Sugar Land Expands Great Homes Incentive to Reach More Homeowners
New 50% reimbursement option improves access for lowest value homes starting Jan. 1
SUGAR LAND, Texas – (Dec. 3, 2025) – The Sugar Land City Council has approved an expansion of the City’s Great Homes incentive program to make exterior home improvement funding more accessible for residents who face the highest barriers to reinvestment.
Launching Jan. 1, 2026, the expanded program introduces a new 50% reimbursement incentive for homes in the bottom 3% of single-family property values in Sugar Land. These homes often have the greatest repair needs but the lowest participation levels due to cost, insurance requirements, or unique ownership circumstances.
The Great Homes Update Program provides reimbursement for eligible exterior improvements such as painting, siding, roofing, driveways, landscaping, windows, door replacements, and more. Since the program began in February 2023, more than 300 homes have completed projects totaling more than $5.3 million in investment. Homeowners have received more than $791,000 in reimbursements with an average return on investment of $7 in private spending for every public dollar.
“Sugar Land is committed to helping more families reinvest in their homes,” said Mayor Carol K. McCutcheon. This expansion makes Great Homes easier to access for the residents who need it most.”
The newly approved expansion includes the following updates for the bottom 3% of home values:
- Reimbursement increased from 10% and 25% to 50% percent of eligible project costs
- Minimum project cost reduced from $4,000 to $500
- Exceptions may be made for homeowner insurance requirements
- Eligibility expanded to include heir owners
- Maximum reimbursement remains $10,000
Only eight homes in the lowest value group have used the program over the last three years. With the new incentive structure, the City anticipates up to 25 additional participants in the first year. The Fiscal Year 2026 Great Homes budget includes $200,000 to support increased participation.
“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,” said Devon Rodriguez, Director of Redevelopment.
Applications for the updated Great Homes incentives will open Jan. 1. Residents can learn more at SugarLandEcoDev.com/Great-Homes or contact GreatHomes@sugarlandtx.gov.