Bridge financing for student housing properties

First National’s bridge loans are ideal for borrowers who have yet to secure standard financing or who need the time and flexibility to plot a better future for their student housing assets.

Our 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 enhance their tenant roster.

Additionally, a bridge loan can be used opportunistically to execute an operational strategy such as negotiating new leases or securing new tenants to position the property more positively for standard financing. This type of short-term financing can be used to provide a borrower with enough time to substantially rehabilitate and stabilize a property with the ultimate goal of positioning it for a First National insured or standard conventional financing.

Consistent cash flows, strong operational history and the borrower’s net worth and liquidity are key considerations for this type of financing.

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Smart risk solutions in action for student housing

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

To refinance the property.

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

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

To provide construction financing for the development of the multiresidential building.

$31 Million
104 units
Winnipeg, Manitoba

CMHC insured construction to term financing
24 months term for construction/lease period, 10 years thereafter
Interest only amortization, 25 years thereafter
LTV: 65%

Refinance under the Market Program

$6.5 Million
71 units
Edmonton, Alberta

CMHC insured first mortgage
5 year term, 35 years amortization
LTV: 64.88%

Funds to be used for capital repairs as well as future acquisitions and new construction of rental properties.

$46 Million
135 units
Port Coquitlam, British Columbia

CMHC insured first mortgage
10 year term, 25 years amortization
LTV: 84.30%

The borrower is refinancing a conventional bridge loan used to purchase the subject property.

$27.6 Million
138 units
Waterloo, Ontario

CMHC insured first mortgage
10 years term, 40 years amortization
LTV: 64.60%

Provide financing for the property to complete the construction.

$27.2 Million
95 units
Montreal, Quebec

Insured 1st mortgage
24 months term for construction, 5/10 thereafter, Interest only amortization during construction, 40 years thereafter
LTV: 93.79%"

To replace the existing land financing with VanCity and to repatriate equity to cover pre-development costs leading up to construction financing.

$2.2 Million
87 units
Victoria, British Columbia

Pre-development financing
1 year term, interest only amortization
LTV: 50%"

This is an active developer / investor in the Halifax market who will use the equity towards their next development or acquisition.

$13 Million
41 units
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

10 year term, 50 years amortization
MLI Select"

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View other student housing solutions

CMHC financing

As a deeply experienced 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 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.

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 borrowers to access property equity and use it to purchase another asset or renovate/repair their existing property.

Construction financing

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

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