Secondary financing for retail properties

First National’s second mortgages are smart-risk solutions that enable borrowers to access capital and avoid penalties associated with breaking a first mortgage mid term.

Secondary financing is an attractive alternative to refinancing as it provides access to property equity that can be used to purchase another asset or renovate/repair an existing property. Loan terms typically range from six months to two years. Borrowers with a first mortgage may be eligible for secondary financing on the same property.

Strong operational history, property quality and location, as well as the borrower’s liquidity and net worth 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.

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%

The loan proceeds were applied to repay an existing construction mortgage

$12.3 Million
35 units
Bridgewater, NS

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

CMHC-insured market mortgage used to retire an existing mortgage, with no equity takeout

$19.1 Million
94 units
Mississauga, ON

CMHC insured mortgage
5 years term, 40 years amortization
LTV: 63%

A CMHC-insured MLI Select Pari Passu loan to replace an existing construction mortgage

$24.9 Million
107 units
Kitchener, ON

CMHC insured mortgage
5 years term, 50 years amortization
LTV: 87%

Construction financing to build 5-storey and 6-storey rental apartment buildings, consisting of 195 units

$72.2 Million
195 units
Kelowna, BC

CMHC insured mortgage
10 years term, 50 years amortization
LTV: 90.5%

The purpose of the loan is to pay out an existing first mortgage and provide equity take out for capital improvements

$12.1Million
29 units
Sooke, BC

CMHC insured mortgage
5 year term, 40 years thereafter
LTV: 84.8%

The loan was used to pay off an existing construction mortgage

$91.6 Million
134 units
Toronto, ON

CMHC insured first mortgage
10 years term, 50 years amortization
LTV: 91.1%

CMHC MLI Select refinance that achieved level 3 energy efficiency to payout existing conventional construction mortgage and equity takeout

$128.9 Million
400 units
Montréal, QC

CMHC insured mortgage
10 years term, 50 years amortization
LTV: 72%

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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 opens 2025 with a 25-basis point interest rate cut

The Bank of Canada today reduced its policy interest rate to 3.00%, a 25-basis point drop from 3.25% and announced the official end of quantitative tightening.

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Expert insights

Commercial financing market update from First National

Although the first quarter is not over, we have already seen the imposition, relaxation, and re-imposition of retaliatory cross border tariffs and two Bank of Canada interest rate reductions to shore up the economy.

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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: Tariff on, Tariff off

It has been a while since my last update so let’s start with a look at what’s been happening with interest rates over the last year.

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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.

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.

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.