A New Way to Invest in Multi-Family Properties Not long ago, buying an apartment building felt out of reach for most investors. The rules were strict: big down payments, shorter mortgages, and heavy monthly obligations that ate into cash flow. That’s where CMHC’s MLI Select program comes in, it flips the script. With down payments as low as 5% and mortgage terms stretching up to 50 years, MLI Select gives investors something rare: breathing room. In Alberta, where apartments are still reasonably priced compared to Toronto or Vancouver, this program makes it possible to buy smarter, scale faster, and actually enjoy cash flow. Keep More of Your Money in Your Pocket Normally, buying a 12-unit building in Edmonton at $1.5M might mean you’d need around $375,000 down. With MLI Select? You’re looking at just $75,000 down. That’s a difference of $300,000, capital that can go toward renovations, emergency funds, or even your next deal. This isn’t just about buying property, it’s about giving investors the flexibility to grow a portfolio without draining every dollar of savings. Cash Flow That Actually Works One of the biggest struggles in real estate is managing monthly mortgage payments. Standard loans usually run 25–30 years, which means higher payments and tighter margins. MLI Select allows up to 50 years, spreading payments out and improving monthly cash flow. For investors, that means: It’s the kind of financing that makes holding property less of a gamble and more of a strategy. Growth Without the Usual Roadblocks Here’s the beauty of it: lower down payments + better cash flow = faster growth. Instead of waiting years to save up for your next property, you can reinvest capital much sooner. In Alberta, where multi-family units still average $100K–$150K per door, this can mean buying two or three buildings for what one might cost in Vancouver. Built for the Future MLI Select also rewards landlords who invest in energy-efficient, accessible, or affordable housing. That means if you’re willing to make upgrades that benefit tenants, you also qualify for the program’s top perks. It’s a win-win: properties that serve the community while helping your financing case. Wrapping It Up When you add it all up, the advantages of MLI Select are clear: In Alberta, where prices and population growth already work in investors’ favor, this program isn’t just helpful; it’s a game-changer. For investors who want to scale their portfolio without maxing out their capital, the time to look at MLI Select is now.