UAD 3.6 vs 2.6: What’s Changing in Appraisal Reports

The shift from UAD 2.6 to UAD 3.6 is one of the most important changes to appraisal reporting in years. It impacts how appraisers collect data, how reports are structured, and how lenders review valuation decisions.

Instead of traditional static forms, UAD 3.6 introduces a more flexible, data-driven format designed to improve consistency, reduce ambiguity, and support faster, more automated review processes.

We know there are a lot of changes. To help you understand what is changing and what to expect, Will Salus, VP of Product Management & Technology Innovation, and Stacy Caprioli, Chief Appraiser, Head of Quality & Governance at Opteon, created this nine-part video series, Navigating UAD 3.6 and What Is Changing in the Reports.

We invite you to watch the full series. Each video is just 3 to 4 minutes long, making it easy to learn and refresh your knowledge on the go. Below are key highlights from each video to help you get started.

The Summary Page

The Summary Page is now a central component of the report. It brings key information into one standardized view for faster review.

What’s new:

• Property Valuation Method
• Construction Method
• Units excluding ACUs
• Apparent defects, damages, and deficiencies requiring action

This new Summary Page makes it easier for lenders to quickly assess risk and move forward with confidence. Watch the Summary Page video >>

The Assignment Page

The Assignment Page includes more detailed information about how the appraisal was completed.

What's New:

• Was a Property Data Report included used in lieu of inspection?
• Designation
• Scope of inspection by Appraiser and Supervisory Appraiser
• Significant Real Property Appraisal Assistance

These changes improve transparency and help lenders better understand how the valuation was developed. Watch a quick walkthrough of this change >>

The Subject Property Page

Property details are now captured in a more structured way on the new UAD 3.6 Subject Property Page.

What's New:

• Property on Native American Lands
• All Rights included in appraisal
• Legal description

Watch a 3-minute video on this change >>

The Site Section

The Site Section includes new elements to better capture details about the property.

What's New:

• APN Description
• Property Use
• Number of parcels
• Primary access

These updates provide more structured data around site characteristics. Learn more about this change in the video >>

Site and View Influence

The Site and View Influence section captures data about the property’s surroundings and site characteristics.

What's New:

• Influence
• Proximity
• Range of view
• Site features

Watch the video on Site & View Influence >>

Project Information

The new UAD 3.6 Project Information section includes updates for certain property types, particularly when project-level data is relevant.

What's New:

• Transfer terms

Watch a quick walkthrough of this change >>

The Dwelling Exterior

The Dwelling Exterior section goes into more detail on exterior characteristics while maintaining consistent, standardized inputs.

What's New:

• Front door elevation
• Vehicle storage

This makes exterior data more organized and easier to review. Learn more in the video >>

Energy Efficient & Green Features

The Energy Efficient and Green Features section of the UAD 3.6 form standardizes reporting of energy efficient homes including LEED certification and Energy Star features.

What's New:

• Renewable energy components
• Building certifications
• Green efficiency ratings

This makes it easier to consistently capture and evaluate environmentally relevant property features. Watch the 3-minute video >>

Reconciliation

The Reconciliation section is now more clearly tied to the Sales Comparison approach.

What's New:

• The additional properties analyzed not used
• Final value condition statement

Learn more about this section in the video >>

Opteon is ready to support you in this transition

UAD 3.6 is a major shift in how appraisal data is created, shared, and reviewed. Opteon technology is verified by the GSEs to support UAD 3.6 specifications, including the changes outlined above.

The move toward structured data and dynamic reporting is designed to:

• Improve consistency
• Reduce confusion
• Support faster, more reliable decisions

Understanding these changes now will help you stay ahead as adoption continues.

Watch the full video series of UAD 3.6 changes

If you want to explore each of these updates in more detail, watch the full 9-part series here >>