For many first-time buyers, the search for a mortgage starts with the bank they already use.

Your salary goes into the account, you have years of transaction history and there is already a level of trust.

When buying your first home feels complicated enough, choosing a familiar name can seem like the simplest route.

But familiarity does not always mean suitability, and that is where many first-time buyers limit their options without realising it.

The UK mortgage market is far wider than the handful of high street brands most people recognise.

There are more than 100 active lenders and thousands of products available across building societies, specialist lenders and other providers.

When buyers look beyond the names they see most often, they often discover products that fit their circumstances far better, whether that means a smaller deposit, more flexible criteria or a more competitive overall deal.

One of the biggest misconceptions I see is the assumption that your own bank will automatically have the right mortgage for you.

While your bank may offer a suitable product, it is only one option within a much wider market.

This matters because lenders assess applications differently. All providers must carry out affordability checks, but each lender has its own approach to income, expenditure and risk.

FCA data shows first-time buyers now account for a growing share of lending at higher loan-to-value ratios, which means even small differences in criteria can determine whether an application succeeds.

For buyers with smaller deposits, self-employed income, bonuses, commission or less traditional financial circumstances, those differences can be significant.

It may simply mean another lender’s criteria fit your situation better.

I also see a lot of first-time buyers assume the biggest banks always offer the best deals. The reality is more nuanced. Building societies have become a growing force in the market.

Sector-wide data from the Building Societies Association puts their share of UK mortgage balances at around 29 per cent, and they continue to play a major role in first-time buyer lending.

Several building societies also regularly feature among the top performers in Which? customer satisfaction surveys.

That should tell buyers something important: the right mortgage is not always attached to the biggest brand.

The products available today also show why comparing the wider market matters.

Skipton Building Society’s Track Record mortgage, for example, offers 100 per cent loan-to-value for renters with a strong history of meeting rental payments.

Alongside that, major lenders such as Lloyds, NatWest and Nationwide continue to offer 95 per cent LTV products.

These are very different propositions aimed at very different types of buyer, and you only see that range when you look beyond a single bank.

It is also worth remembering that the lowest advertised interest rate is not the only factor to consider.

Arrangement fees on residential mortgages typically average around £1,000 and vary considerably between lenders and products.

Other charges can apply depending on the deal. These costs can meaningfully change the true value of a mortgage over time.

A mortgage is a long-term financial commitment, so the cheapest rate on paper is not always the best option.

First-time buyers should look at the complete package and consider whether the mortgage fits their plans, not just what appears first in a search result.

This is where independent advice becomes valuable. When you go directly to your bank, you only see the products they offer.

A broker can compare options across a much broader range of lenders and help you understand which products are most suitable for your circumstances.

That does not mean the recommendation will never come from a major bank. In some cases, it will. The difference is that the decision is based on suitability rather than familiarity.

For first-time buyers, the best mortgage may not be the one sitting on the high street. It may be the one you discover by looking beyond it.