New build flooring and VAT

Highbury

I'm currently in the process of buying a new build property from a developer. We exchanged contracts last week and have a completion date of our Friday 28th October.

The property comes without any flooring or carpeting, so we've got a quote from a local flooring specialist to supply and fit Kardean flooring (being stuck down, wood effect, non-removable flooring) and carpets. I've been told by a few different flooring specialists that we will be able to claim back the VAT paid on the stuck down Kardean flooring (not the carpets) so long as we pay a deposit before the house is completed.

I've had a quick dig on the HMRC website and found this an article entitled "Building trades: VAT when constructing new houses and flats" (sorry, I'm a new user so the forum doesn't allow me to post links).

A few key points on there include:

"You can zero-rate the work you do on the building before it's completed."

"they aren't carpets or carpeting material - but wood or laminate flooring and linoleum are allowed "

I would just like clarification that I can indeed put a deposit down before completion of the house and then, when the flooring is fitted in 3-4 weeks time, I can claim back the VAT paid for supplying and fitting this? What evidence will I need, just a receipt for the deposit and the full amount paid? A copy of the property completion certificate?

Thanks.

System

This isn't part of the building project though as it is not the builder/developer doing or sub-contracting the floor laying.
This is effectively a new project instigated by you and not classed as part of the building project.

jennifernil

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/158818

I found this, not sure if it will help, it's 3 years old.

jennifernil

And this.....

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2461523