If you’re an apartment investor in Alberta, chances are you’ve been feeling the pressure of rising interest rates, increasing construction costs, and stiff competition for good deals. Finding ways to grow your portfolio without tying up all your capital has never been more important. Enter: CMHC’s MLI Select program.
This isn’t just another financing product. MLI Select is a strategic tool that’s helping apartment investors in Alberta get ahead and stay ahead in today’s market.
Here’s why more and more savvy investors are choosing to finance their multi-family properties through MLI Select.
1. Preserve Capital with Up to 95 Percent Loan-to-Value
Let’s start with one of the most powerful benefits: higher leverage.
Under MLI Select, qualified investors can borrow up to 95 percent of the property’s value. That means only a 5 percent down payment, unheard of in traditional commercial financing. The obvious benefit is that you don’t have to tie up a massive chunk of your cash just to close a deal.
This opens the door to purchasing more properties or investing in needed upgrades that can increase both rent and property value. In a market like Alberta, where timing matters, that flexibility is a game-changer.
2. Extended Amortization Up to 50 Years = Better Cash Flow
Most traditional mortgages offer amortization periods between 25 to 30 years. With MLI Select, investors can stretch that out to up to 50 years.
Why does that matter?
Because longer amortization means lower monthly payments, which directly translates into stronger monthly cash flow. If your mortgage payments are lower, you can cover your expenses more easily, build reserves faster, and withstand unexpected costs without stress.
In a province like Alberta, where rental demand is growing, but so are operating costs, this kind of financial breathing room is incredibly valuable.
3. Improved Debt Coverage Ratios = Less Risk, More Stability
The combination of higher LTV and longer amortization improves your Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR)—a key factor lenders use to assess the health of your investment.
A better DSCR makes it easier to qualify for financing, but it also gives you more flexibility during economic fluctuations. Whether it’s interest rate hikes or unexpected vacancies, properties financed through MLI Select are better equipped to weather the storm.
4. Faster Portfolio Growth with Less Capital Locked In
The ability to put less money down while maintaining solid cash flow means one thing: you can grow faster.
Instead of putting $300,000 into one building, you might be able to finance two or three properties using the same capital, all while maintaining healthy financials. That’s the kind of scalability most real estate investors dream of.
With Alberta’s market offering strong rental demand in cities like Calgary and Edmonton, investors who can move quickly and confidently are positioned to win.
5. Points-Based Incentives for Energy Efficiency and Affordability
CMHC MLI Select isn’t just about numbers; it’s also designed to promote better housing. The program uses a points-based system to reward properties that are energy efficient, affordable, or accessible.
If your building meets certain criteria (like reduced energy consumption, accessible units, or a percentage of below-market rents), you can qualify for even better terms, including reduced insurance premiums or even longer amortizations.
It’s a win-win: You improve your community and get rewarded for it.
Final Word
CMHC MLI Select is helping apartment investors rethink what’s possible, especially in Alberta. By offering higher loan-to-value, longer amortization, and incentives for sustainable building practices, it gives you the tools to scale smarter, manage risk better, and build long-term wealth.
If you’re planning your next multi-family acquisition, MLI Select should be part of the conversation.
