How Brokers Introduce VATBuild — Hook, Timing & Compliance

Industry & Partners Mortgage BrokersHow to Introduce VATBuild to Clients: One Question, One Sentence, No Compliance Risk

How to Introduce VATBuild to Clients: One Question, One Sentence, No Compliance Risk

There is no formal integration required and nothing for you to assess. You identify that significant building works are being funded, and VATBuild deals with the construction VAT. The simplest approach is one question — "Is any of the borrowing being used to build, convert, develop, refurbish or retrofit a property?" — followed by a one-sentence introduction and a referral link in your welcome pack. VATBuild is decision-support and workflow software, not a regulated product, so recommending it does not create FCA compliance obligations in the way mortgage or investment recommendations do.

Why this matters

"Your project may be eligible for a significant VAT saving or reclaim — but the strength of that position depends on the invoices and evidence you keep now. VATBuild helps you stay organised from the start." That single sentence at offer stage opens a conversation about project cashflow and cost planning that most brokers are not having — and keeps your name associated with a valuable outcome.

The key distinctions

What you do — identify and refer

You do not need to determine whether VAT should be 0%, 5% or 20%, interpret HMRC construction VAT rules, inspect construction invoices, advise the contractor, prepare a VAT reclaim, or manage correspondence with suppliers. You identify significant construction works and introduce the client.

When — ideally before works are procured or invoiced

The earlier construction VAT is considered, the greater the opportunity to identify the correct treatment before invoices are issued, structure genuine work packages correctly, avoid financing VAT unnecessarily, and maintain the evidence needed for a later reclaim. Mid-build and pre-completion referrals still add value.

Compliance — no regulated-product obligations

VATBuild is not a regulated mortgage product, financial product or tax advisory service. Recommending a project organisation tool does not create FCA compliance obligations in the way mortgage or investment recommendations do. Apply your normal standards for fair, clear and not misleading client communications.

What you get — pack, demo, referral link

Brokers receive a broker education pack on construction VAT, a demo walkthrough of the platform to share with interested clients, a referral link for welcome packs and completion checklists, and the option of a co-branded borrower guide or dedicated partner landing page.

Practical checklist for brokers

Add the one question to your fact-find: is any borrowing funding building, converting, developing, refurbishing or retrofitting?

Use the one-sentence introduction at offer stage — before procurement begins

Include your VATBuild referral link in your welcome pack or completion checklist

Request the broker pack and a 15-minute demo to see the client journey first-hand

There is no cost to brokers for introducing VATBuild — clients pay for platform access directly

Run client-facing wording through your normal communications review, as with any recommendation

What VATBuild does for this client type

After the referral, VATBuild reviews the property, project and construction VAT position; identifies potential treatments, opportunities and issues; reviews invoices, procurement and evidence during construction; and, where appropriate, prepares the VAT reclaim or final project VAT position at completion. The specialist hand-off means the construction VAT stops being your problem the moment the introduction is made.