Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are giving some mortgage lenders more time to adopt new appraisal reports, while keeping the November 2, 2026, mandate in place. Their September 30 announcement allows approved mortgage sellers that obtain an exception to submit new reports in the older Uniform Appraisal Dataset (UAD) 2.6 format through May 19, 2027.
Agents handling transactions through the changeover should confirm which format their lender requires and whether an approved exception applies. An appraisal ordered before November 2 does not automatically qualify for submission in the older format afterward.
What the UAD 3.6 exception allows
The joint announcement gives institutions unable to complete UAD 3.6 implementation additional transition time. “Mortgage sellers” means institutions selling loans to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, not homeowners.
A representative authorized to bind the institution must request the exception and commit to completing implementation before it expires. The enterprises say the accommodation will not be extended.
UAD 3.6 introduces a dynamic Uniform Residential Appraisal Report that replaces multiple legacy forms. Property and assignment details determine the report’s contents rather than a fixed form number.
The appraisal dates to watch
Exception holders can submit new UAD 2.6 reports to the Uniform Collateral Data Portal (UCDP) through May 19, 2027. Beginning May 20, new submissions must use UAD 3.6.
Previously submitted legacy reports may be resubmitted through June 27. The updated implementation timeline identifies June 28 as UAD 2.6’s retirement date, when legacy reports will no longer be processed.
An earlier change arrives March 1, 2027. Through May 19, legacy submissions receive scores of 999 in Fannie Mae’s Collateral Underwriter and 99 in Freddie Mac’s Loan Collateral Advisor during a reduced-functionality period.
Under Fannie Mae’s lender letter, loans delivered with legacy appraisals during that period lose certain protections against lender liability for appraisal and property-value representations. That changes the lender’s contractual risk; it does not automatically disqualify the borrower.
Which lenders need an exception
Institutions selling directly to both enterprises must request an exception from each. Originators without a direct selling relationship must align with their investors’ implementation plans.
Aggregators buying loans from third-party originators must ensure those originators submit UAD 3.6 appraisals. Otherwise, the aggregator must obtain an exception. When comparing mortgage lenders, ask which appraisal requirements apply to the transaction.
Why appraisal orders can differ
Lenders can transition in stages, so requirements may differ between assignments. The required format should appear in the appraiser’s engagement letter.
The exception does not change appraisers’ responsibility to adopt UAD 3.6. Appraisers may still receive assignments requiring the new format, even while other clients use legacy reports.
Four questions for the loan officer
Exception status. Will this transaction use UAD 3.6 or rely on an approved exception? If the lender sells through another institution, ask it to confirm that institution’s requirements.
Submission timing. When will the appraisal first reach UCDP? The mandate follows that submission date, not the loan application or appraisal effective date.
Turnaround and fees. What completion date and fee has the lender confirmed? Check that schedule against the contract’s appraisal and financing contingencies before discussing timing with buyers and sellers.
Underwriting and delivery. Could transition requirements affect underwriting or delivery to the investor? If a UAD 2.6 report will be submitted from March 1 through May 19, 2027, ask how the lender will handle reduced functionality and the applicable loss of lender protections.
Retiring UAD 2.6 does not itself prohibit selling a loan supported by an earlier legacy appraisal. Normal appraisal-age requirements still apply.
Add the required format, expected submission date, and applicable exception to your buyer agent checklist, with written confirmation from the lender. Give buyers and sellers a schedule based on their lender’s requirements, not the assumption that everyone has until May.