Which would you buy freehold or leasehold property in UK?

Many years ago I bought a leasehold property. However the landlord subsequently went missing. The property then became extremetly difficult to selll as there were all sorts of legal issues and also practical issues as to who would maintain the shared areas. I believe the law on leasehold has changed since then but if you decide to go for leasehold make sure you get good advice from a solicitor and he does his work properly. I would not have been in the position I was in had mine done his work properly. It eventually took me 2 years to sell the flat ( in London) and I lost 5 sales due to people pulling out when their solicitors advised against.