# What CMHC programs can benefit you, and how do they work?

> CMHC offers a range of mortgage loan insurance products tailored to different homeowner needs, helping more Canadians achieve homeownership.

Category: Renewal
Last verified: 2026-02-18
Source: https://ratellow.com/faqs/renewal/what-cmhc-programs-can-benefit-you-and-how-do-they-work

## Answer
CMHC offers a range of mortgage loan insurance products tailored to different homeowner needs, helping more Canadians achieve homeownership. Understanding these programs allows you to provide targeted advice. For instance, CMHC Eco Plus offers a 25% premium refund for buying or building climate-friendly housing. The CMHC portability feature allows repeat CMHC insurance users to reduce or eliminate the premium payable on the new insured loan.

## Institutional highlights
- CMHC can help you buy a home with a smaller down payment, even if your down payment comes from multiple sources.
- You can use CMHC to buy a home that needs renovations or to finance the construction of a new home.
- If you're new to Canada, CMHC can help you get a mortgage, even if you're not a permanent resident.
- CMHC can help self-employed individuals get a mortgage by using alternative ways to verify your income.
- Get a 25% refund on your CMHC insurance if you buy or build an energy-efficient home.
- You could get a 25% refund on your CMHC insurance if you spend at least $20,000 on energy-saving home improvements.
- If you've used CMHC insurance before, you might save money on your next mortgage insurance premium when you move.

## Related guide
- https://ratellow.com/guides/2026-renewal-cliff-survival

## Sources
- OSFI exempts uninsured mortgage straight switches from the prescribed MQR and implements portfolio LTI limits — https://www.osfi-bsif.gc.ca/en/guidance/guidance-library/osfi-exempts-uninsured-mortgage-straight-switches-prescribed-mqr-implements-portfolio-lti-limits
- Page 3 — https://assets.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/sf/project/cmhc/pdfs/factsheets/new/cmhc-quick-reference.pdf#page=3
- Page 2 — https://assets.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/sf/project/cmhc/pdfs/factsheets/new/cmhc-quick-reference.pdf#page=2
- Mortgage insurance — https://www.osfi-bsif.gc.ca/en/guidance/guidance-library/residential-mortgage-underwriting-practices-procedures-guideline-2017#2.5.1