By Casey Simpson; consultant and manager of appraisal review services, Young & Associates

The Uniform Appraisal Dataset (UAD) is the standardized industry dataset used to communicate appraisal property data electronically through the Uniform Collateral Data Portal (UCDP). The new UAD 3.6 is a redesigned Uniform Residential Appraisal Report (URAR) that is data driven and created to modernize the valuation industry.

This replaces UAD 2.6 and as part of this initiative, the Government Sponsored Enterprises (GSEs) are aligning to the latest version of the Mortgage Industry Standards Maintenance Organization (MISMO) Reference Model 3.6. Beginning November 2, 2026, all new appraisal reports submitted to UCDP for loans sold to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac must use UAD 3.6. UAD 2.6 appraisal reporting has relied on static forms such as the 1004, 1073, 2055, 1025, and 1004D, which have been adapted to meet the changing industry requirements with property and market information dispersed throughout the report and in generalized addenda.

Appraisal orders will no longer specify a Form type. UAD 3.6 replaces the legacy forms for GSE appraisals for GSE appraisals with a single report. It will adapt based on property type, loan type, and scope of work, modernizing how appraisal data is packaged/delivered.

The new report is dynamic with sections turning “on” or “off” based on property characteristics accounting for all property and inspection types. This structure results in a more consistent reporting process and a machine-readable format.

Why is UAD 3.6 a better report?

UAD 3.6 enhances the collateral risk assessment with better data quality and consistency, greater transparency, improved analytics, and increased automation.

• A Dynamic Reporting Structure: Instead of selecting a form based on the property type, the new structured report is flexible and will adapt to the appraisal data input, expanding or contracting based on the assignment, with only pertinent data for the subject included in the final report.
• Structured Data Fields: UAD 3.6 is structured in a consistent data-driven format instead of long free-text narratives scattered throughout the report. Data is highly granular with the report containing more checkboxes and dropdowns enabling more consistent data entry, and consistent terminology. Each topic is grouped together with corresponding data, images, and commentary.
• Expanded Property Details: Property details are more granular with approximately 150 new or modified data fields, including energy efficiency features, disaster mitigation improvements, smart home technology, high-speed internet availability, accessibility characteristics, as well as general property details down to ceiling height, room-level condition ratings and update status. UAD 3.6 captures accessory dwelling units (ADUs), manufactured homes, and other property features more consistently.
• New Delivery Format: Appraisals will now be delivered as a ZIP package containing XML data, a human-readable PDF, and all supporting images.

Operationally, the new UAD 3.6 offers an improved audit trail, better integration with technology, better Risk Management due to cleaner data, and more consistent appraisals. This will result in better collateral decisions, easier portfolio analysis, and stronger investor confidence. The report is no longer just a document – it is structured data that can be analyzed.

What can you expect, and how will this impact you?

• Legacy forms may still be used for in-house portfolio valuation.
• All secondary market transactions must adhere to the new UAD 3.6 standards.

The impact of UAD 3.6 extends far beyond the appraisal report itself. As we adapt to this new reporting framework, the initial rollout may bring temporary challenges and require significant operational adjustments. Organizations that prepare early—by educating employees, updating systems and processes, coordinating with vendors and partners, and testing new workflows—will be better positioned to navigate the transition and minimize disruption.

Expect:

More Data-Driven Appraisal Workflows: Expect significantly more information to be collected, analyzed, and delivered in a standardized, structured format.

Changes to Appraisal Review and Interpretation: Expect adjustments in how appraisal reports are reviewed and interpreted as users become familiar with the dynamic UAD 3.6 reporting format and the expanded data it contains.

Must-dos for UAD 3.6 readiness

Whether your organization manages the residential appraisal compliance process internally or relies on a vendor partner, these are essential steps for UAD 3.6 readiness:

• Technology & software: Ensure systems are updated to support the new ZIP file delivery format and expanded data points required by the GSEs.
• Staff training: Train underwriters, processors, appraisal review staff, and other relevant personnel to interpret the new dynamic report format and understand the significance of the required data and how it may affect the valuation and underwriting process.
• Appraisal quality control: Update and enhance existing QC checklists to align with the new structured data format and incorporate checks for UAD 3.6 requirements, including applicable regulatory and investor compliance standards.
• Workflow readiness: Identify, update, and implement new workflows and processes needed to support UAD 3.6 requirements.
• Testing: Test systems, integrations, and workflows before mandatory implementation to identify and resolve potential issues before they affect production operations.

Key UAD 3.6 dates you should know

January 26, 2026, to November 1, 2026: Broad Production /Transition period. Lenders can choose to use UAD 3.6 reports.

November 2, 2026: Mandatory Use Date– All lenders must use UAD 3.6. Any new assignments headed to the GSEs must be on the new dataset. (Revisions are allowed for previously submitted UAD 2.6 appraisals)

May 3, 2027: Retirement – UAD 2.6 pipeline revision period ends.

Young & Associates is ready to be your strategic partner

The successful implementation of UAD 3.6 requires more than updated technology. It requires the right combination of expertise, technology, training, process, and partnership. Our Appraisal Review service can help your organization strengthen review processes, identify potential issues, improve data quality, and better manage collateral risk as the industry moves to the new UAD standard.

With Young & Associates Inc. by your side, your organization can approach the transition with greater confidence and be better positioned to minimize disruption, maintain compliance, and keep business moving. Let Young & Associates, Inc. help you turn UAD 3.6 from a compliance challenge into an opportunity to strengthen your appraisal review process, improve data quality, and better manage collateral risk.