More Sugar Land homeowners will be eligible for exterior home improvements reimbursement funding with the expansion of the city’s Great Homes incentive program.

The program will now allow homes in the bottom 3% of single-family property values to receive a 50% reimbursement for exterior repairs, up from the previous 10% and 25% of project costs, city officials announced in a Dec. 3 news release.

The details

In addition to the reimbursement increase, the program will also see several changes including:

• Minimum project decreased from $4,000 to $500
• Exceptions may be made for homeowner insurance requirements
• Eligibility expanded to include heir owners

Since its start in February 2023, the program has seen more than 300 homes complete projects such as painting, siding, roofing, driveways, landscaping, windows and door replacements, per the release. The completed projects have totaled more than $5.3 million in investments.

Notable quote

“By lowering barriers, expanding eligibility, and increasing support, we’re giving more homeowners—especially those in our oldest neighborhoods—a real opportunity to make meaningful improvements that strengthen their homes, preserve community character, and support healthy, long-lasting neighborhoods,” Director of Redevelopment Devon Rodriguez said.

Going forward

Great Home applications are set to open online Jan. 1 with an expected 25 additional participants in the first year, per the release.

The fiscal year 2025-26 budget includes $200,000 for the program.