I have sold my house to a builder in exchange for a new house in a different building. There was no exchange of money or cash in the transaction. Am I eligible for benefits?

I have sold my house to a builder in exchange for a new house in a different building. There was no exchange of money or cash in the transaction. Am I eligible for benefits?

Yes. The word ‘purchase’ in section 54 ordinarily means buying for a price or equivalent of price by payment in kind or adjustment towards an old debt or for other monetary consideration. There is no stress in the section on ‘cash and carry’.