What is the ruling of Islamic law concerning disputes between spouses over the place of residence after an initial agreement, and whether the husband is obligated to purchase a new apartment near his wife's family?

The default is that the husband houses his wife wherever he wishes. If the wife refuses, she is considered disobedient (nashiz). The husband may waive this right to please his wife after the marriage contract.

However, before the marriage contract, a woman may stipulate that she not be taken out of her town, and this condition is binding according to many scholars.

It is advisable to try and convince the fiancée of the necessity of living in the village to fulfill the rights of the parents. If she insists on living in her town, there is no harm in that, as long as it does not lead to neglecting the rights of the parents.