How Much Does a Home Appraisal Cost?

Key takeaways

• Home appraisals are an unbiased, professional opinion about a home’s market value. 
• A home appraisal can cost anywhere from $300 to $2,000.
• Costs fluctuate depending on the home’s size, location, features, and available comps.

As you begin the closing process, you’ll reach the step of getting a home appraisal. If you’re a buyer, the home appraisal is a crucial part of the process, especially when applying for a mortgage. On top of the other costs of buying a home, you may be wondering – how much does a home appraisal cost? 

In this Redfin article, we’ll answer your questions about home appraisal costs, what factors can influence the cost, and who pays for a home appraisal. Whether you’re buying a home in San Diego, CA, or a townhouse in Boston, MA, here’s what you need to know about appraisal costs.

How much does a home appraisal cost?

A typical home appraisal can range from $300 to $600, and up to $2,000 for larger homes. According to an October 2025 study by Angi, the average home appraisal costs $358. However, the cost of your home appraisal will depend on the type of appraisal you need, how big the home is, and what state you live in, among other factors. 

Who pays for a home appraisal?

Buyers typically pay for the home appraisal as part of the closing costs. The buyer’s lender will request the appraisal and choose the appraiser. In some cases, buyers may be able to negotiate for the seller to pay for the appraisal as part of seller concessions. 

7 factors that influence the home appraisal cost

Before you have a home appraised, there are several important factors that can affect the cost. Let’s take a look at what can impact costs: 

1. Property type

The type of property you buy influences the cost of your home appraisal. For example, an appraisal for a two-bedroom home will generally be less expensive than a property with multiple bedrooms, a finished basement, and an attic. Additionally, if you plan to use the home as a rental property, the appraiser will require a rent survey and an income statement, which may increase the cost.

2. The home’s location

How far does the appraiser need to travel to conduct the appraisal? Driving times and mileage are all accounted for in the cost. You should expect to pay more for your home appraisal if the house is located out of town. If you’re located in a popular area with additional demand for appraisers, you may also pay more. 

3. Local market conditions

The local housing market can also affect the home appraisal cost. If home sales are rising, then costs could increase due to demand. If there are fewer homes selling, then appraisal costs could drop slightly. 

Additionally, some states have higher home appraisal costs than others. For example, Alaska and Washington have the highest average costs at $784 and $728, compared to Illinois and Connecticut, with average costs of $448 and $465. 

4. Size, lot, and features

A home’s general value impacts the cost of the appraisal. As a rule of thumb, the larger the home, the more expensive the appraisal. A larger home will take more time to evaluate and usually results in a more extensive report. As a general reference point, properties priced at or less than $500,000 will typically have an appraisal cost at the lower end of the range.

5. Availability of comps

If your home is located in a more rural area or you have unique home features that stand out from nearby properties, your appraisal may cost more. The appraiser may need to spend more time finding comparable homes to complete the appraisal, driving up costs. 

6. Loan type and mortgage requirements

Depending on the type of mortgage you’ve applied for, it may result in a more costly home appraisal. If you plan on getting a conventional mortgage loan to purchase your new home, an appraisal will most likely be a non-negotiable requirement from your lender.

Mortgages that involve a federal agency, such as the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), require an appraisal to include additional safety inspections, resulting in a higher cost. Make sure to ask your lender ahead of time what to expect for the home appraisal cost, so you can set aside enough funds.

Here’s what you can expect from different mortgage loans:

• FHA loans: Angi reports it typically ranges from $300 to $700, although there’s no set limit for how much these appraisals can cost. FHA loans require additional safety inspections during the appraisal process and must meet HUD property standards such as structural soundness, safety, and livability. 
• VA loans: VA appraisals typically cost between $500 and $1,500, but this varies by region and home size. There may also be additional fees, which you can find listed on the VA appraisal fees page.
• USDA loans: As of May 2025, the USDA appraisals cost a flat fee of $775 for single-family homes. 

7. Type of appraisal

The type of appraisal can also determine how much it costs. Your lender will choose the type of appraisal they need to finalize your loan, which depends on your loan’s requirements, your qualifications, and market conditions.

Types of home appraisals

There are several types of home appraisals, and some are more common than others. Let’s explore them and how much they roughly cost:

1. Uniform Residential Appraisal Report (URAR) 

This is the most common type of home appraisal, and lenders usually require a URAR before approving your mortgage. It typically costs between $350 and $600. A trained and certified appraiser carefully reviews both the home’s interior and exterior, giving you a detailed report breaking down the home’s value. 

2. Drive-by appraisal, restricted-use, or short-form report

This type provides less information than other appraisals and is generally less expensive, around $100 to $150. However, lenders often don’t accept this appraisal for a mortgage approval, as the appraiser only evaluates the outside of the house and relies on the owner to provide additional details about the property. 

3. Hybrid appraisal

Hybrid appraisals combine in-person and online assessments, typically costing between $250 to $375. A third-party, sometimes a real estate agent, will view the home in person and write out information about the house. They submit the information to the appraiser, who will use that data in addition to listing photos to determine the home’s value. 

4. Desktop appraisal

A desktop appraisal is similar to a drive-by appraisal, except that the appraiser never visits the home. It usually costs between $75 and $200. They use publicly available information, such as property records, listing photos, and property tax records to appraise the home.

Note: In most cases, the URAR is the only accepted appraisal method. The other options are typically not considered sufficient to obtain a conventional loan, but there are reasons why you may want one of these appraisals. Your lender will determine if any of the other appraisals are sufficient.

FAQs about the home appraisal process

What is a home appraisal and why does it matter?

A home appraisal is an unbiased determination of a home’s value. The appraiser will generate a report that helps lenders decide an appropriate amount to lend to a potential homebuyer to purchase that property. State-certified professionals conduct appraisals to safeguard both buyers and lenders against inflated property valuations.

Who chooses the appraiser?

Your mortgage lender will often choose or recommend from a list of preferred appraisers, chosen for their track records as reliable, high-integrity professionals. As the buyer, you’ll have to pay the appraisal cost, which is usually a fee added to your closing costs. However, your lender should inform you how much the appraisal will cost.

What’s the difference between a home inspection vs a home appraisal?

A home inspection differs from a home appraisal in that it’s an in-depth inspection of the home’s condition. A home inspector checks for structural damage, hazards like water, termite, or mold damage, and other issues with the property. A home appraisal determines the home’s overall value based on its characteristics, condition, and nearby properties. 

Do I need both a home inspection and a home appraisal?

Both are important in the homebuying process as an inspection ensures that you’re not buying a home with major issues, while an appraisal ensures you’re not paying more than the home’s worth.

Can you lower the cost or get a free home appraisal?

You can’t negotiate the cost of a home appraisal, as it’s your lender who chooses the appraisal company. However, you can shop around for a mortgage lender who offers a competitive appraisal cost. You can also consider negotiating with the seller to include the appraisal cost as part of seller concessions.

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