Service Description: The Conservation & Design Team are concerned with preserving and enhancing the built environment, dealing with listed buildings and Conservation Areas. This service was previously known as "Conservation & Design".
Also known as:- Conservation & Design, Conservation Areas, Historic Buildings, Listed Buildings
Answer: Provided that the works were carried out by a VAT registered builder and with listed building consent, VAT may not apply to the cost of alterations to listed buildings, although it does apply to repairs and ordinary maintenance. For further information please contact HM Revenues and Customs National Advice Service on 0845 010 9000. The Government has also introduced a range of tax incentives to encourage the reuse of empty property. VAT is levied at a reduced rate of 5% on the cost of renovating dwellings that have been empty for 3 years or more or for converting non residential property into a dwelling or number of dwellings. A zero rate of VAT applies to the sale of renovated houses that have been empty for 10 years or more. There is also a scheme to allow property owners to claim 100% capital allowances on expenditure incurred renovating or converting derelict, vacant or underused space above shops which are brought back into residential flats for letting. For further information please contact: The Empty Property Officer Housing and Community Support Services 7 High Street Newport Isle of Wight PO30 1SS Tel: 01983 821000 - Related Link