MLI Select basics
Does a 6-unit building qualify for MLI Select?
Yes. The minimum is 5 residential units. What decides your terms is points, not unit count, and lower-income units are only one way to earn them.
The short answer
CMHC MLI Select starts at 5 units, so 6, 7 and 8-plexes all fit if the suites are legal, self-contained units. Ask your lender how they treat secondary suites on a single title versus condo-titled units.
Do you need affordable units?
No. A new build can reach the 50-point minimum through energy efficiency alone. Affordability is one route to more points:
| Points from affordability | New build | Existing building |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | 10% of units | 40% of units |
| 70 | 15% | 60% |
| 100 | 25% | 80% |
On a new 6-unit, 25% works out to 1.5 units, so plan on 2 and have your lender confirm the rounding. Affordable means rent at or below 30% of the area's median renter household income, committed for at least 10 years, and the commitment stays with the building.
What points get you
The top terms, up to 95% financing and 50 years on a new build, need 100 points. At 50 points, a new build gets up to 95% and 40 years, while an existing building gets up to 85%.
Estimates only, not financial advice. Financing is subject to CMHC and lender approval. Program details are a summary of CMHC's published criteria as of October 2026 and may change. Rob Thomson is not a mortgage broker or lender.
Common questions
Can I reach 100 points on a 6-unit?
Yes on paper, usually by combining 25% affordable units with top energy points. Whether it pencils is a separate question, because those rents are capped.
Who confirms the points?
A qualified professional attests the energy modelling, and a CMHC Approved Lender submits the application.
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Have a building in mind?
Send Rob the address and he will run the points and the cash flow.