UAD 3.6 Is Coming: What Higher Appraisal Costs Could Mean for Relocation Programs

Beginning November 2, 2026, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will require all new applicable appraisal reports submitted to the Uniform Collateral Data Portal to use the redesigned Uniform Appraisal Dataset, known as UAD 3.6.

For transferees, the most visible change will be a different-looking appraisal report. For corporate relocation teams and relocation management companies, however, the transition could also affect program costs, policies, timelines, and the transferee experience.

Because appraisal expenses are traditionally covered by many relocation programs, now is the time to prepare.

More Than a New Appraisal Form

UAD 3.6 represents one of the most significant changes to residential mortgage appraisal reporting in decades. It replaces several legacy appraisal forms with a single, dynamic, data-driven Uniform Residential Appraisal Report designed to accommodate a wide range of one- to four-unit residential properties.

The new format uses more structured data, updated terminology, standardized property characteristics, and clearer definitions for features such as condition and quality of construction. More photos and supporting details related to property updates and renovations are much easier to see and identify.

The goal is to create more consistent, transparent, and data-driven appraisal reporting. Reaching that goal, however, requires significant preparation by lenders, appraisal management companies, appraisers, software providers, review teams, and underwriters.

Premia has already done that preparation—working across our technology, appraisal, operations, review, and underwriting teams to understand the new requirements and prepare for a smooth transition. Our clients and their transferees can rely on Premia to manage the complexity behind the scenes and provide clear guidance throughout the process.

Why Appraisal Costs May Increase

While there is no federally mandated fee increase associated with UAD 3.6, appraisal pricing will continue to vary based on the property, location, complexity, appraiser availability, and local market conditions.

Nevertheless, the additional data collection, new technology requirements, training, expanded reporting, and more complex workflows are expected to increase the time and expense involved in completing some appraisals.

Some industry estimates have suggested potential fee increases in the range of $100–$250. While this is not a guaranteed or universal increase, it provides a useful range for relocation program managers evaluating future costs.

A 2026 survey of 900 appraisers offers additional insight:

• 52% anticipated increasing their appraisal fees
• 16% expected an increase of $25 to $100
• 24% expected an increase of $100 to $200
• 12% expected an increase of more than $200
• 43% were still evaluating the potential impact
• 63% anticipated longer turnaround times

Actual costs will vary, but the projections demonstrate why appraisal changes should be considered in upcoming relocation budgets.

Appraisal Waivers Could Become Even More Valuable

Not every eligible mortgage requires a traditional appraisal.

Through automated underwriting, some loans may receive an appraisal waiver—now formally referred to by Fannie Mae as “value acceptance.” When value acceptance is offered and all applicable requirements are met, the lender may be able to proceed without ordering a traditional appraisal.

For relocation programs that cover appraisal expenses, each eligible waiver can provide several potential benefits:

• Eliminating the appraisal fee
• Reducing costs charged to the relocation program
• Removing the need to coordinate property access
• Reducing uncertainty surrounding the appraised value
• Helping streamline the mortgage process
• Supporting a more predictable closing timeline

As traditional appraisal costs potentially increase, these savings may become even more meaningful.

At Premia, we have offered appraisal waivers to eligible borrowers for the past seven years, giving our team extensive experience identifying waiver opportunities and guiding clients through available valuation options. Eligibility is based on several factors, including loan type, property characteristics, available market data, investor requirements, and automated underwriting findings. While an appraisal waiver cannot be guaranteed, our team evaluates eligible loans early in the mortgage process, helping relocation programs capture potential savings whenever an approved waiver is available.

In some cases, an alternative valuation option, such as value acceptance with property data, may also be available. This option involves property data collection rather than a traditional appraisal and may provide additional time and cost efficiencies.

What Relocation Program Managers Should Review

The transition to UAD 3.6 does not necessarily require a complete redesign of the relocation mortgage benefit. It does, however, present a good opportunity to review how appraisal expenses are covered, administered, and communicated.

Policy Language and Reimbursement Limits

Confirm whether the current policy includes a maximum appraisal reimbursement and whether it provides enough flexibility for higher fees or more complex properties.

Direct-Bill Arrangements

Review how appraisal expenses are billed and whether existing arrangements can accommodate changes in pricing or valuation type without creating additional administrative work.

Appraisal-Waiver Practices

Ask lending partners whether eligible loans are routinely evaluated for appraisal waivers and other valuation alternatives. This could have a meaningful impact on both program costs and the transferee experience.

Service-Level Expectations

The appraisal industry may experience temporary increases in turnaround times as appraisers and technology providers adjust to the new requirements. Programs with tight closing timelines should discuss readiness and contingency planning with their lending partners.

Transferee Communications

Transferees may receive an appraisal report that looks substantially different or see a higher fee listed among their mortgage expenses. Even when the company is covering the cost, clear communication can prevent unnecessary concern.

The Lender’s Role in a Smooth Transition

UAD 3.6 affects more than the appraiser completing the report. It touches nearly every stage of the valuation process, from ordering and inspection to quality control, underwriting, and delivery.

Relocation programs should look for lending partners that are:

• Preparing their systems and teams for UAD 3.6
• Coordinating closely with appraisal management providers
• Monitoring appraisal fees and turn times
• Evaluating eligible loans for appraisal waivers
• Managing direct-bill requirements accurately
• Communicating proactively when additional information is needed
• Helping transferees understand what to expect

Premia has completed the essential groundwork across these areas. Our teams have worked through the new requirements, coordinated with our appraisal partners, and prepared the systems and workflows needed to support UAD 3.6.

The operational changes may be substantial, but Premia’s goal is to keep that complexity behind the scenes—providing clients with a knowledgeable, prepared, and confident solution while maintaining a smooth experience for transferees.

Premia’s relocation-focused mortgage team helps coordinate appraisal requirements, identify eligible waiver opportunities, manage covered expenses, and keep corporate clients, RMC partners, and transferees informed throughout the mortgage process.

Preparing Now Can Help Control Costs Later

UAD 3.6 is designed to create a more consistent and data-driven appraisal process. It may also bring higher fees and temporary changes to turnaround times—both important considerations for organizations that cover appraisal expenses as part of their relocation benefits.

By reviewing policy language, reimbursement limits, budget assumptions, billing arrangements, and lending-partner practices before the November 2, 2026 mandate, relocation programs can be better prepared for the transition.

Just as importantly, working with an experienced and prepared lender like Premia—one that has offered appraisal waivers for seven years and actively evaluates eligible loans for waiver opportunities—may help offset increased costs while supporting a more efficient experience for transferees.

To learn more about UAD 3.6, appraisal waivers, and the potential impact on your relocation mortgage program, contact your Premia Relocation Mortgage representative. 

Appraisal fees vary by property, location, complexity, appraiser availability, and other factors. Potential fee increases referenced are industry projections and are not guaranteed. Appraisal waivers, value acceptance, property data collection, and other valuation options are subject to loan eligibility, automated underwriting findings, investor requirements, property requirements, and applicable guidelines. An appraisal or other property valuation may be required.

Sources: Fannie Mae Uniform Appraisal Dataset; Freddie Mac UAD 3.6 FAQs; Corporate Settlement Solutions 2026 Survey of 900 Appraisers; Fannie Mae Value Acceptance.