Lego Investments: Building Wealth With Bricks

LEGO sets are a great investment option for those looking to diversify their portfolio. Research has shown that LEGO sets, particularly those that are discontinued, appreciate faster than gold, stocks or bonds. Retired LEGO sets saw an 11% annual increase in value from 1987 to 2015, with small and very large sets growing faster than medium-sized ones.

When considering which sets to invest in, it is best to focus on unopened sets, which retain more value, and research which sets are rare and sought-after by collectors. The Ewok Village (10236) set, Café Corner (10182) set, and sets from the Star Wars collection are all popular choices.

So, if you're looking for an alternative investment option, LEGO sets might just be the answer.

Unopened sets are best for retaining value

If you're looking to invest in Lego sets, it's important to keep them sealed. Unopened Lego sets are highly sought after by collectors and can increase in value over time. The original box and packaging will also add to the premium, so it's worth holding on to those as well.

Lego sets that are no longer in production tend to see the highest growth in value. The smaller sets, in particular, often contain unique parts and figurines that are not found in other sets, making them rarer and more desirable. Larger sets, on the other hand, tend to appeal more to adults, which can also drive up their value.

The key to a good investment is to buy sets that are rare and sought-after. The Ewok Village (10236) and Café Corner (10182) sets are popular choices for investors, with the latter currently fetching over £1000 ($1300) on eBay. Themed sets based on famous buildings, holidays, or entertainment franchises like Star Wars are also a good bet, with the Imperial Star Destroyer and Millennium Falcon among the most expensive models.

Some people are only interested in Lego minifigures, so you could also consider selling these separately from the set to maximise your investment.

Rare and sought-after sets are ideal

Lego sets tend to increase in value over time, and some sources say they appreciate faster than gold. Retired sets are no longer widely available on the secondary market, and their value increases as they become more nostalgic. Small sets with unique parts and figurines, as well as larger sets that are rarer and appeal to adults, also tend to grow in value faster than medium-sized sets.

Investing in unopened sets is best, as they retain more value. Some Lego sets that have been good investments include the Ewok Village (10236) set and the Café Corner (10182) set, which is currently fetching over £1000 ($1300) on eBay. The Betrayal at Cloud City (75222) and the Printed Boba Fett are also known to be very expensive.

If you are looking to invest in Lego, it is important to do your research and study the market to see which sets are rare and sought-after by collectors.

Minifigures can be sold separately

Minifigures are a great way to invest in Lego without spending a lot of money. Some people are only interested in the figures and not the sets, so you can sell them separately from the kits.

Some minifigures are more valuable than others. For example, the Betrayal at Cloud City (75222) and the Printed Boba Fett are known to be very expensive. The same goes for the Original Star Wars Millennium Falcon or the NASA Apollo Saturn 5 Lego set. These minifigures are sought-after by collectors and can be sold for a premium.

If you're looking to sell minifigures, it's a good idea to do some research first. Find out which ones are rare or exclusive, as these will be the most valuable. You can also look into which minifigures are included in the most popular sets. For example, the Lego Icons The Lord of the Rings: Rivendell set comes with 15 minifigures of famous characters, including Frodo Baggins, Aragorn, and Arwen. The Lego Star Wars 75367 Venator-Class Republic Attack Cruiser includes Admiral Yularen and Captain Rex. The Lego Harry Potter 76417 Gringotts Wizarding Bank set features two Harry Potter minifigures, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, and more.

By selling minifigures separately, you can maximise your investment and make a profit. This is a great option for those who want to invest in Lego without spending a lot of money upfront.

Thematic sets are a good investment

Thematic Lego sets are a good investment, and there are several reasons why. Firstly, Lego sets tend to increase in value over time, and this is especially true for sets based on famous buildings, holidays, or entertainment franchises. These sets are often sought after by collectors, and their value can increase significantly if they are rare or have a unique design. For example, the Ewok Village (10236) set and the Café Corner (10182) set are known to be good investments, with the latter currently fetching over £1000 ($1300) on eBay.

Secondly, Lego sets based on popular entertainment franchises, such as Star Wars, Harry Potter, or Marvel, tend to be very popular among collectors. These sets often include exclusive minifigures of famous characters, which can further increase their value. For instance, the Lego Star Wars 75313 AT-AT set includes nine unique Star Wars minifigures, including Luke Skywalker and General Veers. Similarly, the Lego Harry Potter 76417 Gringotts Wizarding Bank set comes with 13 minifigures, including two versions of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley.

Thirdly, some thematic Lego sets are designed for older fans and include complex builds that are challenging yet rewarding. These sets often have a high piece count, which makes them more valuable. For example, the Lego Icons 10316 The Lord of the Rings: Rivendell set consists of 6,167 pieces, while the Lego Hogwarts Castle set has more than 6,000 bricks. These sets are not only fun to build but also impressive to display, making them attractive to collectors.

Finally, Lego sets are relatively unaffected by the stock market and can even increase in value during economic crises. This makes them a more stable investment option compared to traditional investments such as stocks or bonds. Additionally, Lego sets can be a good investment for collectors who are looking for something different and want to display their passion for a particular theme or franchise.

In conclusion, thematic Lego sets are a good investment due to their potential for value appreciation, popularity among collectors, complex and rewarding builds, and relative stability in the face of economic fluctuations.

Retired sets appreciate faster

Retired Lego sets appreciate faster than gold, stocks, or bonds, according to a study by researchers at Moscow's Higher School of Economics. The study found that retired Lego sets appreciated in value by 11% annually from 1987 to 2015, outperforming more traditional investments.

So, what's the reason behind this impressive performance? Well, it's a combination of factors. Firstly, Lego sets have a "high collectible value". They are produced in limited quantities, with special edition sets being the most limited. This scarcity drives up their value over time, especially as most Lego sets are discontinued after a few years. Secondly, Lego sets are relatively unaffected by the stock market. In fact, the study found that Lego prices increased during the 2008 financial crisis. This makes them a relatively stable investment, unexposed to the volatility of the stock market.

The study also found that small and very large sets tend to grow in value faster than medium-sized sets. This is likely because smaller sets have unique parts and figurines, while larger sets are rarer and appeal more to adults. Additionally, sets based on popular entertainment franchises, such as Star Wars, or those tied to famous buildings and holidays, tend to see the highest growth in value. For example, the Ewok Village (10236) set and the Café Corner (10182) set are known to be good investments, with the latter currently fetching over £1000 ($1300) on eBay.

If you're considering investing in Lego sets, it's important to focus on investing in unopened sets, as these retain more value than opened sets. Additionally, some collectors are only interested in specific minifigures, so you could sell these separately from the set to maximise your investment.

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