If your project is purpose-built rental, MLI Select changes the economics completely. Up to 95% loan-to-cost, 50-year amortization, and reduced premiums — but only if the point-scoring and documentation are done right. That's what we specialise in.
What is MLI Select?
MLI Select is CMHC's multi-unit mortgage loan insurance program for purpose-built rental construction and refinance. Unlike conventional financing, it uses a points-based system: the more social-impact outcomes your project commits to, the better the terms you unlock.
Score enough points and you can access up to 95% loan-to-cost, 50-year amortization, and lower insurance premiums — financial leverage no conventional construction loan in Canada can match.
The catch: the program is procedurally demanding. Affordability commitments must be structured correctly, accessibility counts must hit thresholds precisely, and energy performance must be documented against National Energy Code baselines. One wrong assumption early can cost the whole application.
MLI Select allocates up to 100 points across three outcome categories. Strategy sits in how you distribute effort across them — which is where most sponsors leave money on the table.
Rent commitments set as a percentage of median renter income for the market area, held for a minimum of 10 years. The most flexible lever — and typically the largest share of the total score.
Universal-design units, barrier-free common areas, or full CSA B651 compliance. Points scale with the share of accessible units delivered against the total unit count.
Measured against the National Energy Code for Buildings. Greater percentage improvements against the reference building earn proportionally more points — up to and including net-zero-ready construction.
How we deliver MLI Select
A five-stage engagement designed to maximise points, protect the pro forma, and close the loan on schedule.
Is MLI Select right for you?
MLI Select rewards a specific kind of project. If yours fits, the leverage is unmatched in Canadian real estate finance.
Projects where rental is the long-term hold strategy, the site supports mid-rise density, and the sponsor can commit to affordability thresholds for the 10-year compliance period.
Owners of existing rental stock can use MLI Select to refinance at better leverage and longer amortization — freeing capital for the next project while locking in long-term affordability commitments.
CMHC MLI Select program terms, point allocations, and maximum ratios are set by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and are subject to change. The figures above reflect program parameters at the time of writing. All applications remain subject to CMHC underwriting and lender approval. SCMgroup provides advisory services and does not act as the mortgage lender.