Platform Contractor Mortgages - Help and FAQs

I am a media contractor looking to buy a home in Nottingham. My next step is to secure a mortgage preferably from Platform. Should I contact Platform directly or seek the help of a contractor specialist mortgage broker who is used to dealing with contractors and Platform.

What criteria does a mortgage lender (for example Platform) adopt to categorise someone as a contractor or self-employed. For instance does one have to own more than a particular percentage of a company?

My wife and I are soon to submit for our first mortgage application with Platform. Later this year I start working as a contractor. My wife is time employed as a surgeon and does have a meaningful salary. Is it going to be a case of just getting a non-contractor mortgage with Platform in my wife’s name alone?

I am finding the process of looking for a contractor mortgage very frustrating. I can't seem to find any lenders who really understand my situation and the peculiarities of being a contractor. Are there any mortgage underwriters who apply a common sense to ensure getting a contractor mortgage is as straightforward as possible.

I am lead to believe that banks and building societies mostly consider contractors as high risk applicants; so demand 3 years’ accounts to validate mortgage affordability. In my case as a media contractor, this evidence is unlikely to reflect an accurate picture of my income potential. Will a contractor-focused IFAs persuade lenders such as Platform to offer funds on the more realistic basis of my contracted rate.