The moneyadvice link points out that you have three years. The only downside is that you will have to pay the stamp duty then reclaim it.
Your principle residence is not necessarially your only house, it’s where the centre of your life is. For years I owned a house in France but my main residence was considered to be rented accommodation in another country. My residence didn’t switch back to France on the occasions when I was homeless for a few days when moving between locations.