The appraisal industry is approaching an important reporting milestone.
On November 2, 2026, UAD 3.6 becomes the required reporting format for GSE mortgage appraisals. The update from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac modernizes how appraisal data is collected and reported, replacing familiar fixed forms with a redesigned reporting structure and expanded property data.
The core appraisal process isn’t changing. Appraisers will still inspect properties, analyze comparable sales, and develop credible opinions of value. What is changing is how that information is structured, documented, and delivered.
With the mandatory adoption date approaching, now is the time to understand what’s changing and prepare your workflow.
For more than a decade, appraisers have used the original Uniform Appraisal Dataset (UAD) with familiar forms such as the 1004 and 1073.
UAD 3.6 keeps the core appraisal process intact while changing how appraisal data is structured and reported. The new system introduces the Uniform Residential Appraisal Report (URAR), expanded property data fields, and a more dynamic reporting structure.
Some of the major differences include:
Legacy UAD
Multiple fixed forms, including 1004, 1073, 1025, and 2055
Limited standardized data fields
Many property details explained through narrative text
Static report layouts
Abbreviated UAD formatting rules
UAD 3.6
One flexible Uniform Residential Appraisal Report
Expanded property data with more detailed characteristics
More information captured through structured data fields
Dynamic report sections based on property type
Clearer standardized definitions and data elements
The goal is to create more consistent, structured appraisal data while allowing property characteristics to be documented in greater detail.
The transition to UAD 3.6 is happening in phases, giving appraisers, lenders, and technology providers time to adjust before mandatory adoption.
During limited production, lenders and technology providers can begin submitting appraisals using the UAD 3.6 dataset while the legacy format remains available.
This period gives the industry an opportunity to test workflows, become familiar with the new reporting structure, and identify practical adjustments before UAD 3.6 becomes required.
During the transition period, both legacy UAD and UAD 3.6 reports are accepted.
For appraisers, this provides time to become familiar with the new terminology, structured data requirements, and reporting workflow before the industry moves completely to the new system.
November 2, 2026 is the key date to remember.
Beginning on that date, UAD 3.6 becomes the required reporting format for GSE mortgage appraisals.
Even after November 2, appraisers may still receive assignments using the legacy UAD 2.6 format when the seller has an approved temporary policy exception. This exception allows qualifying assignments to continue using the legacy format despite the UAD 3.6 mandate.
If you haven’t started becoming familiar with the new system, now is the time.
Structured reporting puts greater emphasis on making sure the information supporting an appraisal conclusion is clear and consistent throughout the report.
In practice, that means property characteristics, comparable selection, adjustments, and reconciliation should align with the evidence presented.
That concept isn’t new. Appraisers already produce credible results supported by market evidence. UAD 3.6 simply makes the underlying data and reporting structure more standardized, which may make inconsistencies or missing information easier to identify.
The takeaway? Clear documentation and consistent data matter.
Preparing for UAD 3.6 doesn’t mean relearning how to be an appraiser. It means becoming comfortable with a new way of documenting and reporting the work you already do.
A good place to start is by reviewing the terminology, property data fields, and structure of the redesigned URAR.
Become familiar with the terminology and standardized definitions used under UAD 3.6.
Changes include more structured approaches to condition and quality ratings, location and view information, below grade areas, and additional property improvements.
Understanding those changes now can make it easier to recognize how familiar appraisal information fits into the new reporting structure.
UAD 3.6 expands the amount of structured property information captured within the report.
Property information may include details related to:
Lot configuration
Topography
Utilities
Zoning compliance
Additional structures
Accessory dwelling units
Energy efficiency features
Construction stage and materials
Heating and cooling systems
Exterior features
Neighborhood characteristics
Market conditions
Supply and demand indicators
Many of these details were already part of the appraisal process. The difference is that information previously communicated through narrative comments may now appear in structured fields.
Instead of selecting from several familiar fixed forms, UAD 3.6 introduces the Uniform Residential Appraisal Report.
The report uses sections and modules that can vary depending on the property and assignment. These can include areas such as Subject Property, Market Analysis, Sales Comparison, Income Approach when applicable, and Cost Approach when applicable.
Becoming familiar with that structure before November 2 can make the transition easier.
Changes in reporting systems can expose inconsistencies that were less obvious under familiar workflows.
A few areas deserve particular attention.
More detailed structured fields can make the source of property information increasingly important.
Develop consistent documentation habits and confirm relevant information through appropriate sources such as MLS data, public records, permits, prior listings, or direct observation when applicable.
Standardized definitions make consistent application important across both subject and comparable properties.
Review updated definitions and apply them consistently to help reduce unnecessary clarification or revision requests.
When property characteristics are captured in more structured fields, differences between subject and comparable properties can become easier to spot.
Confirm comparable information carefully and make sure the data presented tells a consistent story.
Structured reporting doesn’t eliminate the need for explanation.
Narrative commentary can still provide important context when structured data alone doesn’t fully explain the analysis. The goal is to provide enough information to clarify the reasoning without unnecessarily repeating information already captured elsewhere in the report.
Changing a familiar reporting process takes adjustment, but increased structure can also create opportunities for clearer, more consistent appraisal reports.
Consistent terminology, structured data, and transparent reasoning can make it easier for lenders and reviewers to understand how an appraiser reached a final opinion of value.
For appraisers, becoming comfortable with the new system before mandatory adoption can also reduce the pressure of learning a new workflow at the deadline.
UAD 3.6 changes how appraisal information is reported, but it doesn’t replace the expertise behind the appraisal.
Your knowledge, judgment, and analysis remain essential.
With November 2, 2026 approaching, use the time available to learn the new terminology, become familiar with the redesigned URAR, review the expanded data fields, and practice working within the new reporting structure.
Preparing now can help you approach mandatory adoption with greater confidence and keep you current.
The content provided on this website is deemed accurate at the time of creation.
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