Empire Partner in Business Feature: Setlr Buyers Agents

Posted 25 Aug

We’re excited to introduce our latest Partner in Business, Simon Clarke, Director of Setlr Buyers Agents. Simon and his team understand that buying property isn’t just about finding the right home or investment. It’s about having the right advice, local knowledge and support to make a confident, well-informed decision. We sat down with Simon to learn more about Setlr, his journey into business, and how his team is helping buyers navigate the Brisbane property market.

In a nutshell, what does Setlr Buyers Agents do?

Setlr is a Brisbane-based buyers agency representing buyers throughout the entire property purchase process.

We specialise in owner occupier homes, investment properties and commercial property, managing everything from property search and market analysis through to due diligence, negotiation and acquisition.

We work exclusively for the buyer, using local knowledge, industry relationships and experienced negotiation to help our clients buy the right property with greater confidence and less stress.

What is your ideal client profile? Who do you help best?

Our ideal client is financially ready to buy but values expert guidance around where to buy, what to buy and what to pay.

Our clients include busy professionals, local families, investors, expats and interstate buyers. They’re often time-poor, struggling to find the right property, worried about overpaying or making a costly mistake, or simply lacking confidence when it comes to negotiation.

Ultimately, they’re looking for independent advice to help them make a well-informed property decision.

How and when did you get started?

Setlr was founded in December 2022 by myself and my wife, Susie Downie.

I’d spent more than a decade working in property, including alongside developers and as a buyers agent. After seeing firsthand the value a good buyers agent could provide, we wanted to build a business with a stronger focus on customer experience, genuine value and making the buying process as seamless as possible.

Susie brought a complementary skill set after spending 15 years with Qantas in Group Finance & Treasury. Her background in finance, systems and process helped us build the structure behind the business and create a consistent experience for our clients.

Today, Setlr has grown into a team of seven, but our focus remains the same: put people first, provide clear and honest advice, and help our clients achieve the best possible outcome from their property purchase.

What’s been one of your biggest challenges in business?

One of our biggest challenges has been adapting to the cyclical nature of the property market.

Since launching Setlr, we’ve experienced everything from quieter periods to booming buyer demand, extremely low stock levels and, more recently, a softer market. Each cycle brings different challenges and requires a different approach.

For us, that has meant continually adapting — trying new ideas, building new referral networks, nurturing existing relationships and becoming more consistent and visible across social media.

It’s reinforced that you can’t stand still in business. You need to keep evolving with the market while staying focused on delivering value to your clients.

Is there a special offer you’d like to extend to Empire’s community?

For Empire Accountants clients considering purchasing a property, we’d be happy to offer a complimentary initial property strategy consultation.

We can discuss your goals and purchasing brief, budget and preferred locations, current Brisbane market conditions and the buying strategy we would recommend.

There’s no obligation to engage Setlr afterwards. It’s simply an opportunity to get independent advice before making your next property decision.

How to Contact Setlr Buyers Agents