Hi Allison Oz, assuming UK tax law applies to your situation I would say it is definitely worth looking into. It's not a situation I've come across before where you are retrospectively claiming back the VAT. However it may be that you first accumulate the evidence it was vacant for 2 years and then write to the builder requesting that he reissue the invoices and a refund. Your builder will need to adjust his VAT returns and possibly make a disclosure to HMRC. I would speak to the builder and ask him to speak to his accountant. You might find the following document useful. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/vat-notice-70045-how-to-correct-vat-errors-and-make-adjustments-or-claims/vat-notice-70045-how-to-correct-vat-errors-and-make-adjustments-or-claims

I'm untidy, read a lot, cook when I'm hungry and like to watch what I want on the telly! My chap is ultra tidy, watches telly till he sleeps and isn't really interested in cooking( it makes too much mess) all in all a match made in heaven! Great when we,re together fine when we aren't! Any way, I have a lovely big dog so I'm never short of company, he doesn't care what's on the telly!

The outside of your house is already so neat and tidy! I would choose window boxes carefully - make sure that you like them enough to take with you when you move! For this reason I'd also chose something made of material that you can paint or stain to match your next house! Good luck with the sale!

Remember that if the plant seems to be drooping it doesn't always mean it's thirsty. it may be over watered. In which case just lift it out of its saucer and leave it to dry out. I had a problem there where my husband was also watering the plants without my realising it. More importantly though if your plants keep dying they likely aren't getting enough light.