From zero to $100m: How 21yo built debt-free home building empire

He’s built more than 2000 homes, created a $100m debt-free empire and been named young entrepreneur of the year - twice. Now a Brisbane home builder has revealed how he started at just age 21.

Homes by CMA’s Chris Baptista entered the home building industry at just 21 and has since built a $100m empire.

He’s built more than 2000 homes, created a $100m debt-free empire and been named young entrepreneur of the year — twice.

Now Brisbane-based custom home builder Chris Baptista has revealed how he did it.

The France-born entrepreneur founded CMA Homes in 2009 aged just 21- three years after moving to Queensland to complete his university degree.

He says his entry into the notoriously tough home building industry wasn’t easy but he had identified a critical gap in the market: large builders lacked flexibility, while small builders charged high prices.

His vision was to offer the best of both worlds: affordable custom homes, premium customer service, and full transparency.

That unique model is what put him on a stratospheric trajectory that – 16 years later – is now worth $100m. And he's not done yet.

His first house, funded through a loan, sold successfully, allowing him to build two more the following year.

By the third year, he had taken on four projects, but financial pressure mounted when they didn’t sell immediately.

CMA is in the process of replacing its five display homes with eight new ones that are currently under construction as part of its updated brand.

It was a swift and fast lesson for Baptista, who had been financing his home builds with bank loans.

“I had to take an overdraft to cover the loans because the houses just wouldn’t sell,” Mr Baptista said.

“At that point, I decided to remove real estate agents and sell the homes myself. I believed in my product, ran my own ads, and hosted open homes. Miraculously, I sold all four houses.”

Today, Homes by CMA, based in Brisbane’s North Lakes, has built over 2000 homes and has weathered economic storms that forced larger competitors into bankruptcy.

Even during the Covid crisis, as many builders suffered fatal losses, Baptista’s company managed to stay afloat.

“Our strategy was simple: lock in supplier rates, complete homes quickly, and stay financially disciplined,” he said.

“We avoided the credit traps that put so many others out of business.”

Chris Baptista, now 39, has built a $100m home building empire

He said his father – also a builder in France – was his biggest role model and inspired him to enter the homebuilding business.

Baptista’s hard work and discipline have seen him awarded twice at the Brisbane Young Entrepreneur Awards.

However, he insists money isn’t his motivation.

“I just want to build the best homes, have the best brand, and deliver the best customer service.”

As Homes by CMA continues to thrive, 2025 marks a significant shift for Baptista.

He is expanding into property development, taking on large-scale townhouse and retirement village projects.

CMA is building a new headquarters in Brisbane, with an investment of $10 million.

“This year, we’re building eight brand-new display homes, opening a state-of-the-art office and showroom, the best in Queensland and launching a development site where we buy land, build, and sell,” he shared.

On a personal level, Baptista is also preparing for a major milestone — getting married to his longtime partner.

With a decade of success behind him and ambitious plans for the future, Baptista’s story is a testament to resilience, smart financial management, and an unwavering belief in his product.

Originally published as From zero to $100m: How 21yo built debt-free home building empire