Lender History:
CMLS Financial, founded in 1974, is one of Canada’s largest monoline mortgage companies in Canada. Originally focused on commercial mortgages, they expanded into residential lending in 2012. Today, CMLS manages a mortgage portfolio exceeding $45 billion and offers a full range of mortgage solutions across Canada.
CMLS also has an alternative counterpart, AVEO, which also has a strong presence in the Canadian mortgage landscape.
Lender Niches
CMLS Financial offers specialized mortgage solutions tailored to a variety of borrower needs. Their niches include a rental program designed specifically for new investors, flexible HELOC options, and no stress test mortgages to simplify approval. Additionally, CMLS provides a graduate program that helps clients transition from their alternative lending brand, Aveo, to prime mortgage products.
Current Posted Rates for CMLS
Is CMLS the smartest move for your mortgage?
I’ll help you find out — no guesswork, just answers.
Factors to consider:
CMLS operates exclusively online and does not have physical branches or traditional banking services. They offer a range of commercial lending options alongside residential mortgages. It’s important to note that qualifying ratios vary depending on the borrower’s credit score, so qualification requirements may differ from traditional lenders.
Here’s the lowdown on CMLS…
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Absolutely! They offer bilingual services and are happy to service our francophone clients.
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CMLS’s head office is located in the financial district in Toronto, Ontario.
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CMLS offers all the standard stuff you'd expect from a big mortgage lender — plus a few extras:
Mortgages for first-time buyers
Options for people who are self-employed
Programs that let you use rental income to qualify
A no-fee switch if you’re just moving from another lender
Even mortgages that include money for renovations (Purchase + Improvement loans)
If you’ve been told “no” by a bank, CMLS might still say “yes.”
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Yes! CMLS is one of the better lenders for business owners and self-employed borrowers.
You don’t need perfect paperwork or full tax returns. They’ll often look at your bank deposits or declared income instead.
You still need to be in business for at least two years, and the numbers have to make sense, but they’ll work with you.
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Yes. If you’ve got a basement suite, duplex, or other rental property, CMLS lets you count that income when applying.
They’ll need proof (like a lease or market rent report), but rental income can help you qualify for more.
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If you already have a mortgage and just want to switch lenders for a better rate, CMLS might cover the costs.
As long as you’re not increasing your loan or taking out extra money, the switch is usually free and quick.
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Yes, CMLS lets you roll some renovation costs into your mortgage when you buy a home, subject to qualification.
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Yes. CMLS allows down payments to be:
Gifted from a family member
Borrowed in some cases (on insured mortgages)
You’ll still need to show you can handle the payments, but they’re flexible.
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CMLS will lend on insured mortgages wherever the insurer will lend. For uninsured/insurable mortgages, they don’t specify where they do or don’t lend, but advise “properties in markets with demonstrated ongoing re-sale demand, and must be suitable and available for year round occupancy”
Cottages and small towns or unincorporated townships may not be the best fit for CMLS if uninsured.
Contact Information and Links for CMLS:
Head Office Location:
18 York Street
Suite 1500
Toronto, ON M5J 2T8Contact Information:
Phone: 1.888.995.2657
Email: service@cmls.ca
