CMHC MLI Select Benefits and Qualification Guide
CMHC MLI Select is a premium multi-unit mortgage insurance program launched by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). It’s designed to promote affordable, energy-efficient, and accessible rental housing by offering significantly enhanced underwriting criteria and premium discounts for qualified multifamily properties.
Whether you're building a new rental apartment, buying an existing one, or refinancing, MLI Select can help reduce your costs, increase leverage, and improve cash flow — making it a powerful tool for real estate investors and developers across Canada.
CMHC MLI Select
Key Benefits of CMHC MLI Select
Who Should Use MLI Select?
Multifamily real estate investors acquiring 5+ unit rental buildings
Developers constructing new apartment complexes
Owners looking to refinance with better terms
Builders committed to green buildings, barrier-free units, or rent affordability
Groups seeking long-term hold strategies with stable cash flow
How the MLI Select Point System Works
The MLI Select program uses a flexible point-based system. To qualify, your property must earn at least 50 points in one or more of the following three categories:
1. Affordability
Points are awarded based on the percentage of units that are below market rent:
Rent 10% below median: +30 points
Rent 20% below median: +50 points
Maintain affordability for 10–20+ years = more points
2. Energy Efficiency
Points awarded for energy-saving designs or upgrades:
25–40% reduction in energy use over baseline = +30 to +100 points
Use of certified programs like ENERGY STAR, LEED, or Net Zero increases eligibility
3. Accessibility
Points awarded based on the number of barrier-free units:
Minimum 5% of units = +15 points
More units + fully accessible building design = more points
💡 You can mix categories. For example: 20% below-market rent (50 pts) + 5% barrier-free units (15 pts) = 65 points.
Key Benefits of CMHC MLI Select
✅ Up to 95% Loan-to-Value (LTV) – Higher than most conventional financing
✅ Extended Amortization – up to 50 years – Lower monthly debt servicing
✅ Reduced Insurance Premiums – Depending on your affordability, accessibility, and efficiency score
✅ Non-Recourse Financing – In many cases, borrower liability is limited to the property
✅ Higher Net Operating Income Leverage – Due to favourable debt service ratios
✅ Support for Purpose-Built Rentals, Acquisitions & Refinance Projects
Contact Us for CMHC MLI Select
Reach out for benefits and qualification guidance on CMHC MLI.
CONTACTS
587-719-5523
mohit.dhillon@c21.ca
NORTH OFFICE
3009 23 St NE
Calgary, AB T2E 7A4
SOUTH OFFICE
11500 29 St SE
Calgary, AB T2Z 3V9
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