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CMHC Multi-Unit Specialists

Maximize your multi-unit project with MLI Select & ACL.

CMHC's MLI Select and Apartment Construction Loan (ACL) programs offer some of the most powerful financing available for purpose-built rental — higher leverage, longer amortizations, and lower rates in exchange for affordability, energy efficiency and accessibility commitments. We're specialists in unlocking them.

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The most powerful tools in multi-unit financing

If you're building or refinancing purpose-built rental housing, CMHC's flagship programs can dramatically improve your economics. Bridge Lending Solutions specializes in MLI Select and the Apartment Construction Loan (ACL) program — and we know how to structure a project to qualify for the strongest possible terms.

MLI Select — points-based incentives

MLI Select is CMHC's multi-unit mortgage loan insurance program for projects with five or more units. It awards points across three outcome areas — affordability, energy efficiency and accessibility — and the more points you achieve, the better your financing:

  • Higher loan-to-value — leverage up to 95% on qualifying projects, reducing the equity you need.
  • Longer amortizations — amortization terms extending up to 50 years, lowering monthly debt service.
  • Lower rates & flexible coverage — CMHC insurance unlocks preferred, insured-rate pricing.
  • Stronger debt coverage flexibility — making more projects viable than conventional financing allows.

Apartment Construction Loan (ACL) program

Formerly the Rental Construction Financing Initiative, the ACL program provides low-cost construction financing for new purpose-built rental projects. It's designed to get rental supply built — offering attractive, often fully-open construction loans with favourable terms for qualifying developments, then transitioning to MLI Select take-out financing on completion.

Why specialization matters. These programs reward projects that are designed from day one to score well. Engaging us early — before your plans are finalized — lets us help you hit the affordability, energy and accessibility targets that maximize your points, your leverage and your savings.

How we help you win with these programs

  • Program eligibility & point modelling — we assess which commitments deliver the most value for your project.
  • Lender & CMHC coordination — we work with CMHC-approved lenders and manage the insurance application.
  • Construction-to-take-out structuring — pairing ACL construction financing with MLI Select permanent financing.
  • Pro forma optimization — aligning unit mix, rents and design to the program's scoring framework.
  • Full-cycle support — from application through funding, draws and stabilization.

Is your project a fit?

MLI Select suits new construction, purpose-built rental, and qualifying refinances of five-plus-unit properties. ACL suits new rental construction at scale. If you're developing rental housing anywhere in the GTA or Ontario, it's worth a conversation — the difference in terms versus conventional financing can be transformational.

How It Works

Your path from inquiry to funding

1

Eligibility & modelling

We assess your project against MLI Select scoring and ACL criteria, and model the optimal point strategy.

2

Application

We prepare and submit the CMHC and lender application with a complete, optimized package.

3

Approval & insurance

We coordinate CMHC insurance and lender approval, locking in leverage, amortization and rate.

4

Fund & stabilize

Construction draws flow under ACL; on completion we transition to MLI Select take-out financing.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

MLI Select is CMHC's multi-unit mortgage loan insurance program. Projects earn points for affordability, energy efficiency and accessibility, and higher scores unlock greater leverage (up to 95% LTV), longer amortizations (up to 50 years) and preferred insured rates.

The Apartment Construction Loan program provides low-cost construction financing for new purpose-built rental. It funds the build phase, then commonly transitions to MLI Select permanent financing once the project is complete and leased up.

MLI Select applies to projects with five or more residential units. ACL is geared to new rental construction. We'll confirm eligibility for your specific project.

As early as possible — ideally before your design is finalized. The earlier we model the program, the more we can optimize your unit mix, energy and accessibility features to maximize points and financing.

Ready to move forward?

Let's structure the right solution for your situation and get it approved on the best possible terms.

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