VAT Listed building 10 year rule old Mill

[Olas1]

Hi. I will try to be as clear as possible without rambling. Any questions please don't hesitate to ask.

We have been renovating a listed building that has not been lived in for over 10 years and have been recording and retaining receipts for materials etc. I understand Listed buildings are no longer exempt and I understand what can and what cannot be claimed.

I do have a few questions if I may because our situation is a little unusual.

The Property is listed. It consists of:

-The house which was always been a house where the miller lived.
-The mill which is attached to the house
-Barns that are separate from the house

- It seems that part of the build is a renovation at the 5% VAT rate because it has been unoccupied for more than 10 years.

- Am I right in saying that because the barns are listed by association that when these are renovated they are also 5% or could it be 0% ?

- If we renovate and join the mill to the house then is this then a conversion at 0% or still a renovation at 5% ?

Can HMRC apply 5% to some of it and 0% to other parts of it is I differentiate the costs on the documentation?
After reading the HMRC info I am still not very clear on the rest.

Also is there a time limit on the VAT reclaim. It is a big project and has taken us 3 years just to do the house part. I am worried the receipts will somehow expire and HMRC will tell me that I can't claim for what we have spent already. It could go on for 5 - 10 years who knows. We are not in a rush but of course if I submit the reclaim documentation that would be the end of any VAT exemption or that is how I understand it.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Olas.

[Olas1]

I have tried to Edit and even remove this post but I am not sure how to do that. After doing more research again last night it seems that the post is riddled with mistakes and I am confusing the two and 10 year rule along with the tax rates. Anyway I think I will spend the morning on the photo HMRC.

[les35]

What are you intending to do with the building? If you are going to live in it, the DIY scheme is relevant. But do check the rules.
If you are going to sell or let, then the 5% rate of services of renovation is relevant. But the reduced rate does not apply to purchases of materials.
Rather than continue to struggle with the HMRC guidance, find a specialist to help.

[Olas1]

Yes I think this is good advice. Many thanks,