Beginning November 2, 2026, the home appraisal industry will undergo one of its biggest reporting changes in nearly 20 years. The changes are part of an initiative known as UAD 3.6 (Uniform Appraisal Dataset 3.6), a joint effort between Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to modernize the conventional loan appraisal reporting process.

While the way appraisers determine a home’s value isn’t changing, the reports themselves will become more detailed, data-driven, and transparent.

For homebuyers, this means more information about the property they’re purchasing, but it could also mean slightly higher appraisal costs and longer turnaround times as the industry adjusts to the new requirements.

What’s Changing with Home Appraisals?

1. More Detailed Property Information

The new UAD 3.6 reports are designed to capture significantly more information about a property’s features, condition, improvements, and individual rooms. Renovations, upgrades, and other property characteristics will be documented in greater detail, providing a more complete picture of the home being appraised.

2. An Easier-to-Understand Summary

The updated reports will include a summary page highlighting important information upfront, including the appraised value, property condition, necessary repairs, and key property details.

3. More Transparency About Comparable Sales

Appraisers will continue to rely on comparable sales when determining a property’s value. Buyers will be able to see photos of comparable properties and explanations of how those sales were weighted in determining the appraised value.

4. Better Documentation of Unique Property Features

The new reporting format will allow for more detailed documentation of accessory dwelling units (ADUs), condominiums, and other unique property features.

5. Potentially Higher Costs and Longer Turnaround Times

One consideration with the transition to UAD 3.6 is its potential impact on appraisal fees and completion times. Because appraisers will be required to collect and document more detailed property information, the conventional loan appraisal process could take longer and cost more, particularly during the initial transition.

What’s Not Changing?

Perhaps the most important thing to understand is that the method appraisers use to determine a home’s value is not changing. The updates focus on how property information is collected, documented, and presented rather than changing the underlying valuation process. If an appraisal comes in lower than expected, buyers can still pursue a Reconsideration of Value (ROV). Strong comparable sales and objective market data remain the most effective information to support that request.

There are several practical steps buyers can take as the industry transitions to the new appraisal reporting requirements.

• Talk with your lender early. Ask about appraisal costs, anticipated turnaround times, and whether the new reporting requirements could affect your loan timeline.
• Be cautious about waiving appraisal contingencies. Before agreeing to waive an appraisal contingency, understand the potential financial risks and confirm whether your lender has granted an appraisal waiver for your specific transaction.
• Provide detailed property information when available. Renovation records, improvements, and information about unique property features can help ensure the appraiser has relevant information about the home.
• Review the appraisal report carefully. Pay attention to the appraised value, property condition, repairs, and comparable sales included in the report.
• Understand your options if the appraisal comes in low. Work with your real estate agent and lender to review the comparable sales and determine whether objective market data supports a Reconsideration of Value.

Working closely with your real estate agent and lender, understanding the appraisal process, and carefully considering any decision to waive an appraisal contingency can help you make informed decisions throughout the homebuying process.