How Much Does a Home Appraisal Cost? [2026 Data]

This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by an Angi Editor in accordance with our AI policy.

In 2026, the national average cost of a home appraisal is $359, based on 7,355 verified projects from Angi Pros. Most homeowners pay between $314 and $425, with property size, location, and appraisal type driving the spread. If your property is remote or you need a rush turnaround, costs can climb, so factor in those variables when setting your budget.

Home Appraisal Cost Factors: What Determines the Price?

Several factors determine how much a home appraisal costs, including property size, location, and the type of appraisal required. Knowing what drives pricing helps you budget accurately and avoid unexpected charges.

Types

The type of home appraisal you need depends on your situation and lender requirements, with costs varying significantly across options. A traditional full interior and exterior inspection is the most thorough choice and best suited for stricter loan terms, though it carries a higher fee than other methods. Drive-by or desktop appraisals are less comprehensive and more affordable, but lenders only accept them in certain circumstances. The following table breaks down cost ranges and descriptions for each home appraisal type:

Loan Type

Your loan type determines which appraisal is needed and how much you will pay. Conventional loans have more flexible requirements, making them the lower-cost option compared to government-backed alternatives. FHA, VA, and USDA loans require appraisals with stricter guidelines that demand more time and expertise from appraisers, which drives service fees higher. The following table outlines home appraisal cost ranges by loan type:

Size

The size and type of your property play a direct role in your appraisal cost. Smaller properties like condos are the most affordable to appraise, while larger single-family homes, multi-family buildings, and estates cost significantly more. Multi-unit or high-value properties demand more time and expertise from the appraiser, which pushes fees higher. The following table shows home appraisal cost ranges by property size:

Specialized Appraisals

Homes with unique features or specialized construction, such as historic properties or luxury finishes, may require additional reports or documentation that increase your total appraisal cost. If your home includes rare imported stonework or custom architectural details, the appraiser may need to consult specialists or gather extra information, which can add $100 to $600 to the cost. Always ask your appraiser upfront whether any specialized work applies to your property.

Labor

Home appraisals must be completed by state-licensed or certified appraisers, and their fees vary based on experience, certification level, and local demand. Most appraisers charge a flat fee, though some quote hourly rates for complex properties. In high-demand or urban markets, fees tend to run higher than in rural areas. Administrative or processing fees are sometimes bundled into the total, so always ask for a detailed breakdown before committing.

Home Appraisal Ongoing Costs: What to Budget For

A home appraisal is typically a one-time service, but certain situations (such as refinancing or removing private mortgage insurance) can lead to repeat appraisal costs. Knowing when these scenarios apply helps you plan your budget beyond the initial appointment.

Re-appraisals

There are no direct maintenance costs tied to the appraisal itself, but you may need a new one every few years if you refinance your mortgage or want to remove private mortgage insurance (PMI). Re-appraisals are typically required every three to five years in these situations, and you can expect costs similar to what you paid for the original appraisal.

Repairs

If your appraisal identifies issues that require repair, you will likely need to pay for a follow-up inspection to confirm the work was completed. Re-inspection fees range from $100 to $250, and major repair needs can delay the process further. If multiple visits are required, your overall costs will increase accordingly.

DIY Home Appraisal vs. Hiring a Pro

Homeowners can't perform their own official home appraisal for lending or legal purposes. Lenders require a licensed or certified appraiser to ensure an unbiased, accurate valuation. DIY options, like online estimates or home value calculators, are free or low-cost, but these tools lack the detail and credibility needed for loans or sales.

Only a licensed appraiser is authorized to provide a legal report accepted by lenders. Attempting a DIY appraisal can lead to inaccurate valuations, loan denials, or legal complications, and it's best reserved for informal planning rather than official transactions.

Home Appraisal Additional Costs: What Else to Expect

Certain situations or requests can add to your total appraisal bill, so it pays to know which extras are most common. Rush services, travel to remote locations, and re-inspection visits are among the most frequent sources of additional charges. Here are common add-ons and their costs:

• Rush or expedited appraisal services: $100 to $300

• Cancellation or rescheduling fees: $50 to $150

• Land appraisal: $500 to $6,000

• Additional appraisal report copies: $25 to $50 each

• Travel charges for rural or remote properties: $50 to $200

• Re-inspection fees: $100 to $250

How to Save on Home Appraisal Costs

You can take several steps to help lower your home appraisal costs:

• Compare quotes from multiple licensed appraisers to find the best value.

• Prepare your property by cleaning, making minor repairs, and gathering all relevant documents.

• Schedule the appraisal during regular business hours to avoid rush or after-hours fees.

• Ask your lender if you qualify for an appraisal waiver or alternative valuation method.

• Bundle the appraisal with other required inspections, if allowed by your lender.

• Provide the appraiser with clear access to all rooms and information to avoid delays or extra visits.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed thousands of real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.