RBS - Direct Line Contractor Mortgages - Help and FAQs

I am looking for some mortgage advice. I am currently an IT contractor, 12 months into a three year contract. the chances of me being moved onto an employed basis are slim. So I suppose my question is, will RBS - Direct Line even consider me for a mortgage before then? Is there such thing as a ‘contractor mortgage’?

I am a finacial contractor looking to buy a home in Bedford. My next step is to secure a mortgage ideally with RBS - Direct Line. Am I best advised to contact RBS - Direct Line directly or seek the help of a contractor specialist mortgage broker who focuses on dealing with contractors and RBS - Direct Line.

What criteria does a mortgage lender (for example RBS - Direct Line) adopt to categorise someone as a contractor or self-employed. For instance does one have to own over a particular percentage of a business?

I am finding the process of trying to obtain a contractor mortgage very frustrating. I can't seem to find any lenders who really understand my situation and the challenges faced 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 well aware that the days of self-certification contractor mortgages are long gone. Are there any lenders that take the same approach to mortgages for contractors as they do for standard home loan applications. I am particularly interested in a mortgage deal with RBS - Direct Line