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Home Appraisal Cost by Property Type (2026)

Standard single-family: $300-$500. Condo: $250-$400. Multi-unit: $500-$900. FHA/VA: $400-$600.

Updated Mar 2026Home$300-$600
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Appraisal Costs by Property Type

PropertyStandardFHA/VARush
Condo / townhouse$250-$400$300-$450+$100-$200
Single-family$300-$500$400-$600+$100-$200
Multi-unit (2-4)$500-$900$600-$1,000+$150-$250
Luxury / unique$700-$1,500+$800-$1,500++$200-$400
How Costs Compare
14%
17%
29%
40%
Condo / townhouse 14%
Single-family 17%
Multi-unit (2-4) 29%
Luxury / unique 40%

Smart Ways to Save on Appraisal

Get at least 3 quotes. Pricing for appraisal varies significantly between contractors in the same market. The lowest bid is often lowest for a reason — ask each contractor what their quote includes and excludes. Written, itemized quotes prevent surprise charges.
Time it for the off-season. Most home service contractors are slowest from November through February. Scheduling appraisal work during this window can save 10–20% on labor and get you faster project timelines.
Start with the basics. The most affordable option starts around $100. For most homeowners, starting with a standard option and upgrading later is smarter than overspending upfront on features you may not need.
Verify licensing and insurance. Always confirm your contractor carries general liability insurance and a current state license. Ask for their certificate of insurance and license number. Unlicensed work voids most home warranties and can create liability issues if someone is injured.

What Drives Appraisal Pricing

The cost of appraisal depends on several interconnected factors that can shift the final number significantly in either direction. Material quality is typically the largest variable — the gap between standard and premium options can double or triple the total project cost. Labor rates vary by region, with major metros running 30–50% higher than rural areas for identical work.

Project scope is the other major cost driver. What seems like a simple project can escalate quickly once walls are opened or existing conditions are revealed. This is why experienced contractors build contingency into their estimates, and why homeowners should too. The most common budget-breaker is changing the scope mid-project, which resets timelines and pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a home appraisal cost?▼
$300-$600 for a standard single-family home. Condos: $250-$400. Multi-unit: $500-$900. FHA/VA adds 10-15%. Luxury or unique properties can exceed $1,000.
Who pays for the appraisal?▼
The buyer, typically paid upfront or at closing. For refinances, the homeowner pays. FHA/VA loans: the buyer pays but the appraisal stays with the property.
What if the appraisal comes in low?▼
You can: negotiate the purchase price down, bring extra cash to cover the gap, request a second appraisal, or walk away if you have an appraisal contingency.
How long does an appraisal take?▼
5-10 business days standard. The on-site inspection takes 1-3 hours. Rush service (2-3 days) costs $100-$200 extra. In hot markets, it may take longer.
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📊 Data Sources
Appraisal fees from Appraisal Institute and lender surveys. Updated March 2026.