Every investor wants properties that are easy to rent, low on maintenance, and financed with terms that don’t keep them up at night. In Calgary’s upcoming communities and in nearby towns like Airdrie, Cochrane, Okotoks, Chestermere, and Strathmore, new builds are offering just that.
Add CMHC’s MLI Select program into the mix, and suddenly you’re not just investing, you’re future-proofing your portfolio with game-changing financing.
Why New Builds Beat Older Properties
Sure, older homes can be cheaper upfront, but new builds give you:
- Lower Maintenance: Modern systems = fewer headaches and repair bills.
- Higher Tenant Appeal: Tenants happily pay more for brand-new kitchens, energy-efficient layouts, and smart-home features.
- Future-Proof Design: Already built to meet today’s energy and accessibility codes, which can unlock MLI Select advantages.
Calgary Communities Where New Builds Shine
- Belmont & Legacy (South Calgary): Family-oriented communities with rapid population growth. New duplexes and townhomes rent fast.
- Livingston & Carrington (North Calgary): Massive master-planned communities perfect for investors who want scalability.
- Renfrew & Killarney (Inner City): Infills and small multi-family projects thrive here thanks to urban appeal.
Why Surrounding Towns Are Smart Bets
- Airdrie: Population exploding; new apartment complexes are in high demand.
- Cochrane: Attractive to remote workers who want lifestyle + proximity to Calgary.
- Chestermere & Okotoks: Families priced out of Calgary look here for space, creating strong rental demand.
- Strathmore: Lower land costs allow affordable entry into purpose-built rentals.
MLI Select: The Secret Weapon for Investors
The CMHC MLI Select program rewards you for investing in the right kind of housing. By building rentals that are affordable, energy-efficient, or accessible, you can qualify for:
- Amortizations up to 50 years (lower monthly costs).
- Loan-to-value ratios up to 95% (less money down, more leverage).
- Lower debt coverage ratios (easier approval, more cash flow).
Example:
Build a 24-unit rental in Airdrie with energy-efficient systems. With MLI Select, you secure a 50-year amortization and 95% financing. Suddenly, your cash flow is much stronger compared to conventional financing, and your long-term ROI climbs significantly.
Why This Matters Now
- Rents Are Rising Fast: Calgary’s average rent is up 9% YoY, but still has room to grow compared to Vancouver or Toronto.
- Pro-Growth Policies: Alberta is actively rezoning and removing red tape to boost housing supply.
- Investor-Friendly Costs: No provincial land transfer tax, no PST, no foreign buyer taxes.
The Bottom Line
New builds in Calgary and its surrounding towns aren’t just attractive, they’re strategic. When paired with CMHC’s MLI Select financing, investors can lock in long-term stability, maximize cash flow, and position themselves for decades of growth.
