American influencer renovates Croatian playground while fighting demolition of his own home

American influencer Justus Reid, known for renovating a 5,000 euro house in Hrvatsko Zagorje, Croatia, now confronts a serious threat: his home may be demolished due to unresolved property documentation. Reid revealed in a TikTok video that the house, built over 40 years ago, was never legally registered, making its existence technically illegal under state regulations. He discovered this issue after purchasing the property and beginning renovations, noting that many homes in his village share similar documentation problems, but he was the only one to receive a demolition notice.

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The reason I haven't shown you the house for some time is that I am currently trying to save it from demolition.

While navigating this legal challenge, Reid has not been idle. He is currently renovating a bunker he purchased for 8,000 euros to serve as temporary accommodation. More significantly, he is dedicating himself to giving back to the community that supported his home renovation. His latest initiative, "Renovating My Community," has garnered widespread positive attention and showcases the impact of collective effort.

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This house was built more than 40 years ago, but it was never legally registered in the land registry. According to state regulations, it shouldn't exist at all and needs to be removed.

Reid's community project focused on transforming a neglected children's playground, which he described as a "death trap" due to decaying wooden structures. Working alongside neighbors, he replaced hazardous old parts with new, safe wooden posts, making the playground secure for children. The collaboration extended to replacing a dilapidated sandbox with a new, weather-resistant outdoor table, built on concrete foundations poured with community assistance. Even unexpected rain did not deter the group from completing the installation, culminating in shared enjoyment by children and adults.

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My house is one of many in this village that have the same problem with papers and legalization, but I am the only one who received a letter.