Readers' forum : VAT or not to VAT?

I have what I think is a straightforward VAT query for a UK-based client who intends to buy a plot of land in Italy. His intention is then to build a house on the land which will be sold when completed – hopefully at a good profit.

My client will build the house himself but is buying the materials from a supplier in Croatia who intends to charge 25% Croatian VAT. We think this is wrong because the materials are being exported to Italy and should be zero-rated.

I have told the client that his best option (having failed to convince the Croatian supplier) is to obtain a UK VAT number instead and then the materials from Croatia will be purchased VAT-free under the triangulation rules.

Further the professional services in Italy that my client will use (such as architects surveyors) can then zero-rate their...