Development and construction loans for retirement housing

A First National construction loan, conventional or insured, provides funds to cover the cost of building or substantially rehabilitating a property with terms typically of three years or less.

Borrowers use our construction program to cover land development and building construction costs. Funds can be disbursed on each stage completed, according to a prearranged schedule or when certain milestones are met.

CMHC-insured and conventional construction financing is available for retirement residences as well as purpose-built multi-family properties, mixed-use properties, and student housing.

An exit strategy is one of the key considerations for funding. Conventional construction loans are repaid from the proceeds of standard financing or the sale of the asset. For CMHC construction loans, there is an automatic conversion option to term financing.

Other critical considerations include the borrower’s experience, net worth and liquidity, as well as the location and quality of the site and market feasibility (especially for CMHC financing).

Speak to one of our empowered advisors to assess options and determine the best course of action for finding and securing a smart-risk mortgage.

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Smart risk solutions in action for seniors

See how we’ve applied our financing products innovatively to help seniors borrowers achieve their goals with performance and value.

The loan purpose is to refinance an existing mortgage and provide equity take out for capital improvements and construct a new multi-family property.

$3.5 Million
12 units
Montreal, Quebec

• CMHC insured first mortgage loan
• 5 year term, 50 years amortization
• LTV: 63.59%

Purpose of the loan is to refinance an existing construction mortgage.

$1.6 Million
8 units
Edmonton, Alberta

• CMHC insured first mortgage loan
• 10 year term, 50 years amortization
• LTV: 82.38%

The loan purpose is to refinance an existing construction mortgage.

$12.4 Million
24 units
Campbell River, British Columbia

CMHC insured MLI Select - 100 Points (Energy Efficiency) first mortgage loan
10 year term, 50 years amortization
LTV: 68.47%

To refinance an existing construction mortgage.

$15.4 Million
60 units
Halifax, Nova Scotia

CMHC insured first mortgage loan
10 year term, 50 years amortization
LTV: 87%

To refinance an existing mortgage and pay down another existing credit facility secured by multiple assets.

$7.4 Million
30 units
Iqualit, Nunavut

CMHC first mortgage loan
5 year term,
40 years amortization
LTV: 75%
DSC: 1.91x

To refinance an existing mortgage and provide equity take out for capital improvements.

$ 5 Million
14 units
Montreal, Quebec

CMHC insured first mortgage loan
5 year term,
50 years amortization
LTV: 80.65%
DSC: 1.37x

To provide financing to purchase a low-rise multi-family building.

$10.4 Million
96 units
Miramichi, New Brunswick

CMHC insured first mortgage loan
5 year term,
40 years amortization
LTV: 95%
DSC: 1.10x

To refinance the property.

$5.1 Million
17,488 sq. ft.
Oakville, Ontario

Conventional first mortgage
5 years term, 25 years amortization
LTV: 66%

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Latest resources and insights

Original perspectives and personal viewpoints on developments and industry trends in commercial real estate.

Growth, Value and Risk

First National comments on key CMHC policy enhancements

This week, CMHC advised the market of several important policy updates and refinements designed to support multi-unit housing development across Canada.

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Expert insights

Jeremy Wedgbury’s spring market and business update

The first quarter of 2024 was the most active opening period in First National’s history as a commercial lender.

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Borrower Perspectives: Clark McDaniel, Williams and McDaniel Property Management

We spoke to Mr. McDaniel about his perspectives on rental housing, the greatest lessons he’s learned and what he values about his relationship with First National.

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Capital Markets update

Market Commentary: An overview of this week’s federal budget

Jason Ellis provides an overview of this week’s federal budget, rates, the housing market and more. Read the commentary here.

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View other seniors mortgage solutions

CMHC financing

As a CMHC-approved lender, we are experts in securing insured financing that offers lower interest rates and longer amortizations. An insured mortgage enables borrowers to manage cash flow more effectively and realize higher investment returns.

Standard financing

First National’s standard financing programs are favoured by borrowers who are acquiring a new property or refinancing an existing building. Loan terms typically range from three to five years, have a fixed interest rate, and are closed to prepayment for the term’s duration.

Short-term (bridge) financing

First National’s bridge loan terms typically range from three months to three years, include floating interest rates and allow some form of early prepayment. Borrowers choose this solution until standard financing is secured or while they contemplate a property sale, a change in ownership structure or buying time to complete an operational improvement.

Asset repositioning

First National enables owners to access a property’s equity for a short term, typically two years or less, to fund capital improvements or repairs without the need to raise capital from personal sources or less flexible, higher-cost alternatives.

Secondary financing

A First National second mortgage enables a borrower to access the equity in a property and use it to purchase another asset or renovate/repair a property in their existing portfolio.