VCONST14500 - Dwellings - an explanation of terms: what ‘multiple occupancy dwelling’ means

In order to qualify for the reduced rate, a residential conversion must result in a multiple occupancy dwelling, such as where a self-contained dwelling is converted into a number of non-self-contained ones.

The reduced rate is also applicable where a multiple occupancy dwelling that has been empty for at least two years, is renovated or altered (prior to 1 January 2008, the dwelling had to have been empty for three years).

What ‘multiple occupancy dwelling’ means

A ‘multiple occupancy dwelling’ is defined in Value Added Tax Act 1994, Schedule 7A, Group 6, paragraph 4 of the notes.

What ‘designed for occupation by persons not forming a single household’ means

A dwelling designed for ‘persons not forming a single household’ is a building (or part of a building) where the living space is to varying degrees shared by persons not forming a single household. A typical example would be a block of bedsits, where the occupant households share the amenities - for example, the bathroom or the kitchen.

Excluded from the meaning of ‘dwellings designed for persons not forming a single household’ are buildings that are used to any extent for a relevant residential purpose. The clause, which was introduced with effect from 1 June 2000, clarifies that the terms refer to different and distinct types of property.

A dwelling is ‘designed’ as a ‘multiple occupancy dwelling’ if it is built for that purpose (and not subsequently altered to something different - for example, offices), or has been altered to that purpose from some other use - for example, a barn.

Conditions

VCONST14120, VCONST14130 and VCONST14140 apply in the same way as they do for buildings ‘designed as a dwelling or number of dwellings’.