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Relationships

Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

Partner lying about owning a house..

210 replies

Smileandbe · 07/06/2022 14:35

Hi all,

I have been with my partner for a couple of years now, he owns his own place (or so I thought) and I own mine. He has basically moved in with me (it's easier for us both this way due to being closer to work) and we've lived together just over a year.

We try to go to his place once a week. Recently I have suggested I would like to move forward maybe get a place together or rent one of our places out so we are better off financially. He reacted badly to this and says he doesn't want to sell his place or rent it out. I am happy to sell or rent mine if it means we move forward together. I presumed he was struggling with commitment and maybe it was too soon for him to move forward, despite the fact we live together already.

I have since discovered (from some papers he threw out and asked me to shred) that he doesn't actually own his property but rather rents it from his ex in laws. I've done a check online and confirmed this is the case. He doesn't know that I know yet.

My first reaction was shock. He's told me since we met that he has worked so hard to get a mortgage and pay it as a single person (as I have too). He's told me he has 5 years left on his mortgage, that he's locked in for 5 years so he'd get a good rate and not be affected by the cost of living crisis in that respect etc etc. He planned to sell his flat when he retired and get a mobile home so he could travel abroad more. He's not simply lied about owning a property, he's fabricated a lifestyle.

I couldn't care less if he had absolutely nothing when we first met. I've never asked or wanted anything physically from him and I do not consider myself to be a materialistic person. I would have loved him the same whatever but the fact that he has been lying to me all this time is so confusing. I don't understand why he feels he needs to do it and when he plans on telling me the truth. I am still struggling to process it.

I really do not know the best way to approach this with him. If anyone has any input I'd be so grateful 🙏 thank you

OP posts:
PermanentTemporary · 08/06/2022 10:52

I'm allergic to this kind of crap because of my Dad who lived in a fantasy world where money was concerned, so I'd end it. He might well have his own story, all fine but I just can't be around this stuff so no hard feelings but he'd have to go.

Meraas · 08/06/2022 10:57

Robinni · 08/06/2022 10:47

Ps I’m not saying that it is unfair for division of assets to be primarily towards mother if they have primary custody - if a man commits to having children he should pay for them and provide a home.

But noting that it can be difficult for them to financially recover from the process, particularly with legal fees if assets are more substantial than a single dwelling.

Incidentally, women can have more to lose than men depending on who is the higher earner or brought more to the marriage. Hence why a prenup/postnup and proper financial planning is prudent…. More people men and women, need to plan for the event of divorce to protect themselves.

It doesn't sound like this guy even has children, so the chances of him being being ruined from the divorce are miniscule.

Robinni · 08/06/2022 11:12

@Meraas

Excerpts from OP second post

they have a grown up child together……The ex has never lived at his place either as when they split she kept their original house and he told me he bought his a few years after. Why the ex inlaws own it, I have no idea!

I’ve just thought actually @Smileandbe it is possible that following the divorce he may not have qualified for the mortgage on the flat by himself.

Inlaws may have stepped in to help to ensure that grandchild had a suitable place to visit father and so that daughter could keep the house she clearly wanted.

That would be a pretty logical explanation.

ToffeeNotCoffee · 08/06/2022 11:17

@SlightlyGeordieJohn

Really ? Why ? Got something to hide have you ?

Is this you getting your gas lighting done ? Or do you want me to be prey to a liar/fantasist ?

Taken on trust ? Not me.

ringemoooo · 08/06/2022 11:42

It's irrelevant whether he's been ruined in a divorce or not. He lied.

Plenty of men have financial difficulties after a divorce or need to rent. They don't then lie to a new partner about it.

TuxedoJunction · 08/06/2022 12:19

Have you spoken to your partner about everything yet @Smileandbe? Hope you’re ok.

Robinni · 08/06/2022 12:22

ringemoooo · 08/06/2022 11:42

It's irrelevant whether he's been ruined in a divorce or not. He lied.

Plenty of men have financial difficulties after a divorce or need to rent. They don't then lie to a new partner about it.

Completely agree. He shouldn’t have lied. Whatever she decides to do, Op does deserve an explanation for the behaviour though.

Octomore · 08/06/2022 12:32

People really are bending over backwards to makes excuses for this guy, aren't they?

The OP has checked the land registry, and has found his in-laws own the flat. That is a fact. She also doesn't say that there was any evidence that he has a charge on the property, which would also be recorded with the land registry if there was one.

So the only sensible explanation, which doesn't require us to tie ourselves in knots to believe it, is that he rents it from them. It's not that bizarre for them to have a property that they rent to someone as an investment.

It may well have started out as them renting him a flat to facilitate the divorce (I.e. to get the lying weirdo out of their daughter's house), but why on earth would they now be planning to sign the flat over to him as a gift? They were the ones who had to take on the risk of the mortgage/pay tax on the rental income etc.

He has had nearly 20 years to move out and find his own place, but he hasn't done so. So he's probably a lot less financially successful than he has led the OP to believe. This will not be the only lie he has told.

flamingomonkey · 09/06/2022 18:58

Oh no! My ex lied about this and was telling me he was speaking to a solicitor about selling but his ex was stalling/changed her mind.

It was utter nonsense.

Turns out they rented it - she moved out and he stayed then he moved out and she moved back (this is true - his brother's wife confirmed it and she hates him and has nothing positive to say about him).

Turns out that was the tip of the iceberg and I should have trusted my gut and run then.

He's his parents problem now 😊

Monty27 · 12/06/2022 00:47

Has the OP disappeared?
Shocking to hear all these experiences.
I've overheard more men bragging about their success than I could shake a stick at.
There's nothing worse than a bullshitter.
I have a radar I've met so many.

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