if you own any other investment properties you will also be liable to charge and return vat on those too,which would be crazy.and you may be liable to charge vat on disposal of the asset and deduct what you paid over the years,leaving you with possibly a headace !revenue dont like this way of purchasing investment property and you could be stung in the future with new legislation.i know its tempting but ive been advised by a top tax consultant not to go this route.