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A Berkshire businessman whose approach to building new homes in Crete helped him to win the title of 'Best Developer, Newcomer' in the annual award scheme run by the Association of International Property Professionals - the industry body established to provide a 'kitemark' for the entire overseas property market – five months ago, is optimistic about the outlook for the island's property market in 2009.

Said Marie, principal of Caversham-Barnes, describes 2008 as "a year to write-off" – despite selling two of the nine new individually-designed homes he has built on his Litsarda Villas development near Vamos in western Crete.

"Last year was tough for everyone but later this year buyers will come out to play again," predicts Said. "They can't hesitate forever and, with less choice because some developers have gone to the wall, I believe they will start making buying decisions again this year.

"In the long term, the global recession will prove to be beneficial to the property market in Crete. The only survivors of the credit crunch will be credible developers whose strength is in their ability to complete properties to high standards of design and construction, without being heavily dependent on bank loans."

Said reports that one effect of the recession in Crete is that fewer developers are active now, leaving the strongest ones to meet the needs of buyers from the UK and, increasingly, Scandinavia.

"Investors are understandably cautious about buying off-plan in the current climate, particularly if they are planning to retire to Crete, and many prefer to buy a property which they can see, touch and feel before they pay a deposit," he says.

This is an approach which has paid-off for Caversham-Barnes which encourages would-be purchasers to make buying decisions only after they have inspected a property which is at least three-quarters completed.

"This eliminates the financial risks and uncertainties associated with off-plan purchases," says Said.

He adds that buyers who do their homework, and do not automatically go to coastal locations to buy a property, have found that there are better deals and a number of additional benefits to be enjoyed.

"By going just a little way inland, it is possible to find quality homes at lower prices," says Said. "This is because, on the coast, housebuilders are competing for land with commercial buyers like hotels, stores, bars and restaurants.

"As land is less expensive away from the coast, plots and houses tend to be bigger than those available at comparable prices near the sea. In addition, inland settlements tend to be on higher ground, giving many homes panoramic views of the Mediterranean as well as the mountains and countryside.

"What's more, inland locations tend to be quieter and more peaceful than the coastal towns as there is less commercial activity and disruption from construction sites, noisy bars and busy tourist hotels."

Said points out that, for those planning to retire to Crete, inland locations are better suited to year-round living. On the coast, businesses tend to cater for holidaymakers during the high season and then close for the winter months, turning seaside resorts into ghost-towns.

"Local people tend to live in more affordable locations away from the coast so, for British buyers wishing to be part of a community, my advice is head inland and live as the Cretans do.

"Because shops and other businesses in inland towns and villages rely on locals, they are open all year round. Their prices tend to be cheaper than those of firms in coastal towns where, with a limited season, they have to charge more."