On September 30, 2026, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac announced a one-time policy exception allowing sellers who are unable to complete their UAD 3.6 implementation by the November 2, 2026 mandate date to continue submitting legacy UAD 2.6 appraisal reports through May 19, 2027.
What the UAD 3.6 one-time exception means in plain terms
The November 2 mandate has not changed. Any seller seeking the exception must request it and submit an implementation plan. The exception is not automatic, and it comes with reduced representation-and-warranty protections beginning March 1, 2027 for lenders who use it. FHA is on its own timeline: UAD 3.6 submissions are optional for now and a mandatory date has not been announced. The GSE exception does not apply to FHA loans.
From what we are seeing, those lenders that were already working towards an October implementation, have continued down that path regardless of the exception. The lenders most likely to pursue the exception are still working through system or workflow readiness. If you have not already assessed your readiness, now is the time.
Where Class Valuation stands
Through planning, preparation, and execution Class Valuation is fulfilling UAD 3.6 files today. We will continue to support UAD 2.6 forms as needed and are working with each client on their own timeline, whether they are already ordering UAD 3.6, planning to switch over in the coming weeks or pursuing the policy exception.
For lenders who want practical experience with the new standard, hybrid appraisals are a smart path. Property data collectors in our hybrid program already follow the standardized inspection protocols that UAD 3.6 requires, so hybrid assignments arrive pre-organized in the new format. Hybrid appraisals also deliver meaningful cost and time savings for lenders and borrowers. On average, they complete as much as two to three days faster than traditional appraisals.
For lenders who want additional support through the changeover, we offer appraisal and underwriting assurance through our CVUE program that reduces the review burden on your teams, on both traditional and hybrid appraisals, in either format.
“The policy exception Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac announced gives sellers who need more time a path to keep delivering 2.6 reports through May 19, 2027, and we appreciate the GSEs giving the industry that flexibility,” said Chris Flynn, chief operating officer of Class Valuation. “It is a sensible backstop, but the November 2 mandate still stands, and the exception has to be requested and comes with an implementation plan. We are encouraging lenders to use the extra runway to prepare well, not to slow down.”
Read the official guidance
For the full details of the policy exception, including eligibility requirements and how to request an exception, read the official guidance from Fannie Mae — Lender Letter LL-2026-08 and the joint UAD 3.6 Policy Exception announcement from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
For questions about Class Valuation’s UAD 3.6 readiness, hybrid appraisal programs or underwriting assurance services, contact your Class Valuation representative or visit classvaluation.com.