Aviva Equity Release Contractor Mortgages - Help and FAQs

I am Oil & Gas contractor looking to buy a home in London. My next step is to secure a mortgage ideally from Aviva Equity Release. Should I contact Aviva Equity Release directly or seek the help of a contractor specialist mortgage broker who focuses on dealing with contractors and Aviva Equity Release.

What criteria does a mortgage lender (for example Aviva Equity Release) adopt to class a borrower as a contractor or self-employed. For instance does one have to own more than a particular percentage of a business?

How can I make myself more attractive to a lender such as Aviva Equity Release when it comes to trying to get a contractor mortgage. I would like to understand the process and requirements to avoid unwelcome surprises.

I am well aware that the days of self-certification contractor mortgages are a thing of the past. Are there any lenders that take the same approach to mortgages for contractors as they do for standard home loan applications. In particular I have my eye on a mortgage deal with Aviva Equity Release

I am lead to believe that banks and building societies generally view contractors as high risk applicants; so require 3 years’ accounts to validate mortgage affordability. In my case as an engineering contractor, this evidence is unlikely to give an accurate picture of my income potential. Will a contractor-focused mortgage broker remove the hassle by making use of the expertise and contacts they have established.