CMHC Quick Reference
Updated to reflect the July 14, 2025 premium restructuring (Advice 264) and Advice 268 MLI Select changes.
Base LTV Premiums — Standard Rental Housing
LTV Band
Purchase / Refi
Construction
≤65%
2.60%
3.20%
66–70%
3.10%
3.70%
71–75%
3.60%
4.20%
76–80%
4.35%
5.00%
81–85%
5.35%
6.00%
86–90%
5.75%
6.40%
91–95%
6.15%
7.00%
Premium Surcharges (Added to Base)
Extended Amortization
+0.25% per 5 years beyond 25yr (e.g., 40yr amort = +0.75%)
Non-Residential Space
+1.00% on portion attributable to commercial
Second Mortgage
+0.50% on outstanding balance of first
EGI Not Met at First Advance
+0.25% (not applicable to construction loans)
MLI Select Premium Discounts
Discounts apply to (base premium + surcharges). The more points, the bigger the discount.
50–69 pts
10% discount
Up to 40yr
Up to 85%
70–99 pts
20% discount
Up to 45yr
Up to 90%
100 pts
30% discount
Up to 50yr
Up to 95%
CMHC Multi-Unit Key Requirements
Minimum Units
5+ rental units (same building/lot)
Minimum DSCR
1.1x (lenders typically want 1.2x+)
Net Worth Requirement
≥25% of property value
Liquidity Requirement
≥10% of property value in liquid assets
Affordability Commitment
Minimum 10 years; 20yr commitment = bonus 30 points
Rent Increases (Affordable Units)
Capped at CPI or applicable rent control legislation
Energy Efficiency
Measured vs. baseline; 25% improvement = 30 pts
Accessibility
Based on CSA B651:23 standard; % of accessible units
Application Fee
Per-unit basis, payable by lender at application
Approval Timeline
~3–6 months (varies by project complexity)
Important Notes (July 2025 Changes)
• Premiums now standardized across Market Rental and MLI Select (unified grid based on LTV + purpose).
• Rental achievement holdbacks removed for MLI Market Rental construction loans (can advance up to 85% LTC/LTV).
• MLI Select holdbacks remain case-by-case.
• New amortization surcharges now apply to MLI Select (previously exempt): +0.25% per 5yr beyond 25yr.
• Premium discounts (10/20/30%) apply after all surcharges — meaning points are worth more on deals with surcharges.
• All figures are for standard rental housing. Other Shelter Models (SRO, student, retirement, supportive) have higher base premiums.
• These rates effective for applications submitted on or after July 14, 2025.
• Always verify current rates with your CMHC-approved lender before submitting. This tool is for estimation only.