Refund on building costs as a non resident South African Citizen?

I am a non resident South African citizen working and living abroad in Saudi Arabia for just over 6 years. I visit South Africa at least 3 times a year for periods of either two to three weeks at a time. Last year these visits where in April then May then July. My question really relates to my current property in South Africa. I am renting the properties out however and have had various renovations done. I would like to ask as a non resident can I claim back the VAT on this for example I had gates installed this cost over R50 000 can I claim back the vat on this. I had assigned an architect to do drawings and the fees where over R100 000 can I claim the vat back on thus and if so how do I claim it back

Are the properties held in a company or in your own name?

these properties are held in my name only

Properties are held in my name

Unfortunately not you will not be able to claim the VAT back as you are not a registered VAT Vendor. You will however be able to include VAT in the cost of the property if you ever decide to sell them and then that will reduce the gain you make and therefore reduce the capital gains tax.