There are numerous estate agents, property developers and construction companies in Crete selling land and  properties. 

Whichever company you chose, they will be able to advise you on the legalities, arrange surveyors and  put you in touch with English speaking lawyers, although you may wish to find your own to avoid any conflicts of interest.

Before you sign on the dotted line for an off plan property purchase  you are advised to check out a couple of the houses that your chosen company have recently finished, and ask them to put you in touch with previous English speaking buyers for a recommendation.

A  reliable building company should be able to deliver on time ....get a delivery date in writing.  If you are not around to 'supervise'  the work being done you can appoint someone to do this for you, such as a lawyer or  surveyor / inspector.

There are no guarantees that the comments are all genuine but any companies to avoid should stand out, although there are very few entries at present as the site is in it's infancy.

Buying land / DIY building / Renovation

This often looks like a great alternative to buying an existing or off plan property, but beware! Quotes for plans and building costs  are very  often underestimated and you can easily end up spending much more than you anticipated. Make sure you plan the details and know exactly what is and isn't included in the projected costs. Renovations very often work out more costly than quoted due to unknowns. Just one example is the state of the walls beneath old plaster. This will only become apparent when work starts and it is stripped away, knocking down  whole walls may then be the only option, and this most likely won't have been been costed in to a quote.

If you are intending to rent out a property to holidaymakers you are required by Greek law to obtain an EOT licence
Information courtesy of Carol Palioudakis www.livingincrete.net and from her book "Living in Crete. A Guide to Living, Working, Retiring & Buying Property in Crete"