Renovation Criteria and VAT Schemes for Empty Homes

Renovating a house qualifies for a scheme if the house has been empty for 10 years or more and there is a paper trail to evidence it. Another option is qualifying for a different scheme known as the two-year rule, where a contractor can do the project for 5% VAT instead of 20%, but it is deemed contractor-led and the VAT cannot be reclaimed on materials if one is a DIY enthusiast or in the trade.