UAD 3.6 Appraisal Update: Some Lenders Get More Time. What About Your Closing?

Remember the new appraisal reports we told you were coming? There is an update—and brokers who hear only “the deadline was extended” could miss the part that matters to their next transaction.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are keeping the November 2, 2026 UAD 3.6 mandate. However, a September 30 announcement creates a temporary exception allowing approved mortgage sellers to continue submitting new appraisals in the older UAD 2.6 format through May 19, 2027. The exception must be obtained; it is not automatic.

For real estate brokers, the practical implication is that different lenders may follow different transition schedules. Before reassuring a buyer that an appraisal will be business as usual, ask what their lender is actually using—and whether that could affect the transaction’s timeline.

A quick refresher on UAD 3.6

UAD stands for Uniform Appraisal Dataset, the standardized appraisal data used by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. UAD 3.6 accompanies a redesigned Uniform Residential Appraisal Report, replacing familiar legacy forms with a more flexible report that adapts to the property.

In our earlier article, what real estate agents need to know about the new GSE appraisal form, we explained the transition and how brokers can prepare.

This follow-up addresses the new exception and what it means for conversations with lenders and clients. The appraisal modernization effort is still moving forward.

Was the UAD 3.6 deadline extended?

The November 2, 2026 mandate remains in place. Certain mortgage sellers can obtain temporary permission to keep using the older format while completing their transition.

There is an easy terminology trap here: “Sellers” in the announcement means approved institutions that sell mortgage loans to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. It does not mean homeowners selling their houses.

Those institutions must obtain an exception from each applicable GSE and follow an implementation plan. Lenders that do not sell directly to the GSEs must coordinate with their investors. Your listing client does not apply for this exception, and neither does the real estate brokerage.

The GSEs describe this as a one-time exception that will not be extended.

The appraisal transition dates brokers should know

These dates concern appraisal submissions to the Uniform Collateral Data Portal, or UCDP. They should not be treated as a calendar based solely on a buyer’s contract date, inspection date, or closing date.

Date	What changes
November 2, 2026	UAD 3.6 remains mandatory unless the applicable mortgage seller obtains a policy exception.
November 2, 2026–February 28, 2027	Mortgage sellers with an exception may continue submitting UAD 2.6 reports.
March 1–May 19, 2027	The exception continues, but UAD 2.6 reports receive reduced functionality in the GSEs’ appraisal review systems, and related loans lose eligibility for certain protections concerning property value.
May 20, 2027	All new appraisal submissions must use UAD 3.6. Previously submitted UAD 2.6 reports may still be resubmitted through June 27.
June 28, 2027	UAD 2.6 is retired. Even resubmissions in the older format will no longer be processed.

The distinction between a new submission and a resubmission matters. A report completed before May 20 does not automatically qualify for the resubmission window. The lender needs to confirm its submission history and eligibility.

Why March 1 may matter before May 20

May 19 is the last day for new UAD 2.6 submissions under the exception, but lenders have a reason to transition earlier.

Beginning March 1, 2027, the GSEs will reduce functionality for older-format reports in their collateral review systems. Loans supported by those reports will also lose eligibility for collateral representation and warranty relief for value—certain protections available to lenders concerning the property’s appraised value.

Our practical takeaway for brokers: a lender may set an internal cutoff before the exception expires. Ask about that cutoff when discussing an upcoming transaction.

This announcement does not establish a universal increase in appraisal fees or turnaround times. Whether a lender changes its review process, pricing, or scheduling is something to confirm with that lender.

What should real estate brokers do now?

Ask the lender which timeline applies to this loan

“Are you ready for the new appraisal forms?” is a start. A more useful conversation gets specific:

• Will this loan’s appraisal use UAD 3.6 or the older UAD 2.6 format?

• If the older format will be used after November 2, has the applicable mortgage seller obtained the necessary exception?

• Does the lender or investor have an earlier internal cutoff?

• What are the current appraisal completion and lender-review turn times?

• If the transaction is delayed or the buyer changes lenders, will the existing report remain acceptable?

Ask about the actual loan program and investor requirements. One lender’s answer should not become your office’s blanket rule for every financed purchase.

Keep appraisal timing connected to the contract calendar

For North Carolina brokers, this is a reason to revisit the practical timing of due diligence, financing, and closing with the buyer and lender.

An appraisal report arriving is one milestone; the lender finishing its review is another. Ask about both when assessing whether the financing schedule fits the transaction.

Build your advice around confirmed turn times and the client’s contract deadlines. The policy exception concerns lender appraisal submissions; it does not itself give the parties extra time under their purchase contract.

Keep useful property information ready

Our earlier recommendation still makes sense: gather accurate information about renovations, major systems, and relevant property features before an appraiser needs it.

For listing brokers, that could mean organizing seller-provided improvement records, available permits, and documentation supporting advertised features. Identify the source of information and verify it as appropriate; do not guess to fill a gap.

The temporary exception is no reason to stop preparing for the new reporting system.

Give clients an explanation they can use

A buyer does not need a lecture on appraisal data standards. Try this:

“The mortgage industry is changing its appraisal reporting system. Some lenders have temporary permission to use the older format. We’re checking which process applies to your loan and how the appraisal and lender review fit our deadlines.”

That explains why you are asking questions without predicting a problem you have not identified.

Questions brokers and clients may ask

Can an older-format appraisal still be used after November 2, 2026?

Yes, for applicable submissions covered by an approved policy exception. The lender must confirm that the loan and report meet its requirements. An older-looking report alone does not prove that something is wrong.

Does the exception mean every lender can wait until May 2027?

No. The exception requires approval, and lenders must follow the applicable implementation plan and investor requirements. Some lenders are already using UAD 3.6.

Will this automatically delay my buyer’s closing?

No automatic delay is announced. The practical issue is whether the lender’s appraisal and review process fits the transaction’s schedule. Confirm that early, especially if a file may cross a transition date.

Does this announcement apply to every type of mortgage?

This is a Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac policy announcement. It should not be treated as a universal timetable for FHA, VA, USDA, or portfolio loans. Ask the lender which requirements apply to the buyer’s specific financing.

Keep your next lender conversation specific

The useful question for brokers is: “Which appraisal requirements apply to this loan, and can we meet our deadlines?”

That conversation is more valuable than assuming every lender changes on November 2—or every lender gets to wait until May.

Want more practical updates for your North Carolina real estate business? Explore Skyline School’s NC real estate continuing education classes, including Live Online GENUP and BICUP courses and Self Paced elective options.

Start Your Classes Today

References

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac: Temporary Policy Exception for Sellers Unable to Meet UAD 3.6 Mandate, September 30, 2026.

Fannie Mae Lender Letter LL-2026-08, September 30, 2026.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac: UAD and Forms Redesign Timeline, accessed October 1, 2026.