UAD 3.6 Explained: What the New Appraisal Standards Mean for the Industry

UAD 3.6 — the updated Uniform Appraisal Dataset — is changing how mortgage lenders and appraisers collect and report property data. If you are buying, selling, or refinancing a home and your lender needs an appraisal, understanding UAD 3.6 helps you know what to expect. At Logical Appraisals, we stay current with industry changes to serve clients in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and across New York City with accurate, compliant appraisals. Call us at (347) 620-4038 with any questions.

What Is UAD 3.6?

UAD stands for Uniform Appraisal Dataset. It is a set of data standards created by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac — the two government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) that back most home loans in the United States. The UAD defines how appraisers fill out specific fields on appraisal forms so that the data is consistent and comparable across millions of mortgage transactions each year.

Version 3.6 is a significant update to the original UAD framework. It introduces redesigned appraisal report forms that replace older forms appraisers have used for decades. The new forms are more flexible, more detailed, and built with modern data analysis in mind. They are designed to capture richer information about properties and neighborhoods while making the appraisal process more transparent for lenders and borrowers alike.

Our team at Logical Appraisals keeps up with these evolving standards. If you have questions about how UAD 3.6 affects your upcoming residential appraisal in New York , call us at (347) 620-4038 and we will walk you through the process.

Which Properties Does UAD 3.6 Cover?

UAD 3.6 applies to four specific property types: single-family houses (one-unit properties), two-to-four family properties, cooperative units (co-ops), and condominium units. These are the property types that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac typically purchase mortgage loans on, which is why appraisals for these properties are standardized through the UAD framework.

It is important to understand that UAD 3.6 does not apply to mixed-use buildings, commercial properties, or other property types outside these four residential categories. If your property does not fall into one of these four types, a different appraisal form and methodology will be used. Our appraisers can help you determine which standards apply to your specific property and situation.

For New York City residents, this distinction matters. Whether you own a co-op in Manhattan, a condominium in Brooklyn, a single-family home in Staten Island, or a two-to-four family property in Queens, UAD 3.6 will apply when your mortgage lender orders a lending appraisal for your property. Reach out to us at (347) 620-4038 if you want to understand how this affects your specific transaction.

Does UAD 3.6 Apply to Non-Mortgage Appraisals?

No — and this is one of the most important points to understand about UAD 3.6. This standard governs appraisals ordered by mortgage lenders in connection with a home purchase, refinance, or other mortgage transaction. Its purpose is to ensure the lender — and ultimately Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac — has reliable, consistently formatted data to assess the value and risk of the loan they are making.

For property owners navigating an estate settlement, a divorce proceeding, a tax appeal, litigation support, or any other non-lending matter, UAD 3.6 does not apply to your situation. Non-mortgage appraisals serve a completely different purpose than lender-required appraisals, and they follow different guidelines. These appraisals are governed by USPAP — the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice — but are not subject to the GSE form requirements that UAD 3.6 establishes.

Logical Appraisals handles both mortgage and non-mortgage appraisals. For non-lending needs like estates, divorce, or tax purposes, our team delivers the right type of report for your specific situation. You can learn more about our estate, divorce, and tax-related appraisal services or call (347) 620-4038 and we will point you in the right direction.

What UAD 3.6 Means for New York Homeowners Getting a Mortgage Appraisal

If you are purchasing a home or refinancing your mortgage in New York City, your lender will order an appraisal that follows UAD 3.6 standards. Here is what that means for you in practical terms.

First, the appraiser will use new, redesigned report forms that capture more detail about your property and neighborhood. The forms are structured to give lenders clearer, more standardized data — which supports a fairer and more consistent appraisal process overall. Second, the core work of the appraiser does not change. They will still inspect the property, analyze comparable sales, and develop a professional opinion of value. What changes is the format and structure of how results are reported, not the quality or independence of the analysis itself.

Third, appraisals produced under UAD 3.6 may look different from older appraisal reports. The new forms have a different layout and include additional fields. If you receive a report and notice it looks unfamiliar, that is normal as the industry transitions to the updated standards.

At Logical Appraisals, our certified appraisers are trained on the latest UAD standards and are ready to deliver compliant, accurate mortgage appraisals across Brooklyn, Manhattan, and all of New York City. Whether you are buying your first home, refinancing, or simply trying to understand the process, we are here to help. Call us today at (347) 620-4038.