Communities are built for people, by people. Ron Bakir understood this when he established Homecorp, one of Australia’s leading residential urban development firms, in 2004. The company, he says, begins and ends with people.

“The people who build, the people who live in our communities and the people whose lives are shaped by what we create,” he tells The CEO Magazine.

Bakir’s people-centric approach to his craft has seen Homecorp develop more than 10,000 dwellings across Australia over the past two decades, and has now earned him the place of Highly Commended at The CEO Magazine’s 2025 Executive of the Year Awards in the Property Development and Real Estate category.

“Every home we deliver becomes part of a much greater story,” he explains. “They are places where children take their first steps, where families grow and where futures are built. They nurture the next generation of teachers, tradespeople, nurses and doctors.

“They stand the test of time, becoming something that can be passed down the family tree – a true legacy that endures.”

And in Homecorp, Bakir has established a legacy of his own. A passionate property developer and entrepreneur, he turned a vacant Gold Coast lot into a duplex that became the first Homecorp project. Since then, Homecorp has branched out from Queensland into South Australia and Victoria to create a multibillion-dollar portfolio that continues to evolve.

“Over the past year alone, we completed the A$270 million [US$176 million] Eve Residences along the Gold Coast’s ‘Golden Mile’, launched our own multi-story construction arm and started the next stage of Cienna Varsity Ridge, adding 289 affordable apartments to the market,” he reveals.

“We secured approval for Florence Residences, a 26-story, A$210 million [US$137 million] development in Surfers Paradise centered around wellness and community, and expanded our house-and-land portfolio while establishing a new office in Melbourne.”

Growth mindset

The hunger to do more has been with Bakir since the beginning and he has made sure to imbue his team with the same desire.

“Their dedication, precision and shared belief in our purpose give every project its strength,” he says. “They are the heartbeat of Homecorp, each person bringing their own expertise, creativity and care to everything we build.”

The milestones reached aren’t endings, but another step forward, he adds.

“They’re reminders that growth is continuous, learning is constant and purpose is what truly builds a legacy.”

The foundation of Bakir’s legacy contains three pillars: a clear vision, self-belief and the desire to do the right thing. As Homecorp’s CEO, he leads with the understanding that the world operates in a circle and karma is always hot on your heels.

“Whatever you do, you must always do the right thing,” he cautions. “A leader must support their team with honesty, clarity and a commitment to doing what’s right. They encourage and nurture a clear path forward while being honest and respectful.”

These values, passed down from his parents, have stayed with Bakir throughout his career.

“They taught me that character and purpose always guide the path to lasting success,” he recalls. “These principles are my compass that directs every decision, every project and every interaction.”

For Bakir, the path from that vacant lot has always been straightforward, and he’s never shied away from sharing his vision with his team.

“A great leader inspires others to believe in their vision and ensures the team shares the same values,” he says. “But it’s not enough to have a clear vision; you have to have a strong understanding of why you want to achieve it.”

Streamline and strengthen

In Homecorp’s case, the why comes down to the needs of the community. Housing shortages and external challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, have beset the progress of community builders in recent years, but Bakir says he’s always seen challenge as a catalyst for growth.

“The world has changed in ways none of us could have imagined, and so has the way we build,” he explains. “The post-pandemic landscape is supply chain disruptions, rising costs and skilled labor shortages that test the resilience of even the most established players. We choose to streamline and strengthen.”

This has been done by refining Homecorp’s product offerings to align with market conditions and focus on efficiency, adaptability and precision.

“Innovation has also transformed the way we work,” Bakir says. “Digital technology and AI have given us the tools to build smarter and with greater transparency. We’ve implemented new systems to track, analyze and improve every stage of the construction process, giving our teams clearer insights, tighter targets and stronger accountability.

“Inefficiencies are opportunities to grow.”

Beating within this robust and agile chassis is a shared purpose to create places that leave a lasting difference in Australian property.

“No matter the postcode or the project, we move as one team with one vision,” says Bakir, whose nomination as Property Development and Real Estate Executive of the Year is as much a shared honor among his team as any completed project bearing the Homecorp banner.

“I have always believed that one hand cannot clap. Nothing great is ever achieved alone. True strength lies in unity and the collective effort of people who believe in something bigger than themselves.

“Every challenge we face, we face together. We celebrate our wins, learn from our setbacks and push forward with the same energy and determination that has carried us from the beginning.”

Homeward bound

From the earliest days of the Homecorp saga, Bakir says he recognized the value of hard work and supporting those along for the journey.

“I dreamed of building something greater, but a vision alone is never enough,” he points out. “To bring a dream to life, you need a team of people who share your purpose and are willing to push boundaries alongside you.

“That collaboration, that shared determination, is what transforms ambition into impact.”

The housing industry’s future is assured; people will always need a place to call home. Housing will never be optional, and with continued immigration and population growth, the demand for homes will only increase. The son of a builder, Bakir has long held a deep appreciation for the ins and outs of this unique market, and is now proud to be one of its major contributors.

“The question is not whether homes are needed, but how we design them to fit seamlessly with mobility, convenience and smart living,” he says.

“Homecorp is building a clear road map to 2031, expanding our land estates, multi-story developments and townhouse portfolio. Each project challenges us to think differently, push boundaries and deliver experiences that go beyond the ordinary.”

According to Bakir, the company’s bold response to challenge is what separates it from the pack.

“Our trajectory is clear. With a mindset of bold thinking, continuous learning and relentless dedication, Homecorp will continue to expand its national presence and deliver communities that truly endure,” he says.

And this progress will not come from playing it safe.

“Don’t stay comfortable. Challenge the status quo. Take action. Do it today. Don’t wait until tomorrow. Repeat,” he insists.

“This mindset is why the difference we make is tangible and lasting, and it’s what guides us into the future – ready to build more, achieve more and inspire more.”