looking for advice on timeline

uncreative

I have just managed to clear off a significant amount of credit card debt (over £38k) due to saving and money that my parents had given me. does anyone know how long this will take to work through the system so that when i apply for a mortgage in principal decision that it doesnt show up as owed anymore. I have read that the credit history is there for 6 years and I am looking at buying a house in the summer (September at the latest) so it will still be there when we buy.

is there a suggested timeline for my application? how long should i leave it?

thanks

uncreative

also to add that i have as a result 5 credit cards that have a combined limit of approx £55000. Do I need to close some or should i keep them open if this helps me?

Thrugelmir

There's no harm in good housekeeping i.e. closing down unused accounts. Though won't make a huge difference to your existing credit profile. Only time will resolve that.