V.A.T Listed Buildings and Conservatories - 2012 Changes

Following the budget last week and with particular reference to VAT and Listed Buildings, we are being advised that:

The basic position is that all work carried out prior to 1 October will still benefit from zero rating, where applicable.

Work carried out thereafter will be liable to VAT at 20%.

There are, however, a couple of variations/conditions:
Any work, for which the contract has been placed, prior to 21st March 2012, will still be zero rated up until 21 March 2013.

There will be anti-avoidance measures put in place, such that if someone invoices work in September (no VAT), but carries out the work after 1 October, HMRC will be able to charge 20% on that work.
This would also apply if someone simply placed a deposit prior to October for work carried out afterwards.

Works unaffected that still qualify for the 5% VAT rate:

• Empty for 2 years prior to work starting. 
• Converting a property from two dwellings into one, or vice versa. 
• In fact any conversion resulting in a different number of dwellings. 
• Converting from commercial use to residential use. 
• Also unaffected will be ‘Self build’ claims.

So, conservatories, extensions, garden rooms, orangeries will all be subject to the full rate of V.A.T
unless you placed an order by last week!

More to follow...

Project progressing in Hingham, Norfolk

This Morgan Bishop Orangery on a Grade II Star rated Georgian house is progressing well.

Several design concepts were explored with the client throughout 2010 and with the aid of 3D CAD and CGI visualisations the final design was proposd to the council and English Heritage. Full approval was granted by both in Spring 2011.

Original house

Removal of out-building

Flemish Bonded brickwork - almost complete

This week, work will begin on the Stone eaves detail before the Heritage windows, doors and roof lantern are installed. The project is due for completion by the Autumn with the new kitchen, landscaping and exterior decorating completed by early December.

For those that can't wait to see the finished photos - this is one of our CGI's used for the application to English Heritage. Updates on this and other projects will appear here from time to time!