For more than a decade, the Uniform Appraisal Dataset (UAD) has been the backbone of appraisal reporting, bringing consistency and standardization to an industry built on precision. But the landscape is about to shift in a profound way. With the release of UAD 3.6 and the redesigned Uniform Residential Appraisal Report (URAR), appraisers and lenders are stepping into a new era—one where rigid, one-size-fits-all forms give way to a flexible, data-driven framework designed to adapt to any property type or lending scenario. Driven by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, this transformation isn’t just a software update—it’s a redefinition of how appraisal information is captured, communicated, and consumed across the housing industry.
So, what’s new in UAD 3.6—and why should appraisers, lenders, and appraisal management companies be excited? Let’s break down the key features.
Structured Data Fields
One of the biggest shifts in UAD 3.6 is its move to a truly standardized data format. Instead of lengthy narrative text, appraisers will provide details through clear, structured fields. This change not only improves consistency but also makes appraisal reports far easier to review, compare, and integrate into modern lending platforms.
Benefit: Reduced revision requests, greater consistency, and faster review times.
Comprehensive Report Package (ZIP Submission)
Appraisers will now submit a single ZIP file that includes:
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The PDF appraisal report
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XML data file
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Photos and exhibits
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Any additional attachments
This “all-in-one” approach ensures that lenders and reviewers have everything they need from the start.
Benefit: Greater efficiency and fewer delays caused by missing documents.
Richer Property and Market Data
UAD 3.6 requires appraisers to provide more granular details about the subject property and comparables, such as:
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Clearer condition and quality ratings
-
Specific treatment of accessory dwelling units (ADUs)
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Enhanced floor plan and sketch requirements
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More transparency in time adjustments and market trends
Benefit: Reports capture property nuances and market realities more accurately, leading to stronger, more reliable valuations.
Enhanced Analytics and Review Potential
With its structured design, UAD 3.6 enables advanced analytics, automated reviews, and AI-assisted quality control. Lenders and AMCs can more easily spot risks, monitor trends, and strengthen decision-making.
Benefit: Better risk management and a smoother loan process.
Improved UCDP Portal Experience
The Uniform Collateral Data Portal (UCDP) is also being modernized to support UAD 3.6, offering:
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A refreshed user interface
-
Enhanced submission capabilities
-
Flexible download options (PDF or machine-readable XML/JSON)
Benefit: Easier report delivery, better tracking, and seamless integration with lender systems.
Future-Proofing the Appraisal Industry
Perhaps the greatest advantage of UAD 3.6 is its forward-looking design. Built for adaptability, it lays the foundation for new technologies, digital workflows, and evolving appraisal alternatives.
Benefit: An appraisal ecosystem that’s ready for innovation and modernization.
Why Lenders Should Care
For lenders, UAD 3.6 delivers more than compliance:
-
Cleaner underwriting and QC thanks to enhanced data integrity and less subjective narrative.
-
Shorter review cycles with fewer back-and-forth revisions.
-
New opportunities to leverage structured data for analytics, risk profiling, and AI-driven reviews.
Structured Data Fields
At the core of UAD 3.6 is a standardized, structured data format. Instead of relying heavily on lengthy narrative text, appraisers will enter more details into clear, distinct fields. This shift makes reports easier to review, compare, and integrate into lending platforms.
Benefit: Fewer revision requests, more consistent reporting, and faster review cycles.
Comprehensive Report Package (ZIP Submission)
Appraisers will now submit a single ZIP file that includes:
-
The PDF appraisal report
-
XML data file
-
Photos and exhibits
-
Any additional attachments
This “all-in-one” approach ensures that lenders and reviewers have everything they need from the start.
Benefit: Greater efficiency and fewer delays caused by missing documents.
Richer Property and Market Data
UAD 3.6 requires appraisers to provide more granular details about the subject property and comparables, such as:
-
Clearer condition and quality ratings
-
Specific treatment of accessory dwelling units (ADUs)
-
Enhanced floor plan and sketch requirements
-
More transparency in time adjustments and market trends
Benefit: Reports capture property nuances and market realities more accurately, leading to stronger, more reliable valuations.
Enhanced Analytics and Review Potential
With its structured design, UAD 3.6 enables advanced analytics, automated reviews, and AI-assisted quality control. Lenders and AMCs can more easily spot risks, monitor trends, and strengthen decision-making.
Benefit: Better risk management and a smoother loan process.
Improved UCDP Portal Experience
The Uniform Collateral Data Portal (UCDP) is also being modernized to support UAD 3.6, offering:
-
A refreshed user interface
-
Enhanced submission capabilities
-
Flexible download options (PDF or machine-readable XML/JSON)
Benefit: Easier report delivery, better tracking, and seamless integration with lender systems.
Future-Proofing the Appraisal Industry
Perhaps the greatest advantage of UAD 3.6 is its forward-looking design. Built for adaptability, it lays the foundation for new technologies, digital workflows, and evolving appraisal alternatives.
Benefit: An appraisal ecosystem that’s ready for innovation and modernization.
Why Lenders Should Care
For lenders, UAD 3.6 delivers more than compliance:
-
-
Cleaner underwriting and QC thanks to enhanced data integrity and less subjective narrative.
-
Shorter review cycles with fewer back-and-forth revisions.
-
New opportunities to leverage structured data for analytics, risk profiling, and AI-driven reviews.
-
Rollout Timeline – At this point the beginning of the rollout will happen within the next month –
| Phase | Dates |
| Limited Production | Begins September 8, 2025 — invitation-only phase HousingWirea la modeFannie Mae. |
| Broad Production | Starts January 26, 2026 — open to all participants HousingWirea la mode. |
| Mandatory Implementation | November 2, 2026 — UAD 3.6 required for all new loan deliveries HousingWirea la mode. |
| Legacy Sunset (UAD 2.6) | May 3, 2027 — legacy UAD 2.6 is officially retired HousingWirea la mode. |
Final Thoughts
The rollout of UAD 3.6 is more than just a technical update—it’s one of the most transformative shifts in residential appraising in decades. By replacing rigid forms with a dynamic, data-driven structure, the industry is moving toward greater transparency, efficiency, and reliability in every stage of the mortgage process.
As a boutique AMC, our role is to help lenders and appraisers not just comply but thrive in this new environment. With the right preparation, UAD 3.6 becomes more than a mandate—it’s a chance to elevate appraisal quality, strengthen partnerships, and build greater trust in valuation outcomes.
Your Next Steps:
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For Lenders: Conduct readiness reviews, audit vendor systems, and begin team training.
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For Appraisers: Attend training sessions and webinars, practice with sample assignments, modernize workflows, and prepare for more detailed reporting.
The future of appraisal is here. Those who prepare today will be the ones setting the standard tomorrow.
