Last updated, October 2026
The new Uniform Appraisal Dataset (UAD) 3.6 and the redesigned Uniform Residential Appraisal Dataset Report (URAR) have been all the talk in the valuation industry. As the first major appraisal form redesign in two decades, UAD 3.6 affects everyone involved in the residential appraisal process, from appraisers to appraisal management companies (AMCs), mortgage lenders and servicers.
Broad production began in January 2026, and the November 2nd mandate is officially here. With new reporting requirements, updated workflows, and more structured appraisal data, now is the time for lenders and appraisal partners to make sure they are ready.
In this article, we will break down what UAD 3.6 is, what’s changing, and how lenders, servicers, AMCs, and appraisers can prepare for the transition.
What is UAD 3.6 and why does it matter?
The Uniform Appraisal Dataset (UAD) was introduced by the GSEs, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, to standardize appraisal reporting and improve the consistency of data submitted with appraisal reports.
As part of a broader effort to modernize appraisal reporting across the lending process, UAD 3.6 updates the underlying dataset and introduces a single, dynamic appraisal report that adapts to different property types and assignment requirements. It also aligns appraisal reporting with updated industry data standards.
The goal is to improve data quality and consistency while making appraisal information easier to capture, review, and use throughout the lending process.
Benefits of the new UAD 3.6 form:
- One dynamic report: A single, adaptive form accommodates all property types, replacing multiple legacy forms, and creating a more consistent structure for appraisal ordering and review.
- At-a-glance summary page: The new report includes a summary of key property characteristics and appraisal conclusions in an easily identifiable format at the start of the report – helping underwriters and reviewers find important information more easily.
- More detailed condition and modernization insights: Enhanced reporting on interior and exterior condition, including room-level updates for kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, and basements, provides clearer visibility into property quality and recent improvements.
- Improved reporting for complex living areas: More detailed options for reporting finished areas, including non-contiguous spaces like finished above-grade space, help appraisers describe properties that don’t fit traditional layouts as clearly.
- More structured collateral data: Standardized property information supports more consistent appraisal review and gives lenders additional detail to consider when assessing collateral risk.
- Broadband internet availability: Standardized reporting on internet access adds another property characteristic for consideration when evaluating a home’s features and marketability.
Together, these changes are designed to improve the quality and usability of appraisal data. The extent of the operational benefits will depend on how lenders and their partners incorporate the new reporting structure into their workflows.
UAD 3.6 Implementation Timeline Update: What’s changed?
The UAD 3.6 transition has moved from preparation into broad production, and the industry is now working toward the November 2, 2026, mandate.
Here’s where things stand:
- September 8, 2025 – January 25, 2026: Limited production period with approved participants.
- January 26 – November 1, 2026: Broad production period, allowing all lenders to begin submitting UAD 3.6 reports while continuing to use UAD 2.6 where permitted.
- November 2, 2026: Mandate date. New appraisal reports submitted to the Uniform Collateral Data Portal (UCDP) must use UAD 3.6, subject to applicable exceptions.
- September 30, 2026: The GSEs announced a temporary policy exception for eligible sellers that need additional time to implement UAD 3.6.
- May 19, 2027: End of the announced exception period for approved sellers submitting new UAD 2.6 reports.
What does the new policy exception mean for lenders?
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac introduced a temporary policy exception for eligible sellers that could not meet the November 2 mandate. Sellers must request approval from each applicable GSE; the exception is not automatic.
Approved sellers may continue submitting UAD 2.6 reports through May 19, 2027, subject to the exception’s requirements. However, the exception comes with limitations, including changes to certain collateral review functionality and eligibility for representation-and-warranty relief beginning March 1, 2027.
The exception does not eliminate the need to transition to UAD 3.6, and the GSEs have indicated that it will not be extended.
For lenders, this means understanding your investor requirements, confirming whether an exception applies to your organization, and continuing to work toward full implementation. It also means coordinating closely with your AMC and other appraisal partners to ensure everyone understands the reporting format and timing requirements.
For the latest guidance, visit the Fannie Mae UAD 3.6 resource center or Freddie Mac’s UAD 3.6 FAQs.
How lenders and servicers should approach this transition:
Preparing for UAD 3.6 involves more than updating appraisal software or completing training. Lenders and servicers should evaluate how the new reporting requirements affect the entire appraisal process, from ordering and report delivery, to review and submission.
Here are several areas to prioritize:
- Train your staff: Processors, underwriters, loan officers, and appraisal review teams should understand the new report structure, updated terminology, and changes to property data. Training can help teams review reports consistently, identify questions, and communicate appraisal conclusions effectively.
- Confirm technology and system readiness: Work with your technology providers to ensure your appraisal ordering, management, review, and submission systems support UAD 3.6. Identify integration gaps and establish a plan to address them.
- Test end-to-end workflows: Test the full process, from placing an appraisal order to receiving the completed report, reviewing the information, and submitting it to UCDP. Make sure your team knows how to handle validation messages, corrections, and resubmissions.
- Review appraisal pipelines and submission timing: The November 2 mandate is based on the initial UCDP submission date, not the loan application date or appraisal effective date. Review outstanding orders and allow enough time to order, receive, review, and submit reports under the appropriate format.
- Expand collaboration with your AMC: A smooth transition depends on coordination between lenders, AMCs, appraisers, and technology providers. Discuss AMC and panel readiness, ordering requirements, report delivery, turnaround expectations, and how questions or issues will be handled. Lenders should also review engagement letters and related documentation to ensure they align with updated requirements.
- Confirm investor-specific requirements: If you sell loans to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, understand the applicable mandate and exception requirements. If you work with aggregators or other investors, confirm their expectations and implementation timelines as well.
- Establish an issue-resolution plan: Assign responsibility for monitoring implementation, communicating with partners, and resolving submission issues. Having a clear process in place can help teams address problems before they disrupt operations.
How your AMC should approach this transition:
AMCs play an important role in helping lenders and appraisers navigate the move to UAD 3.6. Preparation involves more than becoming familiar with the new report; it also means understanding how the updated requirements affect appraisal ordering, review, quality control, and communication.
At SingleSource, we’ve been preparing for the transition through ongoing training and process alignment.
- Ongoing team training: Our appraisal team participates in UAD training sessions to review the new report, terminology, data requirements, and changes to appraisal reporting.
- Quality control and reviewer preparation: We’re aligning our processes and reviewer expertise with the more structured, data-driven reporting approach introduced by UAD 3.6.
- Appraiser and client communication: We’re continually working with our appraiser panel and clients to help clarify expectations, address questions, and prepare for changes to appraisal ordering and report delivery.
Working closely with your AMC can help your team understand how the new requirements affect your appraisal workflow and what needs to be addressed before implementation.
How appraisers should approach this transition:
Appraisers also have an important role in making the UAD 3.6 transition successful. The redesigned report introduces updated reporting requirements and a more structured approach to capturing property characteristics, condition, quality, and supporting information.
Education and training
Appraisers should be familiar with the new report structure, terminology, software requirements, and documentation expectations. Training can help appraisers understand how information should be reported and reduce avoidable errors or revisions.
At SingleSource, we’re communicating with our appraiser panel about areas that require particular attention under the new reporting structure, including.
- Sales comparison approach adjustments and supporting explanations
- UAD condition and quality ratings
- Age adjustments and comparable sale selection
- External influences and site adjustments
- Bedroom and bathroom counts
- Property characteristics and the consistency of comparable sales
We’re continuing to work with our appraiser panel to clarify expectations and help appraisers understand the increased level of reporting detail required under UAD 3.6. The goal is to support complete, accurate reporting and help minimize avoidable revisions when reports are submitted.
UAD 3.6 resources for appraisers
If you’re an appraiser and need additional guidance, the following resources can help you learn more about the redesigned report and available training:
- Appraisal Institute – URAR Education
- McKissock Learning – Appraiser Education and Continuing Education
- Appraiser eLearning – New UAD/URAR Student Support Page
For the latest technical specifications, reporting requirements, and implementation guidance, appraisers should also refer to the official Fannie Mae UAD 3.6 resources and Freddie Mac UAD 3.6 resources.
How SingleSource can help
UAD 3.6 represents a significant change in appraisal reporting, and the transition requires coordination across lenders, AMCs, appraisers, and technology providers.
At SingleSource, we’re committed to working with our clients and appraiser partners as the industry adapts to these updated requirements. Through ongoing training, communication, and process alignment, we’re preparing to support our clients as they navigate the transition.
Every organization has different systems, workflows, and implementation needs. Staying in close communication with your AMC can help you identify outstanding questions, understand how the new requirements affect your appraisal process, and plan for what’s ahead.
If you have questions about UAD 3.6 or our valuation services, reach out to the SingleSource team. We’re here to help.
