Financing for a self-storage property repositioning and renovation

First National regularly assists borrowers who are ready to enhance the value of their self-storage assets through capital improvements.

This short-term financing option, usually two years or less, provides access to a property’s equity for capital improvements or repairs by eliminating the need to raise funds from personal sources. The goal is usually to increase lease rates and/or reduce operating expenses to increase the value of the property and make it eligible for standard financing.

A borrower’s expertise, net worth, and liquidity, as well as the location and quality of the property are key considerations for this type of financing.

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Smart risk solutions in action for storage

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

Refinance of a 4-storey, 31-unit property to payout existing mortgage and pay down another credit facility.

$3.3 Million
31 units
Labrador, Newfoundland

CMHC insured first mortgage
5 years term, 40 years amortization
LTV: 59%

CMHC market, non-recourse, refinance of a 3-storey, 31-unit property to extract equity.

4.1 Million
31 units
Victoria, British Columbia

CMHC insured first mortgage
5 years term, 40 years amortization
LTV: 65%

The borrower intends to recapitalize the assets and use the equity take out proceeds for general corporate purposes.

84.9 Million
458 units
Mississauga, Ontario

CMHC insured first mortgage
10 year term, 30 years amortization
LTV: 55%

CMHC market refinance of a 4-storey, 65-unit property to payout existing mortgage and pay down a revolving credit facility.

4.4 Million
65 units
Moncton, New Brunswick

CMHC insured first mortgage
5 year term, 40 years amortization
LTV: 66%

Internal CMHC market refinance of a 9-storey, 90-unit property to reconcile existing two mortgages

12.1 Million
90 units
Winnipeg, Manitoba

CMHC insured first mortgage
5 year term, 40 years amortization
LTV: 65%

CMHC market refinance of three low-rise multi-unit buildings with 57 units to provide equity takeout.

$7.8 Million
57 units
Miramichi, New Brunswick

CMHC insured first mortgage
5 year term, 40 years amortization
LTV: 73%

Internal refinance of a 4-storey, 42-unit property to provide equity takeout.

$3.7 Million
42 units
Montreal, Quebec

CMHC insured first mortgage
5 years term, 40 years amortization
LTV: 73%

Refinance of a construction loan for a 4-storey, 180-unit retirement home.

$51 Million
180 units
Calgary, Alberta

CMHC insured first mortgage
10 years term, 35 years amortization
LTV: 82%

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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

Bank of Canada reduces its benchmark interest rate to 4.25%

Even though the Bank of Canada reduced its policy interest rate in both June and July, the Bank was at it again today. Read the summary here.

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Expert insights

A mid-year update from Scott Mizzen

On June 5th, Canada became the first G7 nation to reduce interest rates and followed that precedent-setting move with another 25-basis point decline on July 24th.

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Borrower perspectives

Borrower Perspectives: Rob Piroli, President, Piroli Group

Founded in 1992 in Leamington, Ontario, Piroli Group started in general contracting (under the name of Piroli Construction) but has evolved into a multi-faceted development group.

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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 storage mortgage solutions

Standard financing

First National’s standard financing programs are favoured by borrowers who look to acquire a new property or refinance 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.

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 or a change in ownership structure or to buy time to complete an operational improvement.

Secondary financing

A First National second mortgage allows borrowers to access the equity in a property and use it to purchase another asset or renovate/repair an existing asset.

Development / Construction

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