To think it’s mine now?

[startube]

I was given a piece of furniture by a relative a few years ago. Since redecorating I decided it no longer matches and I want to buy something else in its place. Placed it up for sale and got a message from my brother asking if it has sold, and if not could he have it (for free). AIBU to think it’s mine to sell? I think he feels he has a claim to it as it came from a relative. I need the money to put towards the replacement so I am reluctant to give it to him.

It's a no brainer.
Your DB doesn't need it - you need a heater !!
Sell it

If this article is not an heirloom and has no sentimental attachment within the family, was given because the giver no longer wanted it or had room for it, then why should the OP feel obligated to hand it on to a family member who is not in need and who already has several of the articles in question?

I'd sell it.

If you need to sell it to be able to afford a heater, then sell it. Your needs outweigh his.

OP, you need the heater, sell the item and stuff your DB.

Just tell him that you are sorry for the confusion, you are selling it so that you can buy a heater.

I'd just ring him and tell him the truth that you are selling because you are skint and need to buy a heater what with winter coming.

I can't for one minute imagine that he'll say he still wants it and he might even say he'll buy the heater for you. (I would for my sibling in this situation)

OP you said you might tell he can have it but only when you've saved enough to buy a heater? How would holding onto a, say wardrobe, speed up the time it takes to save?

A bit cheeky trying to sell something that your family member gave you. Give it to your brother.

Given the details you've provided (no sentimental value, brother has multiple already/doesn't even know for sure if he wants it, etc.), I'd say you should tell him that there's been a misunderstanding. You're selling it because you need the money for a heater.

Normally, I'd offer an item given to me by family back to the person who gave it or give him/her the option of giving it to someone else before I'd try to sell or donate it, myself. However, in these circumstances, it seems like if anyone's acting entitled, it's your brother.

Given the details you've provided (no sentimental value, brother has multiple already/doesn't even know for sure if he wants it, etc.), I'd say you should tell him that there's been a misunderstanding. You're selling it because you need the money for a heater.

This^

It's a HEATER. It's not a lovingly painted family potrait!

Following your updates, it’s clear that your brother isn’t really attached to the furniture but just being a bit grabby, so I think you should go ahead and sell it and put the money towards a heater.

OP - The latest commenters are right. The information included in your latest comment, I think, would have changed the voting and all comments significantly, if included in the first post:

• that your brother is in a better financial position yet simply assumed he could help himself to this piece of furniture even though he already has several
• that you’re selling it to buy an electric heater, which many people consider a necessity, and not something that’s just for aesthetic value.

I’m sure you didn’t mean to drip feed, or you were concerned about being outed, but previous commenters were picturing (and some have even shared stories of) precious heirloom furniture pieces being sold out from under family members and things.

Based on the current information, YANBU. Do not give him the item. Sell it yourself. Your need for an electric heater is more important than his need for another of something that he has several of, especially if it’s something that has no sentimental or family value. Heat trumps decoration (which is why it would have been impossible to make this judgment at the beginning of the thread).

Also, can I just say, it also angers me that he just appears to have dictated to you that he’s taking it and IF he decides not to, then you can sell it. Bugger that - it’s yours! You can sell it today; your choice.

I concur with @RightYesButNo

I'd previously said I would just give it to my brother but now we've gotten all the information I agree you should just be honest with your brother and tell him vyou need to sell it.

While you're not obliged to give it to your brother, I think it's really tight of you not to. Don't you like him OP?

told me if he changes his mind and doesn’t actually have room for it then I can sell it

What he means is that doesn't need the item and knows it - HE wants to sell it and keep the money for himself.

What's the backstory between you two?
One of my siblings would take my farts off me if they thought i was getting something of value out of them, they always have to try and 'best' me at any opportunity.
It's just the kind of petty and twisted nature they have.

It's YOUR furniture, you even got the law on your side seeing as possession is 9/10ths of the law
Just sell it to him for the advertised price - then HE can sell it on if he decides he doesn't want it.
Don't let him mess you around.

Your brother is a cheeky entitled twat and I wouldn’t give him a thing.

Carrie7899 Aren't you charming!?!! She needs it to buy a heater of course you wouldn't need it as you're the Ice Queen!

It's yours. It doesn't matter where it came from, it belongs to you. You decide what you want to do with it. It doesn't even sound like your DB cares that much.

Does your brother have a heater you could exchange item for?

You would take money from your own brother when you were given it for free?wow.I would say yabu definitely

Having read your update, I'd explain to your brother that if you don't sell it then you have to keep it, as you were going to use the money to buy a replacement.
If he wants it to stay in the family he will need to buy it off you. As he doesn't actually have a need for it I think that's fair.

If it was given to you then of course you can sell it if you choose/need to. Quite possibly the relative gave things to other members of the family too, including your brother.

Charity begins at home. Pass it on.

Surely “charity begins at home” means the OP should sell it and keep the cash?

Yes charity doesn’t mean giving screwing yourself over to help your brother, especially when he already has several of the item and is being a greedy bugger.