NSBRC Guide to VAT Claims - 28th February 2026

One of the many reasons to self build is that you can claim back your VAT. Under VAT Notice 431, any new dwellings are entitled to Zero VAT on materials and labour.

You can reclaim VAT on most building elements and materials – but there are some exceptions and various rules to understand and follow. There are different things to understand depending on who is undertaking the work and this can be the cause of some confusion and unnecessary stress. That is why, working with a genuine, experienced expert, we’ve designed this brand new half-day course.

Andrew Jones – AKA, The VATman

Andrew is a specialist in processing VAT Reclaims all over the UK, with over 14 years’ experience and has processed more than 13,000 claims to date (with a total value of claims over £35 million).

Who Should Attend?

This course has been produced by Andrew, and the team at the NSBRC, for private individuals creating a new dwelling for themselves or a direct family member, and not for someone doing a HMO or a developer building to sell.

Here are some project types which this course would cover:

• New build / Self Build

• Demolition and rebuild

• Replacement dwellings

• Completing someone else’s new build

• An old house empty for 10 years or more

• Converting a building not previously lived in

• Commercial to residential

• Barn Conversions

• Disused places of worship

Please note this list doesn’t cover all relevant projects types and is used by way of example.

The course is not suitable for someone constructing a HMO or a developer building to sell.

If you’re unsure if this is the right course for you, please get in touch at courses@nsbrc.co.uk and we can discuss this with you.

What will the course cover?

If you’re doing a self build or a conversion (new build, knock-down and re-build, converting a church, chapel, barn) - creating any new dwelling which is for yourself or a family member - this course will help you understand VAT claims by covering:

• When you should pay VAT and when you should not and at what VAT rate

• How you achieve zero VAT on your project

• Time frame to submit a VAT reclaim

• Techniques for purchasing materials at the best rates

• What can and cannot be reclaimed

• Potential problems to avoid

• Details of HMRC’s procedure in relation to your reclaim

• Purchases that carry other challenges and difficulties

• The purchases HMRC will scrutinise the closest

• The items where your most likely to make a mistake & how to avoid this

• Plus - lots of other insider tips to increase your VAT saving

We are confident that, in making the small investment to take this course, you will maximise your VAT claim, potentially saving hundreds if not thousands of pounds on your final budget.