UAD 3.6 is changing how residential appraisal data is reported and how the redesigned URAR is structured.
Residential appraisal reporting is undergoing a major industry change.
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are transitioning to Uniform Appraisal Dataset (UAD) 3.6 together with a redesigned Uniform Residential Appraisal Report (URAR).
Mortgage brokers will not generally be responsible for creating or submitting the appraisal data, but the reports they receive may look very different from the familiar appraisal forms used today. Understanding the change can help brokers recognize the new format and reduce confusion during the transition.
What Is UAD 3.6?
UAD is the standardized dataset used to report residential appraisal information electronically.
UAD 3.6 updates that dataset and aligns appraisal reporting with the MISMO 3.6 data standard. The redesigned structure is intended to improve consistency, standardization, and data quality across residential appraisal reporting.
The new framework also supports a more flexible, data-driven appraisal report rather than relying on a separate fixed form for each property or assignment type.
What Is Changing With the New URAR?
Under the redesigned system, many familiar legacy appraisal forms are being replaced by a single dynamic Uniform Residential Appraisal Report.
Instead of selecting a specific appraisal form primarily based on property type, the new URAR adapts its content based on the appraisal assignment and the characteristics of the property.
For mortgage brokers, that means an appraisal report may no longer resemble the traditional form layout they are accustomed to reviewing.
The report may contain different terminology, a different organization of property information, and more structured data fields.
When Does UAD 3.6 Become Required?
UAD 3.6 entered broad production on January 26, 2026, allowing lenders to begin submitting UAD 3.6 appraisal reports through the Uniform Collateral Data Portal, or UCDP.
The current mandate date is November 2, 2026. Under the standard transition timeline, new appraisal reports submitted to UCDP on or after that date must use UAD 3.6.
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have also established a temporary policy-exception process for lenders that need additional implementation time. Approved lenders may continue submitting UAD 2.6 appraisal reports through May 19, 2027, while continuing their transition to UAD 3.6.
Because of this transition period, brokers may encounter both legacy and redesigned appraisal reports depending on the lender and loan workflow.
What Will Look Different?
One important change is the way appraisal reports are structured and delivered.
UAD 3.6 is designed around structured appraisal data rather than a collection of traditional fixed forms. Appraisers may also encounter updated terminology, revised data fields, and new reporting requirements.
Fannie Mae has published additional guidance on topics such as photo requirements, ANSI reporting, and completion of the redesigned URAR as the industry prepares for the transition.
For a broker, the biggest practical difference may simply be that the finished appraisal looks unfamiliar.
That does not necessarily mean the wrong appraisal was ordered or that information is missing. In many cases, the information may simply be organized differently under the new reporting structure.
What Should Mortgage Brokers Do?
Mortgage brokers do not need to become appraisal-data specialists, but a few practical steps can make the transition easier:
- Expect appraisal reports to look different from legacy forms.
- Do not rely only on familiar form numbers when identifying an appraisal type.
- Review appraisal-related conditions carefully before requesting corrections.
- Follow the lender’s appraisal and revision instructions.
- Allow for some workflow differences while lenders, appraisers, AMCs, and software providers complete the transition.
The shift to UAD 3.6 is primarily a modernization of residential appraisal data and reporting. It does not, by itself, create a new mortgage product or change a borrower’s loan program.
For brokers, the most important goal is simply to understand what is changing so that redesigned appraisal reports do not create unnecessary delays or confusion.
Contact Pacific Bay Lending Group if you have questions about appraisal requirements for a loan scenario you are submitting.
