More homeowners in Sugar Land will now qualify for financial support for exterior home improvements following an expansion of the city’s Great Homes incentive program. City officials announced that the updated program aims to make repairs more affordable, particularly for homeowners in lower-value neighborhoods.
Under the expanded plan, single-family homes that fall within the lowest 3 percent of property values will be eligible for a 50 percent reimbursement on exterior repair projects. This marks a significant increase from the earlier reimbursement levels, which ranged between 10 and 25 percent of project costs, according to a city news release issued on December 3.
Along with higher reimbursement rates, the program has introduced several additional changes to improve accessibility. The minimum required project cost has been reduced substantially from $4,000 to $500, allowing smaller repairs to qualify. Flexibility has also been added to homeowner insurance requirements, and eligibility has been broadened to include heirs who own inherited properties.
Since its launch in February 2023, the Great Homes program has supported improvements on more than 300 homes across Sugar Land. These projects have included exterior painting, siding and roof repairs, driveway upgrades, landscaping, as well as window and door replacements. In total, the completed work represents more than $5.3 million in neighborhood investment.
City officials say the expanded program is designed to remove financial and administrative barriers for homeowners. Director of Redevelopment Devon Rodriguez stated that by increasing support and widening eligibility, the city is creating opportunities for residents—especially in older neighborhoods—to improve their homes, protect neighborhood character, and promote stronger, long-lasting communities.
Looking ahead, applications for the Great Homes program are scheduled to open online on January 1. The city expects around 25 additional homeowners to participate during the first year of the expanded initiative. Funding for the program has been set at $200,000 in the fiscal year 2025–26 budget.
