VAT recliam on conversion of 4 flats to one family dwelling

Hello, We have purchased 4 flats and converted these into one family dwelling and this was done as a self-build project. I would like to find out if we can reclaim some of the VAT paid on goods and services. Thank you.

Hi,
There is a DIY scheme available for recovery of VAT.
However, this is only available for new builds where the residence is built from scratch or where you are either converting a non residential property in to a residential property or where you are working on a residential property which hasn't been lived in for10 or more years. You can see the guidance here:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-a-vat-refund-for-a-new-home-or-charity-building-if-youre-a-diy-housebuilder
Claim a VAT refund for a conversion if you're a DIY housebuilder
Thank you.

The 4 flats were rented through a business by the previous owners and had been for over 20 years. Would this make the conversion non residential to residential. The owner of the property didn't live in any of the flats and had always operated the rental of the flats as a business. We had to seek permission to convert them back into a single residential property and also had planning permission granted. thank you

Hi,
It does not matter who owned the properties.The key point is that it has at no point been lived in during the last 10 years.
VAT refunds for conversions if you’re a DIY housebuilder.
Thank you.