Between now and May, an appraiser in our network could complete a UAD 3.6 assignment in the morning and a UAD 2.6 assignment that afternoon. That’s what a transition year looks like. UAD 3.6 is a step forward for the industry, bringing expanded data elements, more detailed inspection criteria and a new dynamic report format, and lenders, appraisers and AMCs are all building familiarity with it at the same time. 

The Nov. 2, 2026, UAD 3.6 mandate is almost here. On Sept. 30, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac announced a one-time policy exception allowing approved lenders to continue submitting UAD 2.6 reports through May 19, 2027. The mandate itself hasn't changed. Lenders must request the exception, and the GSEs have said it won't be extended. 

Starting March 1, 2027, UAD 2.6 reports submitted under the exception will receive a Collateral Underwriter risk score of 999 (99 in Freddie Mac’s Loan Collateral Advisor) and lose collateral representation and warranty relief for value, so those orders will likely taper off well before May.  

The change is more significant than a new report layout. UAD 3.6 fundamentally updates how appraisers document what they see on-site and how that data is organized and delivered within the new dynamic report format. 

This article covers what changes for appraisers under UAD 3.6 and the resources available to help. 

 

What UAD 3.6 requires

Under UAD 3.6, appraisers measure every room, capture condition and quality data in greater detail for both the interior and exterior, document characteristics that previously required only a general notation and produce a structured dataset that aligns with the new dynamic report format.

That is a meaningful change in how each assignment is documented, and it’s why training and support matter during the transition.

 

What Class Valuation is doing to support appraisers

Class Valuation has invested in training resources designed specifically to help appraisers work through the new documentation requirements. That includes guidance on the terminology changes UAD 3.6 introduces, such as “finished area above grade” replacing “gross living area (GLA),” “market area” replacing “neighborhood” and “vehicle storage” replacing “garage/carport.” It also includes practical support for working with the structured fields of the new dynamic report format. 

Through our ongoing relationship with McKissock Learning, Class Valuation appraisers receive a discount on all courses, including UAD 3.6 courses. Appraisers can request the discount code from their Class Valuation representative. 

We have also made our technology tools available to help appraisers work within the expanded documentation requirements. Faster, cleaner data collection at the inspection stage reduces rework at the report stage, and our technology is designed to support that end-to-end. 

For appraisers who have questions about specific assignment requirements or who want to work through UAD 3.6 scenarios with our team, we are making our operations staff available for direct conversations. This is a significant transition, and appraisers should not have to navigate it alone.  

 

Hybrid appraisals: a known path through UAD 3.6

For appraisers moving through this transition, the hybrid appraisal offers a proven, standardized process from the first UAD 3.6 file. 

Our hybrid data collection already aligns with UAD 3.6 property data requirements. Property data collectors follow standardized protocols. Using our technology, the room measurements are captured, which generates an ANSI Z765-compliant floor plan. Additionally, every room is photographed allowing the appraiser to credibly opine on the quality and condition of the improvements.  

The property data that arrives for review in a hybrid assignment is already organized to UAD 3.6 specifications, and it is validated by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac before the appraiser completes the report. Hybrid assignments give appraisers a consistent, standardized way to work in the new format from day one. 

Lenders are taking notice. Hybrid appraisals can be two to three days faster than a UAD 3.6 traditional appraisal, depending on the market and assignment, and more than 90% of GSE-eligible loans qualify for hybrid today. Class Valuation is working to grow hybrid volume across our network. 

 

How hybrid assignments work for appraisers

In a hybrid assignment, the appraiser reviews the data provided and if they have a reasonable basis that the data is credible it is used in the report or the appraisal documents their reasoning for not using the data. As with traditional assignments in the legacy workflow, the appraiser still forms their own independent opinion on the condition of the property and the opinion of value.  

Appraisers often raise a fair question about accountability: who stands behind data the appraiser didn’t collect? The answer lies in standardized inspection protocols, trained property data collectors and the appraiser’s ability to request more information before completing the report. 

What changes is where the appraiser spends their time. Specialized property data collectors handle the on-site visit, and the appraiser concentrates on their analysis and market interpretation. For appraisers who want to spend more of their time on analysis, that division of labor is a strong fit.

 

Looking ahead

UAD 3.6 is the new standard for how appraisals are conducted, documented and delivered, and every appraiser is building familiarity with what it means for their work, file by file. 

If you are an appraiser in our network with questions about UAD 3.6 requirements or hybrid assignments, we want to hear from you. Reach out to the Class Valuation team or visit our UAD 3.6 resource hub.