Sugar Land Expands Great Homes Incentive for Exterior Repairs

Sugar Land, Texas, is enhancing its Great Homes incentive program to assist homeowners with aging properties in affording exterior home repairs. Beginning January 1, 2026, residents owning properties in the bottom three percent of single-family home values will be eligible for up to 50 percent reimbursement on approved exterior home improvements. This initiative aims to promote safety, functionality, and aesthetic appeal while preserving neighborhood character. The Great Homes program, active since February 2023, has effectively stimulated private investment, leveraging about $7 in private funds for every $1 of public funding. Eligible improvements include siding, painting, fencing, landscaping (when combined with other projects), and exterior lighting. The reimbursement tiers vary from 10% to 50%, with a maximum reimbursement cap of $10,000. The program targets homes with the lowest participation rates, which tend to be older and have faced barriers such as high repair costs, insurance requirements, or complex ownership. The City of Sugar Land has allocated $200,000 in its 2026 fiscal budget to expand program accessibility and participation. Homeowners can utilize an online tool to determine their reimbursement bracket and estimate project costs. To qualify, properties must meet specific criteria outlined by the city, ensuring that the incentives are directed towards properties most in need. The program’s expansion aligns with broader community development and housing preservation goals. Applications for the updated Great Homes program open in January 2026. By facilitating home maintenance and improvement, the program also indirectly supports insurance risk management by encouraging upkeep and reducing liability risks associated with property deterioration.