Developer claiming VAT on my behalf

fuzzballjunior

I am in the process of buying a new build from a developer. As costs from the developer for upgrades are extortionate, I've obtained prices by myself for some items I want. One of the items is floor tiles throughout my ground floor. When I ordered from Porcelanosa, the salesman helpfully informed me that I could reclaim the VAT for permanent fixtures, such as tiles, on a new build. However, this can only be claimed once, and I should therefore ask my developer to reclaim on my behalf. He assured me that this was common practice and that he had other customers who had done this successfully.
When I checked the HMRC website it doesn't suggest that this is possible when buying from a developer.
I asked my developer if they would be happy to do this and they have refused. It does seem a bit odd that if I were to order from the builder, they would reclaim the VAT but they won't do it for me. I have already purchased the tiles.
Can someone tell me if this is legitimate and how I should go about convincing the developer to help me? Or should I forget the whole thing?

googler

The builder can only reclaim VAT on purchases made by his business, and which go through his books.

You've already made the purchase, so he can't do this.

ging84

there is a VAT exemption for building materials and labour on self build homes. This includes tiles but not anything like carpets or white goods. You may be able to claim the VAT on the files and fitting yourself, not sure if HMRC accept this sort of claim where the house builder is also putting in thier own claim but it is worth a try

googler

Doesn't sound like this is a 'self-build', though ...

ging84

i was looking into it the other day, it seems to be possible to claim provided it is work / materials that are installed right away after the house builders have finished, but i couldn't tell how you claim it, it might be as the shop keeper said that it needs to be done through the house builder

googler

ging84 wrote: »

i couldn't tell how you claim it, it might be as the shop keeper said that it needs to be done through the house builder

There's a claim form on the HMRC website, under the 'self-build' reclaim section, but.... it's not a self-build. The OP is buying it from a builder.

fuzzballjunior

Thanks guys. It seems as I suspected that I'd have the rely on the builder claiming on my behalf. The self build claim form on the HMRC site has a clear question that asks if you have bought from a developer. If you have then the claim is invalid. Shame, I was hoping to save some dosh.