CMHC Eco Plus
A 25% Refund
On Your CMHC Premium
The program
What is CMHC Eco Plus?
CMHC Eco Plus is a Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation program that offers a partial premium refund of 25% directly to borrowers who buy newly built climate-friendly housing using CMHC-insured financing. Addition is built to BC Energy Step Code 4 – a high-performance standard that may make eligible buyers qualify for the refund.
Applications are accepted from the borrower within 2 years of the closing date of the mortgage. Eligibility is determined by CMHC.
25% Premium Refund
Eligible borrowers receive a 25% partial refund on their CMHC mortgage insurance premium – paid directly to the borrower.
Newly Built Only
The home must never have been occupied. Addition townhomes – brand new at handover – meet this requirement.
Energy Efficiency Qualifies
CMHC assesses eligibility using NRCan EnerGuide ratings or recognized certifications. Step Code 4 construction is designed to perform at this level.
Up to 95% LTV
For owner-occupied 1–2 unit homes, financing of up to 95% loan-to-value is available with CMHC mortgage insurance.
Up to 30-Year Amortization
First-time homebuyers or buyers of newly built homes may qualify for a 30-year amortization when LTV is greater than 80%.
2-Year Application Window
Borrowers can apply within two years of the mortgage closing date – there's time to gather everything you need.
Quick reference
Key eligibility notes
- Loan-to-Value (owner-occupied)
- Up to 95% (1–2 units) / 90% (3–4 units)
- Minimum down payment
- 5% on first $500K, 10% on remainder (1–2 units)
- Maximum purchase price
- < $1,500,000 if LTV > 80%
- Amortization
- Up to 30 years for newly built homes (LTV > 80%)
- Minimum credit score
- 600 (at least one borrower or guarantor)
- Debt service ratios
- GDS 39% / TDS 44% maximum
- Refund amount
- 25% partial premium refund
- Application window
- Within 2 years of mortgage closing
This is a summary for convenience only. Additional conditions apply and program details are subject to change. Always verify current requirements with CMHC and your lender before relying on them.
Learn more about Eco Plus.
The official CMHC Eco Plus program covers eligibility, advancing options, and how to apply. Bring it to your lender.
Learn more at cmhc.ca/ecoplus.
FAQ
CMHC Eco Plus, answered
What buyers ask most about the program, eligibility, savings, and how Addition's Step Code 4 build qualifies.
What is CMHC Eco Plus?
CMHC Eco Plus is a Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation program that offers a 25% partial premium refund directly to borrowers who purchase newly built, climate-friendly housing using CMHC-insured financing.
Does Addition qualify for CMHC Eco Plus?
Addition is built to BC Energy Step Code 4, a high-performance standard that may make eligible buyers qualify for the CMHC Eco Plus refund. Final eligibility is determined by CMHC.
How much could I save with CMHC Eco Plus at Addition?
Eligible buyers receive a 25% partial refund on their CMHC mortgage insurance premium. The exact dollar amount depends on the home's purchase price, down payment, and amortization period.
When do I apply for the CMHC Eco Plus refund?
Applications must be submitted by the borrower within 2 years of the mortgage closing date. CMHC reviews each application and determines eligibility.
What is BC Energy Step Code 4?
Step Code 4 is one of the highest energy-performance tiers in BC's building code – it requires a tighter building envelope, better insulation, high-efficiency mechanical systems, and verified airtightness testing. The result is lower heating and cooling costs and a smaller carbon footprint.
Do I need a specific lender to qualify for CMHC Eco Plus?
You need CMHC-insured financing (not Sagen or Canada Guaranty). Most major Canadian lenders can arrange CMHC-insured mortgages – ask your mortgage broker or lender to confirm before closing.