Spencer_30

Dear HMRC Admin 19, Thanks for the clarification. Spencer

Hi, I'm looking for clarification on the eligibility of a property that has been empty for more than 10 years. I have purchased the property and intend to renovate for re-sale or rental. I will not be occupying the property. The HMRC guidance note on 'VAT refunds for conversions if you’re a DIY housebuilder' states within the initial section on conversions eligible for the scheme, 'converting a derelict residential property for either you or your relatives, that has not been lived in (for 10 years or more before the work began)'. Below this under 'Other types of conversion work eligible' it includes the following, 'in the 10 years immediately before the start of the work, the building (or part) has not been used as a dwelling or number of dwellings' which suggests that I don't need to occupy the property. However, under the 'Conversions not eligible' it states 'you’re converting a property that either you, or your relatives, do not intend to live in, but intend to sell or let out' So if I don't move into the conversion is it eligible or not eligible for VAT refund under the DIY housebuilder scheme?