Unlock Government Incentives to Build Better Rental Properties - Understanding CMHC’s MLI Select Program and Why Benestone Is Your Ideal Partner

In a housing market marked by challenges and rising costs, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has introduced a powerful solution for developers and property owners: MLI Select.

This program offers real financial benefits — including higher leverage, lower monthly payments, and reduced risk — in exchange for delivering social benefits through your rental projects. It’s one of the most generous and flexible funding programs we’ve seen in recent years, and Benestone Construction is here to help you access it.

🔍 What is MLI Select?

MLI Select is an enhanced mortgage loan insurance (MLI) product from CMHC, designed specifically to encourage the construction or renovation of multi-unit rental housing that meets one or more of the following goals:

1. Affordability (below-market rental units)

2. Energy Efficiency (above-code performance)

3. Accessibility (visitable or fully accessible units)

Projects are scored based on a point system. The more points your project earns, the better your loan terms. Even at the minimum 50-point threshold, you can unlock significant benefits:

✔ Up to 95% Loan-to-Cost (LTC) for new construction

✔ Up to 50-year amortization period

✔ Lower Debt Coverage Ratio (DCR) requirements – as low as 1.10

✔ Limited Recourse – for 100-point projects, liability is limited to the property only (not personal assets)

Whether you're developing from scratch or renovating existing properties, MLI Select gives you access to long-term capital at favorable terms if you're willing to align with Canada’s housing priorities.

What types of projects are eligible?

• Type: Standard rental apartments, single room occupancy (SRO), supportive housing, seniors' residences (50+ beds), student housing (only eligible for energy efficiency and accessibility points)

• Size: Minimum of 5 units (seniors’ residences must have at least 50 units/beds)

💡 Examples: How Projects Can Qualify

Here’s how projects can meet the 50-point minimum or more:

Scenario 1: Focus on Affordability

Commit to offering 10% of units at 30% below median income rent (Level 1):

→ Earns 50 points directly

Scenario 2: Focus on Energy Efficiency

Retrofit an existing building to improve energy efficiency by 40%:

→ Earns 50 points (Level 3)

Scenario 3: Mix & Match

1. 5% of units affordable: ~10 points

2. 25% energy efficiency gain: 35 points

3. 15% units meet visitable accessibility: 20 points

4. → Combined: 65 points = qualifies for better financing

Points can be earned through any combination of the three categories — giving you the flexibility to design your project around your strengths and community needs.

🧱 Why Benestone Construction?

Policy is only as good as execution. That’s where Benestone comes in.

With over 20 years of experience building custom homes, multi-unit rentals, and complex additions across the Greater Toronto Area, Benestone is uniquely positioned to translate CMHC’s policy into project success.

✔ We understand design-permit-build timelines and requirements

✔ We align building plans with CMHC scoring models

✔ We connect with certified consultants for energy & accessibility

✔ We manage every aspect of construction with our Benestone Trades Alliance

This is not theoretical. We work side-by-side with investors, homeowners, and developers to deliver:

1. Purpose-built rental properties

2. Garden suites & additions for secondary income

3. High-efficiency retrofits

4. Multi-unit conversions (6–36 units)

We bridge the gap between government policy and real-world building — so you don’t get stuck trying to figure it out alone.

🧰 What Benestone Offers

When you work with us, we can help with:

🔹 Project evaluation to see if you qualify for MLI Select

🔹 Design optimization to earn more CMHC points

🔹 Permit navigation with your municipality

🔹 Construction management from foundation to final inspection

🔹 Trade coordination through our trusted network

The Benestone Trades Alliance includes licensed, vetted professionals in:

1. Framing, roofing, HVAC

2. Electrical and plumbing

3. Insulation and drywall

4. Finish carpentry and custom design

5. 
   

We ensure every project meets code, quality, and timeline expectations, without the headache of juggling multiple sub-trades.

👥 Who Should Consider MLI Select?

This program is a game-changer if you are:

1. A developer looking to maximize leverage and cash flow

2. A homeowner or investor planning to build a multi-unit property

3. A property owner interested in adding affordable or accessible units

4. A builder or landlord wanting to upgrade older stock to meet new standards

Even small-scale projects (5+ units) are eligible, including converted houses, garden suites, or duplex expansions.

📈 Summary: Why MLI Select + Benestone = Smart Strategy

✅ MLI Select offers financial benefits in exchange for social impact

✅ It’s a rare government incentive combining low risk + high leverage

✅ Benestone simplifies the entire process with our integrated team

✅ We help you design smarter, build faster, and qualify confidently

📍 Ready to Get Started?

📩 Email: info@benestone.com

📞 Call: 416-226-5851

🌐 Visit: www.benestone.com

Let’s turn government policy into your next income-generating property — with the experience, efficiency, and trust that only Benestone delivers.