Appraisal Cost: Average Prices & Cost Factors

An appraisal is a professional opinion of what a property is worth. A licensed appraiser visits the home, compares it with recent sales nearby, and writes a report. Lenders order one before approving a mortgage so the loan amount does not exceed the home's value. The borrower usually pays the fee, often as part of closing costs.

Fees depend on the loan program, the type and size of the property, and the kind of appraisal ordered. A standard single-family home sits at the low end of the published ranges. Multi-family buildings and unusual properties cost more.

Most sources put a standard single-family appraisal in the same neighborhood, though the exact range changes by source.

Bankrate reports a range based on Angi data for 2026. Redfin gives a wider range than the others. Opendoor lists a range for a standard single-family home with an average within it. The overlap among these sources is wide, so a quote that falls inside the shared band is probably not out of line for a basic home.

Government-backed loans come with their own appraisal rules, and the fees tend to run higher than a conventional appraisal.

FHA and VA appraisals follow program guidelines that look at the property's condition and safety as well as its value, which may be part of why they cost more. The VA figures differ by source: NerdWallet cites a maximum fee range, and Opendoor reports an average and range. USDA, per Redfin, lists a flat fee for a single-family home as of May 2025, so confirm the current rate with your lender.

Size and complexity drive the price. A larger or less common property takes more time and may need a specialist.

A condo is usually priced near a standard home. Multi-family properties with two to four units cost more, and buildings with five or more units cost more again, since those fall into commercial territory in many cases. Rural homes, large-acreage properties, and unique construction have fewer comparable sales to draw on, and the appraiser may travel farther.

Not every valuation involves a full interior inspection.

A desktop appraisal relies on records and data without a visit. A drive-by looks at the exterior only. A hybrid splits the work, with a third party collecting property details and the appraiser completing the report. These cost less than a full appraisal, but a lender decides which types it accepts, and many purchase loans still call for a full interior inspection.

A rush request adds a surcharge. If you are not on a tight closing timeline, ask your lender whether rush service is necessary.

• Loan program. FHA, VA, and USDA appraisals follow extra requirements.
• Property type. Condos, multi-family buildings, and rural homes are priced differently.
• Size and complexity. A larger home or an unusual layout takes more time.
• Location. Local market rates and travel distance may change the fee.
• Turnaround. Rush service adds a charge.
• Appraisal type. Full, hybrid, drive-by, and desktop options sit at different price points.

Buyers typically pay for the appraisal on a purchase, and it often shows up as a line in the Loan Estimate. For a refinance, the borrower generally pays too. The lender chooses the appraiser, and under federal rules you generally cannot pick or contact the appraiser yourself. Fees may be paid upfront when the order is placed or collected at closing.

If the appraisal comes in under the contract price, the buyer, seller, and lender may need to negotiate. A real estate agent or lender can explain your options in that case.

The two are separate. An appraisal estimates market value for the lender. A home inspection checks the condition of the house for the buyer. They are performed by different professionals and billed separately. An appraisal does not replace an inspection.

The lender usually orders the appraisal, so there is limited room to shop. You can still:

• Ask your lender for the fee up front, before the order is placed.
• Avoid rush requests when the timeline allows.
• Ask whether an alternative valuation type is acceptable for your loan.
• Have the property ready, with access and a list of upgrades, so the visit goes smoothly.