Appraisal reports are changing: the temporary UAD 3.6 exception

The November mandate remains, with a lender exception

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are moving appraisal submissions to UAD 3.6 and the redesigned Uniform Residential Appraisal Report on November 2, 2026. On September 30, both announced that an approved lender or seller unable to complete the transition on time may request a temporary policy exception.

The exception is not automatic. Fannie Mae says an affected lender must submit and obtain approval for its request before continuing to deliver legacy UAD 2.6 appraisal reports.

Sous: Fannie Mae · LL-2026-08 temporary UAD 3.6 policy exception · September 30, 2026Freddie Mac · UAD 3.6 temporary policy exception · September 30, 2026

The temporary window has firm dates

For lenders with an approved exception, Fannie Mae will accept UAD 2.6 and UAD 3.6 reports from November 2, 2026, through May 19, 2027. From March 1 through May 19, legacy reports enter a reduced-functionality period and lose certain appraisal-related representation and warranty relief.

Beginning May 20, 2027, new Fannie Mae submissions must use UAD 3.6. Resubmissions of legacy reports remain possible through June 27, and support for UAD 2.6 ends June 28, 2027.

Sous: Fannie Mae · LL-2026-08 temporary UAD 3.6 policy exception · September 30, 2026

What this means for buyers and Realtors

The report format used for a conventional loan may depend on the lender's implementation status and whether it obtained an exception. The announcement does not waive the appraisal, change the appraiser's independence, guarantee a property value, or remove the lender's responsibility to review the collateral.

• Ask the lender which appraisal format and submission timeline applies to the specific loan.
• Allow time for questions or corrections during the transition instead of assuming the new form changes the value conclusion.

Sous: Fannie Mae · LL-2026-08 temporary UAD 3.6 policy exception · September 30, 2026Freddie Mac · UAD 3.6 temporary policy exception · September 30, 2026

Do not apply this GSE timeline to FHA loans

This temporary exception concerns Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac deliveries. FHA announced its own UAD 3.6 preparation work in June 2026 and said its optional and mandatory adoption dates would be announced later. Buyers should confirm the timetable for the actual loan program rather than transferring the conventional-loan dates to FHA.

Sous: HUD · FHA INFO 2026-15 · June 25, 2026