UAD 3.6 & the Redesigned URAR: Your Resource Hub
Everything lenders need to know about UAD 3.6 and the redesigned URAR — what's changing, key dates, a preparation checklist, and how Home Base is managing the transition for you.
What is UAD 3.6?
UAD stands for Uniform Appraisal Dataset — the GSEs' standardized data framework for residential appraisal reporting. Version 3.6 is a wholesale redesign of both the underlying data standards and the primary report form.
The most visible change is the URAR. The familiar fixed-form 1004 is being replaced by a dynamic, digital-first report that adapts to property type and scope. More importantly, the new URAR captures significantly more structured data — property characteristics, condition ratings, expanded photos — in a machine-readable format the GSEs can actually use downstream.
For lenders, the key takeaway: every traditional appraisal on a conventional GSE-eligible loan must comply with the new standard by November 2026.
What's Changing in the Report
- Dynamic form structure
Report adapts to property type instead of a single fixed layout
- Expanded photo requirements
More required photos of interior rooms, exterior elevations, and comparable sales
- New condition & quality ratings
Standardized ratings replace narrative descriptions for key property features
- Machine-readable data fields
Structured output the GSEs can process directly and use for downstream decisions
- Enhanced comp documentation
Additional fields per comp with more precise adjustment documentation
Mandate Timeline
GSEs publish UAD 3.6 specification and begin industry education
Appraiser software vendors and AMC platforms begin development and beta testing
GSE pilot programs; initial lender adoption; ongoing specification refinements
Compliance deadline — all GSE-delivered traditional appraisals must use the redesigned URAR
DeadlineWhat Lenders Should Do Now
A practical preparation checklist — start here if you haven't already begun your UAD 3.6 readiness review.
- 01
Confirm your AMC has verified appraiser software readiness across its panel
- 02
Ask your AMC whether their QC process reflects the new photo and data requirements
- 03
Check with your LOS vendor on MISMO XML schema updates for the new data format
- 04
Brief your underwriting team on the redesigned form structure and condition rating system
- 05
Identify loans in your pipeline with closing dates near or after November 2026
- 06
Establish an escalation process if a submitted report doesn't meet the new standard
- 07
Verify your AMC can handle FHA and VA separately — those have different timelines
How Home Base + AppraisalDesk Make the Transition Seamless
Your AMC carries most of the transition burden — appraiser panel readiness, QC updates, and system integrations. Here's how we're handling it.
Panel Software Vetting
We verify that appraisers on our panel are running UAD 3.6-compatible software versions before the deadline. Unprepared appraisers are flagged and regraded.
Updated QC Checklists
AppraisalDesk's automated QC is being updated to validate the new photo count, condition rating, and data field requirements specific to the redesigned URAR.
LOS / API Integration Ready
Our API layer is being updated to transmit reports and data in the new MISMO XML format, ensuring downstream LOS compatibility from day one.
Proactive Panel Communication
Every appraiser on our panel receives direct communication about the November deadline, new requirements, and what they need to do to remain eligible for assignments.
AppraisalDesk is already positioned as a modern, AI-powered platform. The UAD 3.6 transition is an extension of infrastructure we've been building toward — not a pivot.
See How AppraisalDesk WorksUAD 3.6 and Appraisal Modernization Go Hand-in-Hand
The richer property data UAD 3.6 produces supports more reliable eligibility for desktop, hybrid, and value acceptance pathways. Explore our full modernization product suite.
Common Questions
What is UAD 3.6?
UAD 3.6 is the GSEs' updated data standard for residential appraisal reporting. It replaces the existing URAR (1004) with a dynamic, digital-first form that captures more structured data — expanded photos, standardized condition ratings, and machine-readable property attributes the GSEs can process downstream.
When does UAD 3.6 take effect?
November 2026. After that date, appraisals submitted for GSE purchase using the old URAR form may not be accepted. The deadline applies to traditional full appraisals on conventional GSE-eligible loans.
Does UAD 3.6 apply to all loan types?
The November 2026 mandate applies to conventional GSE-eligible loans (Fannie Mae / Freddie Mac) requiring a traditional appraisal. FHA and VA loans have separate reporting standards. Portfolio and jumbo loans aren't directly mandated, but many lenders will standardize on UAD 3.6 for consistency.
What is the redesigned URAR?
The redesigned URAR replaces the legacy 1004 fixed form. It's dynamic (adapts to property type), requires expanded photos, uses standardized condition and quality ratings, and produces structured data the GSEs can process directly — rather than the appraiser-narrative format of the old form.
What should lenders do to prepare?
Confirm your AMC's panel is using UAD 3.6-compatible software. Verify your AMC's QC process is updated for the new form. Check that your LOS supports the updated MISMO XML schema. Brief your underwriting team on the redesigned report format.
How does UAD 3.6 relate to modernization products?
UAD 3.6 is the data infrastructure that makes modernization products more reliable. The structured data the new form captures supports better eligibility determinations for desktop, hybrid, and value acceptance pathways.
Is Home Base ready for UAD 3.6?
Yes. We're actively vetting appraiser panel software readiness, updating our QC checklists, and preparing our API layer for the new MISMO format ahead of the November 2026 deadline.
Get UAD 3.6-ready with Home Base
Our team can walk you through how we're managing the UAD 3.6 transition for existing clients — and how quickly we can onboard a new lender ahead of the November 2026 deadline.