CMHC MLI Select Financing (Alberta)
Unlock better financing for multi-unit rentals with longer amortization, higher leverage, and premium reductions when your project delivers on Affordability, Energy Efficiency, and Accessibility. CMHC uses a points system—the stronger your commitments, the better your loan terms.
What is MLI Select?
MLI Select is CMHC’s mortgage loan insurance for multi-unit properties that rewards projects achieving social and environmental outcomes. Incentives scale with your points across three pillars: Affordability, Energy Efficiency, Accessibility. Available for new construction and existing buildings.
At-a-Glance Benefits
Higher leverage & longer amortization when you hit points thresholds:
≥50 points: up to 85% LTV (existing), amortization up to 40 years (min DCR 1.10).
≥70 points: up to 95% LTV, amortization up to 45 years.
≥100 points: amortization up to 50 years; limited-recourse options per CMHC.
New construction: up to 95% LTC with similar 40/45/50-year amortization steps.
Note: Final terms depend on property type and file specifics (e.g., supportive/retirement housing use different tests). OAC; subject to change.
Who This Is For
Developers & owners building or repositioning purpose-built rentals (5+ units).
Value-add buyers improving efficiency, accessibility, or affordability.
Long-term holders seeking lower cost of capital and stabilized cash flow.
Minimum size: 5 units (50+ beds for retirement homes). Student housing can qualify via energy/accessibility pillars.
How the Points Work
Earn points by meeting defined thresholds. You need at least 50 points (from any mix of pillars) to access MLI Select flexibilities. Higher scores unlock more.
Pillar 1 — Affordability (Rent Levels)
Commit a share of units at or below a rent level tied to median renter income (MRI) for 10 years; 20-year commitments earn bonus points.
Pillar 2 — Energy Efficiency & GHG Reduction
For existing properties: show % reductions in energy use/GHG vs. current performance (e.g., 15% / 25% / 40%).
For new construction: exceed NECB/NBC energy code by defined margins (e.g., 20% / 25% / 40% above code), validated by a qualified professional and approved software/certifications.
Pillar 3 — Accessibility
Meet CSA B651:23 requirements: 100% of units visitable and common areas barrier-free; earn additional points for % accessible or universal design units or Rick Hansen Foundation certification
Example Paths to 50 / 70 / 100 Points
50-Point Starter (Existing Asset):
40% of units at ≤30% of MRI (Affordability) + 15% energy reduction (Energy).
70-Point Upgrade:
60% of units at ≤30% MRI or deeper energy measures (25%), plus 15% of units accessible / universal design.
100-Point Flagship:
80% of units at ≤30% MRI and/or 40% energy reduction, plus high accessibility (e.g., 100% universal design or Rick Hansen Gold).
(We’ll model combinations that fit your project and market.)
Eligibility & Property Types?
Standard rental, SRO, supportive housing, retirement homes (with special unit/beds rules).
Non-residential space typically capped (≤30% GFA and lending value).
Required Documents (typical)
Affordability: rent schedule vs. MRI data, commitment term (10 or 20 years).
Energy: energy model or utility baseline + professional attestation; accepted software/certifications per CMHC guide.
Accessibility: architect/consultant attestation; CSA B651:23 / RHFAC evidence.
The Alberta MLI Select Process (4 Steps)
Discovery & Fit — Goals, timeline, property type, pillar strategy (affordability/energy/accessibility).
Scoring Plan — We build a points map (50/70/100 scenarios) and a pro-forma with LTV/LTC, amortization, and DCR targets.
Documentation & Lender Match — We coordinate energy/accessibility attestations, MRI benchmarks, and premium estimates; then align with an Approved Lender.
Approval to Funding — Underwriting, conditions, legal closing, and post-funding confirmations (e.g., energy attestation within CMHC timelines).
Costs, Premiums & Structuring Notes
CMHC premiums & fees apply; incentives reduce premiums at higher point levels.
DCR minimums typically 1.10 for standard rental (different for other shelter models; higher for non-residential components).
Penalties / Recourse: CMHC grid shows limited-recourse options at 100-point tier (program-dependent).
We’ll quote expected premiums, legal/third-party costs (energy/accessibility consultants), and model “loan amount vs. points” scenarios before you commit.
You ask, we answer
At least 5 units and 50 points from any combination of Affordability, Energy, and Accessibility.
Yes, at 100 points CMHC shows amortization up to 50 years (and up to 95% LTC for new construction). Existing properties also step up to 50-year amortization at 100 points. Final terms vary by file.
They’re tied to median renter income (MRI) for your market. CMHC provides MRI data and rules for rent increases during the commitment period.
Qualified professionals (e.g., P.Eng., Architect, CEM for energy; Architect or designated accessibility consultant for accessibility) must attest to your commitments using CMHC-accepted standards/software.
CMHC permits non-residential space up to 30% of GFA and lending value. We’ll structure around it.
Alberta-Focused Support
We help owners and developers across Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer, Fort McMurray, Sherwood Park, St. Albert, and beyond plan, document, and structure MLI Select files—then we shop Approved Lenders for execution.
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