Key facts
- Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are offering a temporary policy waiver for the UAD 3.6 mandate.
- Approved sellers can use UAD 2.6 appraisal reports until mid-2027 with the waiver.
- The UAD 3.6 mandate takes effect November 2, 2026.
- The Mortgage Bankers Association supports the exception to smooth the transition.
- Collateral risk and representation and warranty implications apply from spring 2027 for sellers using UAD 2.6.
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have announced a temporary policy waiver for lenders who are not yet ready to implement the Uniform Appraisal Dataset (UAD) 3.6 mandate, which is scheduled to take effect on November 2, 2026. This exception allows approved sellers to continue using UAD 2.6 appraisal reports until mid-2027.
Under this one-time exception, sellers that obtain approval from the respective government-sponsored enterprise (GSE) can submit new UAD 2.6 appraisal reports to the Uniform Collateral Data Portal (UCDP) from November 2, 2026, through May 19, 2027. They will also be able to resubmit previously delivered UAD 2.6 appraisals until June 27, 2027.
The UAD 3.6 mandate itself remains unchanged. Sellers who fully implement UAD 3.6 by the November 2, 2026, deadline will be compliant with Fannie Mae’s Selling Guide. Those who do not transition by this date and do not secure an exception will be out of compliance.
Bob Broeksmit, president and CEO of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), stated that the trade group supports the temporary exception. He believes it will provide lenders and appraisers with additional time to prepare for the significant change, thereby helping to avoid unnecessary disruptions, longer wait times, or higher costs for borrowers. Broeksmit also noted that UAD 3.6 significantly improves the appraisal product by ensuring greater consistency and better readability.
The exception comes with implications for collateral risk and representation and warranty relief starting in spring 2027 for any seller still using UAD 2.6. Between November 2, 2026, and February 28, 2027, sellers with an exception can submit UAD 2.6 appraisals with normal functionality. However, from March 1 to May 2027, during a "reduced functionality period," while UAD 2.6 appraisals can still be submitted, collateral risk scores will be significantly impacted, and loans secured by these appraisals will not be eligible for collateral representation and warranty relief for value. On May 20, 2027, UAD 3.6 will become mandatory for all new appraisal submissions.