Financing for retail property repositioning and renovation

First National regularly assists borrowers who are ready to enhance the value of their retail properties 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 retail

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

CMHC insured financing for an acquisition of a newly constructed 90 townhouse project

$25.3 Million
90 units
Edmonton, AB

CMHC insured mortgage
10 year term, 40 year amortization
LTV: 85%

Refinance of unencumbered property containing 308 units, to be used for capital repairs

$40 Million
320 units
Toronto, ON

CMHC insured mortgage
10 year term, 25 years amortization
LTV: 49%

Senior Retirement residence with 109 units - CMHC insured mortgage to convert construction facility to term loan

$32.5 Million
109 units
Georgetown, ON

CMHC insured mortgage
10 years term, 40 years amortization
LTV: 79.5%

Completion take out of 4 storey podium level of 25 storey tower

$28.7 Million
77 units
Coquitlam, BC

CMHC insured mortgage
5 years term, 45 years amortization
LTV: 83.73%

Refinance of 144 rental units to provide funds for capital expenditures across borrowers existing portfolio as well as future acquisitions

$31.9 Million
144 units
Calgary, AB

CMHC insured mortgage
10 years term, 40 years amortization
LTV: 70%

Refinance of free and clear property to provide equity for capital expenditures across borrowers portfolio and acquisition of other properties

$63.8 Million
346 units
Toronto, ON

CMHC insured mortgage
10 year term, 30 years amortization
LTV: 95%

Construction take out of purpose built apartment building achieving Energy Efficiency through MLI Select Program

$61.4 million
163 units
Mirabel, QC

CMHC insured mortgage
5 year term, 50 years amortization
LTV: 95%

The loan proceeds were used towards paying off an existing construction mortgage

$14 Million
46 units
Ilderton, ON

CMHC insured mortgage
5 year term, 25 years amortization
LTV: 63.1%

View all recent financings

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 holds fast on interest rate policy at April 2025 meeting

Despite significant geopolitical tensions, the Bank of Canada announced today that it is keeping its benchmark interest rate at 2.75%, unchanged from March 2025.

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Expert insights

Jeremy Wedgbury’s first quarter report: growth but with challenges

We recently reported First National’s first quarter results.

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Project spotlight

First National worked with Hazelview Investments to secure one of the largest CMHC-insured loans, helping bring a new approach to apartment living in Toronto to life

Hazelview Investments has secured one of the largest CMHC-insured loans ever issued under the MLI Select program. Financing for this construction loan was provided by First National Financial LP.

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Capital Markets update

Bank of Canada stands pat on interest rate policy at June 2025 meeting

The Bank of Canada announced today that it is keeping its benchmark interest rate at 2.75%, unchanged from April (and March) of 2025.

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View other retail mortgage solutions

Standard financing

First National’s standard financing programs are favoured by borrowers when 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.

Bridge financing

First National’s bridge loan terms usually 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.

Secondary financing

A First National second mortgage enables borrowers to liberate property equity and use it to purchase another asset or renovate/repair an existing property.

Construction financing

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