Most institutional lenders require a minimum 1.20x DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio). CMHC multi-residential programs typically require 1.10x–1.20x. Private lenders can approve at 1.0x or equity-based. We calculate your DSCR before any application.

Conventional commercial mortgages typically require 25–35% down payment. CMHC-insured multi-residential (5+ units) can go as low as 15% with government backing. Actual requirement depends on property type, income, and lender.

NOI (Net Operating Income) is your property's annual income minus all operating expenses (taxes, insurance, maintenance, management) — before mortgage payments. Lenders divide NOI by annual debt service to get DSCR. High NOI = better qualification.

Yes. Most commercial lenders qualify primarily on the property's income (NOI), not the borrower's personal income. Self-employed applicants qualify more easily for commercial than residential mortgages when the property income is strong.

Institutional approvals typically take 4–8 weeks. CMHC approvals can take 8–12 weeks. Private/bridge commercial funding can close in 2–3 weeks. We submit to multiple lenders simultaneously to reduce overall timeline.

All commercial property types: retail plazas, industrial, office, mixed-use, multi-unit residential (5+ units), storage, hospitality, and land. Underwriting criteria differ by asset class — we specialize in matching each property type to the right lender.

Typically yes, by 0.50–1.50% for conventional commercial. However, CMHC-insured multi-residential rates (5+ units) can be 0.25–0.75% below conventional residential investment rates, making them among the best financing in Canada.

Yes. Mixed-use (retail + residential) qualifies for commercial mortgages. The underwriting blends residential and commercial income. Lenders typically want 51%+ residential use for better terms. We've placed mixed-use mortgages up to $5M in Ontario.