I don't argue that James has the right to make decisions about his house without anyone's consent. But the cunning way he did it is a red flag. And the same goes if it were a women in the senerio.

If your intention in a relationship is marriage and you are sure that your partner will one day move into that house, then it's logical to include them in the house decision making.

Unless you have too much money to spend or redecoration when she/he moves in.