MLI Select Calgary: What Mortgage Brokers Won’t Tell You (Part 2)

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In my previous article, I shared the CMHC MLI Select basic information. This post dives into the details: how MLI Select scoring works, what requirements you need to meet, and how Calgary developers can maximize their points.

What is MLI Select—and who is it for?

CMHC's MLI Select program is an insured financing solution designed for multi-residential building projects in Canada. In Calgary, MLI Select loans are underwritten primarily based on the property’s net operating income (NOI), not your personal income or debt ratios.

Whether you’re a custom home builder in Calgary expanding into multi-family, or an infill house builder looking to transition to rental projects, MLI Select can offer:

  • Higher loan-to-value ratios

  • Longer amortization (up to 50 years)

  • Reduced Calgary mortgage insurance premiums

The MLI Select Scoring System (50 / 70 / 100)

Projects are scored on three main categories. The total score determines the loan terms:

  • 50 points → entry-level benefits

  • 70 points → improved amortization and premiums

  • 100 points → maximum leverage and best rates

Three scoring categories:

  1. Affordability – providing below-market rental units

  2. Energy Efficiency – reducing energy consumption and GHG emissions

  3. Accessibility – incorporating barrier-free design features


Energy efficiency scoring for CMHC MLI Select Calgary

Affordability Scoring (up to 100 pts)

For MLI Select projects in Calgary, affordability is one of the most achievable point sources:

  • Rents at or below 30% of Calgary’s median household income count as affordable.

  • If 25% or more units qualify, you can score the full 100 points in this category.

Tip for infill builders: Smaller, well-designed units can more easily meet affordability thresholds without compromising returns.

Energy Efficiency Scoring (up to 100 pts)

MLI Select awards points for exceeding NECB 2017 or NBC 2015 standards:

  • A 40%+ reduction in energy use & GHG emissions earns maximum points.

  • Requires an energy modeling report from a qualified consultant.

Why it matters in Calgary infill construction: Energy upgrades can be integrated early, whether in luxury home renovation Calgary projects being converted to rentals or in building an infill in Calgary from scratch.

Accessibility Scoring (up to 30 pts)

Accessibility points reward features like wheelchair-friendly layouts, wide doorways, and low countertop heights.
In custom home design Calgary, these features are optional—but in MLI Select, they can help push a borderline project over the target score.

Scoring Strategies for Calgary Developers

You don’t need to max all three categories—common winning combos:

  • Affordability + Energy Efficiency for maximum CMHC benefits

  • Energy Efficiency + Accessibility if your site’s achievable rents are above median levels

Documentation Checklist for MLI Select Applications

  • Pro forma and rent roll with affordability breakdown

  • Energy model & consultant report

  • Floor plans & DP drawings

  • Construction budget & timeline

  • Developer experience profile (important if you’re a custom home builder Calgary or transitioning from home reno Calgary projects)

Case Study: Raynow Homes MLI Select Project in Calgary

Raynow Homes – infill house builder Calgary – CMHC MLI Select project

4+5 Townhome Development

  • Combination of front 4-unit infill and rear 5-unit laneway homes (infill house builder Calgary expertise applied)

  • Units designed for energy efficiency and compact affordability layouts

  • Scored high enough for favourable CMHC MLI Select financing terms—long amortization, reduced Calgary mortgage insurance premium

This is just one example of how mli select projects Calgary can be structured for success.

Is MLI Select Right for Your Calgary Project?

Choose it if you:

  • Plan to hold your rental asset long-term

  • Have capacity to manage scoring compliance

  • Want to scale beyond single custom house design Calgary or home reno Calgary projects into multi-unit development



On-page FAQ

Q: How do I apply for MLI Select in Calgary?
A: Work with a lender familiar with CMHC’s MLI Select. Prepare NOI projections, scoring evidence, and design compliance.

Q: Does CMHC MLI Select replace regular Calgary mortgage insurance?
A: It’s a specialized CMHC insurance product for multi-residential properties.

Q: Can MLI Select be used for building an infill in Calgary?
A: Yes—if the infill is a rental and meets scoring requirements.