Overview
- Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac on Sept. 30 announced a temporary, one-time policy exception that lets approved sellers continue submitting UAD 2.6 appraisals through May 19, 2027 while they finish 3.6 implementation.
- The November 2, 2026 mandate for UAD 3.6 remains in place and the exception is not automatic because sellers must apply, acknowledge they cannot meet the deadline, and accept revised contractual timelines if approved.
- UAD 2.6 submissions under an exception will face reduced automated review and some lost protections starting March 1, 2027, and all new submissions must use UAD 3.6 beginning May 20, 2027.
- Lenders, appraisers, and vendors face uneven readiness, so some firms plan to use the exception while others continue full 3.6 rollouts or rely temporarily on appraisal alternatives such as inspection-based waivers and hybrid appraisals.
- The change responds to industry implementation challenges for the new UAD 3.6 format and URAR form and is intended as a one-time accommodation to limit borrower delays while keeping pressure on sellers to complete upgrades.