
AVEO: CMLS’s answer to the alternative market’s needs
AVEO is the alternative-lending arm of CMLS Financial - now part of the nesto family, following a landmark acquisition in June 2024. Originally launched in 2014 to serve near-prime and non-traditional borrowers, AVEO is known for pushing boundaries: extended amortizations, high qualifying ratios, gifted down payments on rentals, and the reintroduction of Canada’s first 40-year mortgage option. Backed by the capital strength of CMLS and now integrated into nesto’s data-driven mortgage ecosystem, AVEO delivers structured solutions for borrowers who don’t fit inside the big bank box - but still deserve institutional-level financing.
What Makes AVEO Different?
📅 40-Year Amortization
Canada’s first lender to bring back the 40-year amort. It’s not a forever fix—but for buyers stuck between stress test limits and rising payments, it’s a lifeline.
🧮 No-Stress Qualification
Skip the benchmark stress test. AVEO lets you qualify at the contract rate—so your income goes further.
🎁 Gifted Down for Rentals
Most lenders shut the door. AVEO opens it—allowing gifted down payments even on investment properties.
📊 Extended Ratios Allowed
GDS and TDS limits go higher here—up to 55% in some cases. AVEO looks at your whole financial picture.
🙋 Broker-First Culture
Fast responses. Real humans. And underwriters who want to make the deal work—not kill it on a technicality.
Is Aveo the smartest move for your mortgage?
I’ll help you find out — no guesswork, just answers.
Factors to consider:
While credit scores impact the interest rates offered, they do not affect the loan-to-value (LTV) ratios. Extended qualifying ratios are available but only by exception. As a rate-driven alternative lender, Aveo’s pricing may be higher compared to traditional lenders, so it’s important to weigh rates carefully. Their traditional mortgage product offers up to 35 year amortization, while their Aveo Flex 40 offers
Thinking of Using Aveo? Here's What You Really Need to Know
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For the time being, only Ontario, the Prairies and British Columbia - although there’s rumblings that they are investigating expanding their lending territory. They do have a preference for Ontario, if we are honest.
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Oui. Yes. Both.
Aveo offers full bilingual servicing across Canada in English and French - making life easier for borrowers and brokers alike. Makes sense too - being based in Canada’s capital! -
They offer 1st mortgages for borrowers that just need some short-term relief and have a game plan to graduate up to prime lending.
No HELOCs. No 2nd Mortgages.
Some of their mortgages include mortgage terms of 30, 35 and 40 years - groundbreaking after decades of the 35 and 40 year mortgage terms being phased out.
They have creative solutions surrounding extended debt to income ratios, how to use rental income effectively for qualification, mortgages for individuals who are new to Canada, bruised credit, etc.
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Aveo offers 1 to 3 year terms, with tiered rates offered based on:
credit score
location of your property
product type (i.e.: the longer the requested amortization, the more expensive rate wise)
Debt-to-income ratios
Whether your property is on well/septic
Whether it’s a private sale (if purchase)
Best have a mortgage broker review where you land!
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They’re in the alternative lending space, but here’s the kicker:
Some of their rates aren’t far off from what you'd find at traditional banks—with way fewer hoops.
They also encourage graduating to CMLS, where you have better rates (of course!). -
Yes - but not like the mortgages of eon past. They are for buyers or homeowners who are getting squeezed by the qualifying rates (“Stress Tests”), or have a short term issue that needs to be resolved with the power of an institutional alternative lender offering groundbreaking solutions.
AVEO Bank Contact & Helpful Tools
Looking to learn more about AVEO or explore their mortgage options? Here’s the key info you need — no guesswork, no hassle.
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18 York Street
Suite 1500
Toronto, ON M5J 2T8 -
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Toll-free: 1.888.995.2657
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Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM EST
Saturday & Sunday: Closed -
CMLS’s Website - her
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