top of page
Concrete Foundation

VAT Reclaims For New Builds & Conversions

Completing a VAT reclaim to HMRC is just one of many things to consider when undertaking a

Self Build project.

Be it a New Build or a Conversion there will be aspects of the build which you can reclaim back the VAT. Below is a brief breakdown of the VAT rates, a general guide of what is eligible and details about our service.

Modern Kitchen

Information

Below is a brief guide on what rate of VAT you should be charged.

Modern House

New Build Project

20% on all materials purchased yourself. 

eg. Builders Merchants, Shops or Online Shopping.

0% on labour.

eg. Builders, Electricians & Plumbers.

0% on supply & fit of materials.

eg. Builders supplying & laying bricks or Electrician supplying & fitting lights.

We will then be able to claim back most of the VAT on materials as part of your application to HMRC. 

Conversion Project

20% on all materials purchased yourself. 

eg. Builders Merchants, Shops or Online Shopping.

5% on labour.

eg. Builders, Electricians & Plumbers.

5% on supply & fit of materials.

eg. Builders supplying & laying bricks or Electrician supplying & fitting lights.

We will then be able to claim back most of the VAT on materials & labour as part of your application to HMRC. 

Old Barn

Below are examples of what can and can not be reclaimed. 

Green Tick

+ Most building materials

eg. Cement, Bricks, Timber etc

+ Most kitchen & bathroom fittings

eg. Kitchen Cupboards & Worktops

+ Most finishing off items

eg. Tiles, Light Fitting & Wood Flooring

Red Cross

+ Professional fees

eg. Architects & Surveyors

+ Most hire charges

eg. Scaffolding & Skips

+ Some electrical items

eg. Cookers, Tools & TV's

Misconceptions about the VAT reclaim process

In a world where information can be easily accessed online and the ever increasing push by big tech companies to provide AI as the be all and end all answer to any question asked it is understandable to believe that submitting a reclaim for VAT to HMRC is as simple as listing a pile of documents on to a spreadsheet and submitting to HMRC and they will refund you the requested amount without any issues. 

Misconceptions:

HMRC will accept any document and award any value requested:

No, HMRC will not simply accept a spreadsheet and award the amount listed, they will undertake certain checks to confirm a) the materials requested are eligible and b) the document provided is valid. HMRC will not simply accept any document as eligible proof of purchase. Our service is to make sure that the items submitted are eligible and that the documents submitted are eligible. HMRC will not refund on documents which are not valid.

I can get all the information I need online:

Whist it is true that a lot of information about VAT in general is available online and AI has certainly added to the information, it is important that the information provided is correct and you do not jeopardise your chance of a VAT reclaim for a self build by following the route of incorrect information. We as a company do not use any aspect of AI in our service, everything is sorted, listed and submitted by a person and not any form of AI is used within our service.

Why should I use a specialist when I can submit myself or use my accountant:

Any application can be submitted directly by yourself and as such you are cutting out the need to pay for someone to undertake this on your behalf. Most claims are in the tens of thousands and the benefit of instructing a specialist to undertake the claim on your behalf for a small fee in the scheme of the build (our fee is fixed at £395) gives you the piece of mind that the claim is going to be submitted correctly and complete without any risk of rejection. Self Build VAT reclaims are the only VAT work we undertake and as such know this scheme inside out. 

I should get my builder to purchase materials then I won't pay VAT:

Whilst it is true that any supply and fit on a new build is zero rated and as such you will not pay the builder any VAT, they will undoubtedly include a markup cost to their invoices to cover their time in purchasing the materials on your behalf, using their account and also them having to stand the VAT until they can recover this via their quarterly return. This markup can be anywhere from 15-30% and basically wipes out any VAT saving and in some cases costs you more than the VAT would have had you purchased the materials yourself. Most builders merchants will be happy to set you up with your own credit account and offer any pricing incentives they offer builders, so it makes sense financially to purchase as many items as possible yourself. 

Instructing Us To Claim Back The VAT  On Your Self Build

We specialise in VAT reclaims for self build clients who have either built their home on a plot of land or converted an existing structure such as a school, barn or church to become their new home.

 

Client who have constructed a new build dwelling are able to reclaim VAT on the vast majority of materials purchased throughout their project. Clients who have converted a building can claim the VAT on materials and labour. We are also able to claim back VAT for clients who have reinstated a derelict dwelling (must be empty 10 years prior to work commencing).

Reclaiming VAT for clients in England, Wales, Scotland & Northern Ireland. We can start the process no matter what stage your self build is at. For a professional, yet personal service contact us today.

Why Choose Us?

Complete Reclaim Process

When we undertake your application we do everything from start to finish to get you a successful reclaim.  

Specialised Service

We specialise solely in ​self build reclaims. We do not undertake any other VAT work.  

Fixed Fee Of £395

We pride ourselves on our fixed fee policy, irrespective of build size, number of invoices or the value of VAT reclaimed. 

100% Success Rate

We have never had an application rejected by HMRC.

Hassle Free

We take all the hassle out of reclaiming the VAT that is due to you. 

Friendly & Helpful

A professional service to help maximise the total VAT you can reclaim. 

Direct Refund

100% of your eligible VAT refund will be paid directly into your bank account by HMRC. 

Eligible Self Builds Include

Open space

Houses built on plots of land

Derelict House

Existing properties which have been knocked down and rebuilt

Image by Roger Starnes Sr

Non-residential buildings such as a barn, school or church

nsplsh_386548725637776a505434_mv2_d_3742

Residential buildings which have not been occupied for 10+ years

Fixed Fee

We pride ourselves on our fixed fee policy irrespective of number of invoices or value of VAT reclaimed.

£395

Complete Reclaim Service

When you instruct us to act on your behalf, we do everything from start to finish to get you a successful VAT reclaim on your self build. 

Our service includes:

+ Sorting all original invoices to make sure they are eligible for a VAT reclaim.​

+ Notifying you if an invoice is incomplete and requires additional information and help gain eligible documentation which HMRC will accept.

+ Highlighting any invoices which would be rejected by HMRC as being incorrectly charged. 

+ Emailing you a breakdown of all eligible and non-eligible invoices/items after every batch of invoices have been received so you keep up to date with your estimated reclaim value throughout your project. 

+ Completion of all paperwork required for your application.

+ Checking all invoices and required documentation is complete before submitting your application to HMRC.

+ Liaising with HMRC throughout your application.

+ Unlimited help and advice throughout your project relating to all aspects of VAT.

To be able to begin processing your application we will need the following:

+ All invoices and credit notes

+ A copy of all the planning permissions associated with your self-build.

+ A copy of the external and internal plans

+ Completion certificate (if received)

Let's Discuss 
Your VAT Reclaim

Wayne or Lorraine Turner

Claim It Back VAT Refunds

Mercury House

Willoughton Drive

Gainsborough

Lincolnshire

DN21 1DY

Telephone: 01427 839333

  • Facebook

© 2025 by Claim It Back VAT Refunds.                      Privacy Policy

bottom of page