OP. "My wife was very worried. She does not want them as neighbors. Neither do I," he wrote.

To avoid the potential nightmare of living next to his in-laws, OP decided to act quickly. He formed an LLC and put in an offer at the full asking price, which was accepted. His plan? To rent the house out to long-term tenants, as rental housing is in short supply in their area.

However, there was one major catch: he didn’t tell his wife about the purchase. "I did not want to put her in a position where she would have to lie to her parents or reveal what would be taken as a very provocative action," OP explained.

When the in-laws found out that their offer had been outbid, they were furious. "The in-laws raged against the 'mystery person who gazzumped them'," OP wrote, but he simply nodded sympathetically, keeping his involvement a secret.

The OP’s brother was the only one who knew about the purchase and told him it was an "AH move." OP, surprised by his brother’s reaction, turned to Reddit for advice. "That surprised me, so I am wondering what outside observers think of what I did," he asked the community.

OP later shared an update, clarifying some details about the house and his intentions. "The agency has been instructed only to rent full-time residents," he explained, hoping to avoid the possibility of his in-laws renting the house.

However, he admitted that the situation had made him realize he needs to disclose everything to his wife. "I'm going to give some thought to the how and the when," he said, acknowledging that honesty was key moving forward.

Redditors back OP's decision to block in-laws from moving in

Several Redditors expressed their support for the OP, understanding his desire to set boundaries with his overbearing in-laws. Many felt his actions were justified, considering the difficult relationship between his wife and her parents.

A user said, "You are NTA but instead a genius. That was a great move but it might backfire and make them more determined next time a property near you comes on the market."

Another added, "Nta and definitely best husband ever!"

A third commentator remarked, "NTA for having eff you money."

"NTA - It was a smart move tbh. It’s better to stay away from toxic people. Your in-laws would probably be constantly in your wife’s face, criticizing her or saying mean things and it will definitely affect her mental health tbh," one said supporting the OP.

A person said, "It was a brilliant move, except for telling your brother. At some point, it will get back to your wife."

Another commented, "NTA You shielded your wife from an inevitable boundary invasion without putting her in the awkward position of confrontation. Let them rage about the "mystery buyer" while you enjoy your peaceful neighborhood."

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