UAD 3.6 Preparation

Scope, Timing, and Practical Impacts

The Uniform Appraisal Dataset (UAD) 3.6 introduces a redesigned appraisal reporting structure for loans delivered to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The change replaces legacy, form-number-based reporting with a standardized, data-driven format.

The new format is dynamic, more consistent, and eliminates the need for multiple appraisal forms across property types. It improves data quality and supports a smoother, more transparent underwriting process.

This page summarises key dates, scope, and practical impacts without getting into technical documentation.

Key dates and transition timeline

  • Limited Production Participants to Submit 3.6. (no known Maine or NH lenders or appraisers participating)

  • Optional - All Lenders may begin submitting to the GSEs’ production environment without prior GSE approval.

  • Mandate - Lenders must use UAD 3.6 for all new submissions on or after this date.

What’s Changing in the new URAR?

  • ✅ One Form for All Property Types 
    Works for SFRs, condos, co-ops, 2–4 units, manufactured homes, etc. 

  • 📄 Dynamic Sections 
    Sections expand or collapse depending on property characteristics. 

  • 🏚️ Updated Ratings 
    More clarity in condition and quality ratings (aligned with new definitions). 

  • 🏘️ Comparable Photos 
    Exterior photos are still required, but drive-bys are no longer mandatory. 

  • 🧾 Project-Level Info 
    For condos/co-ops, new fields capture project condition separately from unit condition. 

  • 🛠️ New Data Fields 
    Clearer commentary sections, better data tagging, and cleaner formatting. 

What are Local Appraisers Saying?

Our appraiser survey reflects a broad recognition that UAD 3.6 represents a meaningful change in how residential appraisals are produced, reviewed, and delivered. Appraisers consistently describe the new URAR as more detailed, more structured, and more reliant on standardized data than prior forms.

UAD 3.6 is viewed as a material shift in appraisal production, not a routine form update.

Appraisers consistently describe the new URAR as more structured, more data-intensive, and more dependent on standardized workflows than legacy forms. The change is broadly accepted, but it is not viewed as neutral in terms of time or cost.

Expected Time Impact

Most appraisers anticipate longer completion times under UAD 3.6, with many expecting increases of 20 percent or more once fully implemented. No respondents expect the new form to reduce production time.

Fee Adequacy Under Current Structures

Nearly two-thirds of appraisers do not believe existing fee structures are sufficient for UAD 3.6 assignments. Anticipated fee adjustments cluster around moderate to meaningful increases, reflecting added production effort rather than discretionary pricing changes.

Most respondents anticipate fee increases under UAD 3.6, with 60% indicating expected increases of $50–$100 and 20% anticipating increases exceeding $100. A smaller share expect more modest changes, with 14% indicating increases of $0–$50, while 3% report that fees would remain unchanged.

How can Nexus Valuation Help?

We work directly with lenders to navigate the UAD 3.6 transition in a practical, assignment-level way. We encourage lenders to schedule one-on-one meetings with our team to walk through their current appraisal workflows, identify potential friction points, and assess where UAD 3.6 may introduce added time or cost. These conversations are also an opportunity to clarify product eligibility, discuss form selection strategies, and address operational or fee-related questions before issues arise in production.