Introduction: A Game-Changer for Real Estate Investors
Buying apartment buildings has long been reserved for well-capitalized investors who could put down 20–30% or more. But with CMHC’s MLI Select program, the game has changed. Qualified investors can now purchase multi-family properties (5+ units) with as little as 5% down and enjoy amortization periods of up to 50 years.
For investors eyeing Calgary and Edmonton, where prices per unit are far lower than in Toronto or Vancouver, this creates a once-in-a-generation chance to build scalable portfolios with significantly less capital.
How MLI Select Works: Points Unlock Perks
MLI Select uses a points system. The more “social value” your property brings, the better your financing perks:
- Affordability → Offering below-market rents or fixed rent increases earns points.
- Accessibility → Units designed for people with disabilities add points.
- Climate Efficiency → Energy-efficient upgrades or retrofits score higher.
Your total points determine whether you unlock:
- 5% down payments
- Up to 50-year amortization (instead of 25–30 years)
- Reduced debt service coverage requirements
Example: A 10-Unit Building in Edmonton
- Purchase Price: $1,200,000 ($120K/unit)
- Without MLI Select: 25% down = $300,000 cash required
- With MLI Select: 5% down = just $60,000 cash required
That frees up $240,000 in capital, enough to buy a second property or invest in renovations.
Longer amortization = lower monthly mortgage payments. That means:
- Stronger cash flow today
- Easier scaling into more properties tomorrow
Why Calgary & Edmonton Are Perfect for This Strategy
- Affordable entry prices: Units often $100K–$150K per door vs. $300K–$500K in Toronto.
- High rental demand: Driven by Alberta’s booming population growth.
- Cap rate advantage: 6–8% in Alberta compared to 3–4% in larger metros.
For investors, combining low entry prices + CMHC’s favorable financing is a recipe for rapid portfolio growth.
Conclusion: The Future of Apartment Investing
MLI Select is more than a mortgage product; it’s a catalyst for scaling portfolios, generating stronger cash flow, and meeting Canada’s housing needs. In Alberta, where opportunities are still accessible, it’s a chance to move fast before competition catches on.
👉 Investors who understand MLI Select today will own the future of Calgary and Edmonton’s rental markets tomorrow.
