DIY or other work on empty property prior to contractor starting renovation at reduced VATrate.

I take it that the requirement that work does not commence before the property has been empty for 2 years relates to VAT charged by any single contractor on a single contract. For the avoidance of doubt, please clarify whether carrying out any of the following during those two years would make such a property ineligible for reduced rate VAT once it has been unoccupied for 2 years? Work carried out by the owner as DIY. Work carried out by another contractor as a separate and unrelated work package. Work carried out by the same contractor as a separate and unrelated work package.

Hi,
The guidance is clear in that any work carried out to the building before the property has been empty for 2 years would be standard rated.
However once the property has been empty for 2 years, then as long as all the conditions are met in the guidance below, then the majority of the work can be done at the reduced rate of VAT:
Reduced rating the renovation or alteration of empty residential premises
Thank you.