Living abroad and selling a UK property

alan_curran · Postby **alan_curran** » Mon Sep 01, 2003 9:53 am

I moved to the USA to live 2 years ago. I have just sold my house in Enlgand and have been charged VAT by my solicitor and my estate agent.
I do not intend to return to the UK, to live, for at least 10 years.

What is my situation? Am I exempt or can I reclaim the VAT? If so how.

regards

Alan

peter@lavat.co.uk · Postby **peter@lavat.co.uk** » Thu Sep 11, 2003 6:42 am

Hi Alan

Your solicitor and estate agent were correct to charge VAT. The place of supply rules for VAT dictate that such supplies should be treated as being made where the land is situated i.e in the UK.

Unfortunately, the fact that you our now resident in the USA does not alter this. As the 'final consumer' you are not able to recover the VAT.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

Peter Gladdish
LAVAT Consulting Limited
www.lavat.co.uk