Healing my poorly credit history....want my own home....

sillyme

I am in the process of getting my finances in order after years of total frivoloity got in huge debt.

I missed a few repayments.
Had to negoitate payment terms with a couple of lenders
Made late payments here and there.

This was when things reached crisis point, happened over a period of about 4 months, and happened 3-4 times.
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With help, I've halved my debts, reduced my interested rates on these debts and also dramatically increased by salary. Although I still have sizeable debt (about 25% of my annual income), everything is finally under control now. :T

[/SIZE]But. I know my credit history/scoring is going to be shot to peices still, and now I'm back on an even keel I'm keen to get to a position - when the market's stabilised and my debts further reduced - where I can buy my first property.

I'm wanting to speak to an IFA to review my position but waiting until I change jobs (soon) and increase my salary further.

Can you help me with some advice?

How can I repair my credit rating?
What steps can I take?
How long does it take for things like late payments, missed payments and negotiated payment arrangements to 'fade'?

What can I do and how long must I wait before I'll be trusted with a mortgage?