Are you considering acquiring new LEGO sets but want to know: Are LEGO sets valuable? Or are you worried about buying an expensive LEGO set that might drop in value?
LEGO sets are among the most iconic children’s toys and can also be a cool gift idea for your child or loved ones. They’ve become more expensive in recent years, especially as LEGO began developing massive, intricate sets aimed at adult collectors.
Some sets—like large Star Wars kits or the Taj Mahal—are very expensive and challenging to build, but they’re incredibly impressive once completed.
But Are LEGO Sets Actually Valuable?
The answer is Yes—certain LEGO sets and LEGO Minifigures can be very valuable. Their worth is often driven by demand, design detail, exclusive Minifigures, or brand collaborations (like LEGO x Star Wars), which appeal to a wider range of collectors.
According to Van IJken, “Properties such as Star Wars, for example, benefited from the restart of the movie franchise and the fact that people who loved Star Wars as kids — but didn’t have the money to buy sets that cost hundreds of dollars — are now buying them.”
Bloomberg also notes that both large and small sets tend to appreciate the most in value. Large sets appreciate due to their high original prices, while smaller ones often become rare and sought-after.
A new LEGO set typically sells at retail price, but its value can increase once demand exceeds inventory or if the set is discontinued.
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Are Old LEGO Sets Valuable?
Old LEGO sets are usually more valuable than newer ones, but not always. Value depends on several factors:
- Discontinuation: Once a set is no longer being produced, it often becomes more desirable.
- Popularity: If a set becomes trendy or gains attention online, demand can spike.
- Rarity: Some older sets had limited production runs or unique Minifigures.
In general, a discontinued LEGO set with rising popularity is more likely to increase in value over time.
Why Are Old LEGO Sets So Expensive?
Old LEGO sets are expensive because they are no longer being made, making them harder to find. Scarcity increases perceived value, especially among collectors.
Most discontinued sets are no longer sold by LEGO and can only be found on secondary markets like eBay, BrickLink, or collector shops. Sellers often buy these in bulk and hold them as investments, only reselling when prices rise significantly.
Is There a Market For Old LEGO?
While there’s no single marketplace just for old LEGO sets, there are several reliable platforms where buying and selling are common:
- BrickLink
- eBay
- Facebook Marketplace
- Craigslist
- Online LEGO forums/groups
- Local LEGO or collectible toy stores
- LEGO fan conventions and events
These platforms often feature both collectors and resellers. This article covers in detail the best places to sell used LEGO sets.
Do LEGO Sets Hold Value?
LEGO sets can hold or increase in value depending on a few key conditions:
- Whether the set is rare
- If it’s discontinued
- Whether it becomes more popular over time
The longer a set has been out of production, the more likely it is to become valuable, especially if it’s sealed and complete.
“There are lots of reasons some LEGO sets become valuable — special edition releases like the Millennium Falcon from Star Wars and limited production runs, to name a couple.”
These factors also influence resale value significantly:
- Is the box sealed?
- Are all pieces included?
- Are the parts undamaged and unscratched?
Are Unopened LEGO Sets Valuable?
GO sets are typically more valuable than opened ones. A study from the Higher School of Economics (HSE) found that sealed LEGO sets can appreciate by around 11% annually, outpacing many traditional investments.
That said, not all sealed sets will become valuable. Rarity, franchise popularity, and overall demand still matter.
Final Thoughts
LEGO sets often hold their value—and can even increase—depending on a few important factors:
- Discontinuation
- Rarity
- Popularity
- Special edition releases
Large sets tend to increase in value due to high acquisition costs, while small sets appreciate thanks to their rarity. Sets with many pieces and exclusive Minifigures are generally the most valuable.
If you’re buying a LEGO set as an investment, do your research first. Not every set becomes valuable, but with the right pick, it could be worth much more in the future.
