Rivers Edge Edmonton

Own 24 Townhomes With Only $519,250 Cash Required Through CMHC MLI Select!

That is only $312,000/brand new townhomes, bundled through the MLI Select Program!

This limited collection of 24 three-bedroom, 2.5‑bath townhomes in Southwest Edmonton is one of the first projects in the area to qualify under CMHC’s MLI Select program. Each unit offers roughly 1 048 sq ft of living space, with no basement suites and a modern, family‑friendly layout. Possession is targeted for Q1/Q2 2026.

• Rent forecast: 20 market‑rate units @ $2 050/month and 4 affordable units @ $1 650/month *Targeting energy efficiency points as well* → approx. $573, 600 gross annual income
• Purchase price: $7.5 M
• Projected monthly cashflow: $6,486
• Debt‑service coverage ratio (DSCR): 1.21
• Interest rate: 4.3 % (estimated)
• CMHC premium: 5.55 %

INVESTOR QUALIFICATIONS:

25% Net Worth: $1,875,000 | 10% Liquidity: $750,000 | Cash Required: $519,250

The Project: 24 Townhomes, 24 Rentable Units

• 740 SqFt main + Second Floor w/2 Bed, 1.5 Bath | 308 SqFt Basement w/1Bed, 1 Bath
  • Total SqFt 1048 SqFt
  • Total Bedrooms 3
  • Total Bathrooms 2.5
• Parking Pad for each unit

This project stands apart from typical townhome developments for several reasons:

• There are no Basement Suites! There are no secondary basement suites to lease out or manage, which avoids the oversaturated, hard‑to‑rent basement‑suite market. Each residence enjoys full natural light and privacy.
• Two-lot, front–back configuration. The site is divided into two adjoining parcels; each parcel contains six townhomes facing the street and six facing the rear, for a total of 12 units per lot. This creates a more intimate community feel compared to a single large block.
• Two-storey living plus a finished basement. Every unit offers two storeys of main living space and a fully finished lower level. One of the three bedrooms is located in this finished basement, but because it is not a standalone legal suite, residents benefit from the extra space without the complications of a separate rental.
• Three‑bedroom layouts designed for families and professionals. Each 1 048‑sq‑ft home includes three bedrooms and 2.5 baths, providing the space and functionality that larger households need. The finished lower level adds flexibility for a home office, guest room or recreation space.

Overall, the combination of above‑ground living, generous square footage, and an innovative front–back design makes these 24 townhomes a rare find in Edmonton’s rental market.

MLI Select Project Cashflow Projections

Next let’s take a look at the cashflow projections for this MLI Select investment.

Why Rivers Edge?

Rivers Edge is one of Edmonton’s newest master‑planned communities, set along the North Saskatchewan River in the city’s southwest. It offers a rare mix of urban convenience and natural beauty:

• Prime west‑side location: tucked away near Maskêkosihk Trail and minutes to the Anthony Henday Drive, providing quick access to downtown and the airport.
• Nature on your doorstep: the community is built around a scenic storm pond, top‑of‑bank walking trails and parks, and will have a district park and school site.
• Access to the river valley: residents are only steps from the North Saskatchewan River and the future Big Island Provincial Park, which will preserve 68 hectares of river‑valley land for hiking, wildlife watching and kayaking.
• Nearby shopping & services: quick drive to Currents of Windermere, Hampton Terrace, Royal Centre Cameron Heights and the Terwillegar recreation centre.
• Mindful design: Rivers Edge is planned as a pedestrian‑friendly neighbourhood, with buildings oriented toward public spaces and human‑scale streetscapes. A new school within the community will make it ideal for families.

Big Island Provincial Park – Edmonton’s New Outdoor Playground

Big Island Provincial Park is being established on a fluvial island along the North Saskatchewan River. The park was created via a tri‑government agreement in 2023; although accessible only by boat now, the province is working on over‑land access. The park protects 68 hectares of balsam‑poplar forest that support local wildlife and holds cultural significance for Indigenous communities. Once open, it will provide Rivers Edge residents with a unique day‑use destination for hiking, paddling and wildlife‑watching just minutes from home.

Edmonton’s Economic & Demographic Tailwinds

Edmonton is Canada’s fifth‑largest city, with a metropolitan population expected to reach around 1.23 M in 2025 and 1.27 M by 2027. The city’s population grew 5.7 % between 2023–2024, largely driven by net migration and international students.

Key drivers that make Edmonton—and Rivers Edge in particular—attractive for investors:

• Diverse economy: Edmonton has long been the “Oil Capital of Canada,” but it is now diversifying into technology, AI and clean‑energy industries. Northern Alberta’s affordable land is drawing tech firms and data centres, fueling employment growth and multi‑family demand.
• Young, growing population: Edmonton’s median age is lower than the national average; population growth is fueled by interprovincial migration and international immigration, with many newcomers choosing to rent.
• Educational hub: the University of Alberta, a top‑five Canadian university with ~38 000 students, draws international students and researchers to the city.
• Affordable relative to other cities: research by Rentals.ca and Urbanation consistently ranks Edmonton among Canada’s ten cheapest large cities for rent, with a one‑bedroom averaging $1 384 and a two‑bedroom $1 703 in October 2024—far below Toronto or Vancouver.

Rental Market Snapshot

Despite a surge in new multi‑family supply, rental demand in Edmonton remains robust. Vacancy rates increased only 0.7 % in early 2025, while rents rose 0.4 % year‑over‑year and remain well below the national average. Key stats relevant to Rivers Edge:

• 3‑bedroom rents are rising: April 2025 data shows three-bedroom units averaging $2 169/month across Alberta—up 5.6 % year‑over‑year. In Southwest Edmonton specifically, unfurnished 3‑bedroom units averaged ~ $2 176/month.
• Demand from families & professionals: three-bedroom units are popular with families, multi‑tenant households and newcomers.
• Affordable units are scarce: the CMHC’s 2024 Rental Market Report notes that low‑income households (<$38 000) have access to only 6 % of rental stock, half the proportion available in 2023. Rivers Edge’s six affordable units at $1,650/month target this underserved segment.

Compared with these market rents, the projected rents for Rivers Edge’s townhomes ($2 000 for market units and $1 650 for affordable units) are competitive while still delivering strong cash flow.

Why CMHC MLI Select Matters

CMHC’s MLI Select program encourages socially and environmentally responsible rental housing. Key benefits include:

• Reduced insurance premiums & longer amortizations: Projects earn incentives by accumulating points for affordability, energy efficiency and accessibility. 50 points or more unlocks higher loan‑to‑value ratios and extended amortization periods.
• High leverage and low DSCR: New‑construction projects can finance up to 95 % loan‑to‑cost with amortization up to 50 years and minimum debt‑coverage ratio of 1.10.
• Affordability criteria: at least 10–25 % of units must be priced at or below 30 % of the median renter income for the local market, with commitments lasting 10 years or more.
• Energy efficiency & accessibility: additional points are earned for buildings that exceed 2017 building code energy requirements by ≥20–40 % and for accessible or universal‑design units.

Our project’s mix of market and affordable units positions it to achieve the necessary point threshold, enabling lower interest rates and higher leverage compared to conventional financing.

👤 Target Tenant Profiles

Given Rivers Edge’s location, product type and price point, the likely tenant mix includes:

• Young families seeking spacious 3‑bedroom layouts near nature and schools.
• Professionals employed in West/Southwest business parks, health care and the growing tech sector.
• International students and newcomers affiliated with the University of Alberta and other post‑secondary institutions.
• Interprovincial migrants moving to Alberta for its lower cost of living and job opportunities.

These demographics tend to value modern amenities, proximity to green space and transit access—features Rivers Edge delivers.

📞 Next Steps

This opportunity is limited to 24 townhomes, and with Edmonton’s rental demand showing no signs of slowing, these units are poised to attract strong, reliable tenants. If you’re interested in detailed pro formas, floor plans or financing structures, contact Joshua Clark (New Homes Alberta | eXp Realty) using the form below or via the usual channels.

This is a rare chance to invest in a purpose‑built, MLI‑Select‑qualified community in one of Edmonton’s most exciting new neighbourhoods. Secure your unit before they’re gone!