Quick Answer
How Much Does a Home Appraisal Cost?
A standard home appraisal costs about $359 on average in 2026, with most homeowners paying between $314 and $425, according to Angi’s cost data. In a typical sale, the buyer pays for the appraisal because their lender requires it. Sellers can get a free online estimate or a Comparative Market Analysis to set a price, but only a licensed appraiser can produce a value a lender will accept.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Home Appraised?
Angi’s 2026 figures are based on more than 7,000 verified projects. The cost depends on the type of appraisal, the loan and the property:
| Appraisal type | 2026 cost range |
|---|---|
| Traditional (full interior and exterior) | $350 to $600 |
| Drive-by (exterior only) | $200 to $350 |
| Desktop (records and data only) | $125 to $400 |
| Loan type | 2026 cost range |
|---|---|
| Conventional | $350 to $600 |
| FHA | $400 to $700 |
| VA | $450 to $1,200 |
| USDA | $400 to $900 |
Larger homes, multi-unit properties, rural locations and rush turnaround times all push the price up. Angi lists rush fees of $100 to $300 and travel charges of $50 to $200 for remote properties.
Average Price for a Home Appraisal, by Property Size
| Property | 2026 cost range |
|---|---|
| Condo or small home | $375 to $450 |
| Standard single-family home | $375 to $500 |
| Large single-family home (3,000+ sq. ft.) | $500 to $1,000 |
| Two- to four-unit property | $500 to $1,000 |
| Large estate | $1,000 to $3,000 |
Source: Angi, updated August 2026.
How Much Is an Appraisal Fee for a House, and Who Pays It?
When a buyer is getting a mortgage, the lender orders the appraisal and the buyer usually pays for it as part of their closing costs. The appraisal protects the lender by confirming the home is worth at least the loan amount.
As a seller, you typically pay for an appraisal only if you choose to get one before listing, or if you are refinancing.
Sometimes there is no appraisal at all. Fannie Mae offers value acceptance, previously called an appraisal waiver, on eligible loans, and estimates these appraisal alternatives have saved borrowers more than $2.5 billion since early 2020. Cash buyers also do not need a lender appraisal, though some order one anyway.
Why the Appraisal Matters to Sellers
Even though the buyer pays, the appraisal can affect your sale. If the appraised value comes in below the contract price, the buyer’s lender will base the loan on the lower number. That can lead to a renegotiation, a bigger down payment from the buyer or a canceled deal if the contract has an appraisal contingency.
We cover this in detail in Navigating Appraisal Gaps and Negotiations for Home Sellers. The short version: an accurate list price is your best protection against a low appraisal.
Can I Get a Free Estimate of My House’s Appraisal Value?
Yes, but a free estimate is not an appraisal. Here is what each option gives you:
| Option | Cost | Accepted by lenders? | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online estimate (Zillow, Redfin and others) | Free | No | Quick ballpark |
| List With Freedom Automated Price Valuation | Included in packages (where available) | No | Starting point for pricing |
| Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) | $195 add-on with List With Freedom | No | Choosing a list price from local sales |
| Pre-listing appraisal | About $314 to $425 on average | It is an appraisal, but the buyer’s lender usually orders its own | Unusual homes or pricing disputes |
Zillow states plainly that the Zestimate is not an appraisal and cannot be used in place of one. Redfin says the same about its estimate, and reports a median error rate of 7.39% for homes that are not on the market (Redfin). On a $400,000 home, that means half of off-market estimates miss by more than about $29,560.
Should a Seller Get a Pre-Listing Appraisal?
For most sellers, a CMA based on recent nearby sales is enough to set a smart list price. A pre-listing appraisal can be worth the few hundred dollars when:
- Your home is unique, such as a custom build, a large lot or a rural property with few comparable sales.
- You have made major upgrades that public records do not show.
- You and a co-owner disagree on price.
- You want documentation to support your price during negotiations.
Keep in mind that the buyer’s lender will almost always order a separate appraisal. Your pre-listing appraisal is a pricing tool, not a substitute.
How to Prepare Your Home for the Buyer’s Appraisal
You cannot control comparable sales, but you can make the appraiser’s job easier:
- Make small repairs like leaky faucets, broken fixtures and missing trim.
- Clean and declutter so every room’s size and condition is clear.
- Provide a list of upgrades with dates and costs, such as a new roof, HVAC or kitchen.
- Give clear access to the attic, crawl space, garage and every room.
- Share recent nearby sales you think are good comparables.
Our Flat Fee MLS Prep Checklist for FSBO Sellers has a full pre-listing to-do list.
Price It Right, Then Get It Seen
A well-priced home that reaches the most buyers is the best defense against appraisal problems. With List With Freedom, your home is listed on the MLS within 24 hours once paperwork is complete and syndicated to Zillow, Realtor.com, Homes.com, Redfin and more. Packages start at $89 plus a small compliance fee at closing (0.25% for Platinum and Platinum Plus, 0.50% for Gold). See pricing and packages or learn how it works.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a home appraisal cost in 2026?
About $359 on average, with most homeowners paying $314 to $425, according to Angi. Government-backed loans and larger homes cost more.
Who pays for the appraisal when selling a house?
In most sales, the buyer pays because their lender requires it. Sellers pay only if they order their own appraisal.
Can I get my house appraised for free?
A licensed appraisal is not free. You can get free online estimates, but they are not appraisals and lenders will not accept them.
How long does an appraisal take?
The on-site visit for a standard home usually takes a few hours, and the report typically follows within several business days, depending on the appraiser and market.
What happens if the appraisal comes in low?
The lender will base the loan on the appraised value. The buyer and seller can renegotiate the price, the buyer can cover the gap with cash, or either side may be able to exit depending on the contract.
Sources
- Angi, How Much Does a Home Appraisal Cost? (2026 Data) (updated August 31, 2026)
- Fannie Mae, Changes to Appraisal Alternatives Requirements
- Zillow, What is a Zestimate?
- Redfin, About the Redfin Estimate (accessed October 2026)
- List With Freedom, Pricing and packages
