5 LEGO Investing Tips for Beginners: Start Your Collection Now!

Are you a LEGO enthusiast looking to take your love of brick building and/or collecting to the next level? If so, investing in LEGO sets can be a great way to not only fuel your passion, but also turn a potential profit.

LEGO has become increasingly valuable over the years, with average year on year returns better than gold (HSE University, 2021) and some sets appreciating in value by more than 400% in a short period.

Like any investment however, there are risks involved. To help you get started on your LEGO investing journey, we've compiled 5 essential tips for beginners.

For an introduction to LEGO as a hobby in general, first visit our LEGO FAQ before reading on.

Do Your Research

Before diving headfirst into LEGO investing, it is crucial to do your research... searching for articles like this one is a great start and shows you're on the right track!

Familiarise yourself with the LEGO market, including which sets have historically increased in value and which themes tend to be the most sought after (Star Wars, Harry Potter, etc.).

Keep an eye on selling website prices (e.g. BrickLink, eBay's sold listings, etc.), as well as forums (e.g. BrickPicker), and social media groups dedicated to LEGO investing to stay up to date market trends and developments.

Most importantly, don't forget to also consider your own interests! Investing in LEGO should also be about bringing you joy when admiring your collection.

Invest in Exclusive, Retiring or Retired Sets

To maximise your potential returns, consider investing in carefully researched Exclusive, retiring or retired LEGO sets.

These sets are typically available in more limited quantities and 'Exclusives' (only sold at official LEGO stores/domains) often feature unique minifigures, rare pieces, or exclusive packaging.

Retired sets tend to appreciate in value more quickly due to a lack of availability (hence soon-to-be-retired sets often being a good investment option), making them a wise choice for LEGO investors.

Keep an eye out for special promotions or collaborations with popular franchises that can add significant value to a set in the years after its retirement.

Click here for our top investment picks of sets due to be retired in 2023.

Keep Sets Sealed and in Mint Condition

When it comes to LEGO investing, the condition of the set matters. To ensure the highest value when reselling, it is more profitable to keep a set sealed and in mint condition.

Avoid opening the boxes or using the contained pieces if your primary goal is to invest, however, if you absolutely must build a set, be sure to keep the box and manual somewhere safe.

Store your sets in a sturdy storage box, in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and any potential sources of damage.

Consider investing in protective cases or display cabinets to in order to showcase your collection while keeping it safe.

Diversify Your Collection

Just like with any investment portfolio, diversification is key. Instead of focusing on a single LEGO theme or series, consider diversifying your collection.

Investing in a variety of sets from different themes can help mitigate the risk of relying solely on the success of one particular line, which could lose popularity while others gain traction.

Additionally, diversifying your collection allows you to cater to a broader range of buyers, increasing your chances of finding potential buyers if/when it comes time to sell.

By diversifying, you can adapt to changes in the LEGO market and increase your chances of overall success.

Patience is Key

LEGO investing is usually a long-term game, so patience is crucial. While some sets may appreciate in value quickly, others may take several years to reach their full potential.

LEGO sets typically increase in value over time, generally after they have stopped being made by LEGO (i.e. retired). It is important to resist the temptation to sell your sets too early, as you could miss out on significant gains.

Stay up to date with the LEGO market and be patient with your investments. Remember, the longer you hold onto rare and valuable sets, the more likely you are to see substantial returns.

There may be exceptions where a set's value skyrockets shortly after its release, but those cases are rare and usually due to scalping and/or supply-chain issues.

Final Thoughts

LEGO collecting and investing can be a rewarding and profitable hobby for beginners.

By doing your research, investing in exclusive and retiring sets, keeping your collection in mint condition, diversifying your portfolio, and exercising patience, you can set yourself up for success in the LEGO investing world.

Remember, like any investment, there are risks involved, so it is crucial to stay informed and make informed decisions.

Start your LEGO investing journey today and watch your collection grow both in size and value!

Disclaimer: This article should not be considered as financial advice. Do your own research (that's part of the fun) and make informed decisions.

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