LEGO, ”modular building” Collection

The most outstanding LEGO® "Building with Modules" sets of all time
Can it really have been that long ago? In the year 2007, a completely new product line was introduced, specifically designed for our adult LEGO® fans (AFOLs): the LEGO® series "Building with Modules"! This innovation was driven by the desire to transform the beloved fundamental concept of modular castles from the 1980s into a completely new and expandable house concept.

The first set was met with immediate enthusiasm, and ever since, the launch of each new set has been eagerly anticipated worldwide. Therefore, we have also assembled a set:

• Grand Emporium (10211)
• Pet Shop (10218)
• Town Hall (10224)
• Palace Cinema (10232)
• Parisian Restaurant (10243)
• Detective's Office (10246)
• Brick Bank (10251)
• Downtown Diner (10260)
• Assembly Square (10255)
• Corner Garage (10264)
• Bookshop (10270)
• Police Station (10278)

Why modular buildings?
Nostalgia and Longevity: The LEGO Modular Building sets tap into a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of classic architecture and cityscapes. Their enduring popularity over the years showcases their timeless appeal, making them a potential investment opportunity.

Collector's Delight: These sets have become sought-after collector's items, with their intricate detailing and unique designs. Assembling a collection of these sets could be emotionally rewarding for enthusiasts and potentially lucrative for investors.

Creative Connection: The modular sets not only foster creativity during assembly but also create an emotional connection with the builder. Each set allows for customization and personal touches, which can lead to a strong attachment and higher perceived value.

Community Bonding: The modular building sets often attract a dedicated community of fans who share their creations and modifications. This sense of community adds an emotional layer to the investment, as enthusiasts connect over their shared passion.

Limited Releases: LEGO periodically releases new modular building sets, each with its own unique theme and design. The limited availability of these sets can drive up demand among collectors and investors alike.

Architectural Realism: These sets capture the essence of real-world architecture, offering a sense of accomplishment when completed. The emotional satisfaction from constructing a miniaturized, detailed building can make the sets highly valued possessions.

Details around the different sets:
In 2010, the LEGO set 10211 Grand Emporium made its debut. This Advanced Models set contained 2,182 pieces and featured 7 minifigures. It presented a three-story model of a department store. Since its launch, the value of the set increased by +146%, and it was retired in 2014.

LEGO set 10218 Pet Shop, released in 2011, comprised 2,032 pieces within the Advanced Models series. The set included 4 minifigures and showcased two buildings: a townhouse being painted by a painter and a pet shop. It retired in November 2016 after a 66-month lifespan, with prices increasing by +55% since then.

In 2012, LEGO set 10224 Town Hall, an Advanced Models set with 2,766 pieces, was released. It included 8 minifigures and was retired in October 2014 after 31 months. Since its retirement, its price has increased by +333%.

Released in 2013, LEGO set 10232 Palace Cinema, part of the Icons series, contained 2,196 pieces and 7 minifigures. The set retired in November 2017 after 56 months and has since seen a price increase of +120%.

In 2014, LEGO set 10243 Parisian Restaurant, an Icons set, included 2,469 pieces and 5 minifigures. Retired in January 2020 after a 72-month lifespan, the set's price has increased by +94%.

The January 2015 release, LEGO set 10246 Detective's Office, was a Creator Expert set featuring 2,262 pieces and 6 minifigures. This multi-roofline modular set included three buildings, an alleyway, and a storyline centered around a prohibition-era detective investigating a cookie and sweets smuggling operation. It retired in March 2018 after 38 months, with an average yearly gain of around 19%.

The fourth corner building, LEGO set 10251 Brick Bank, was released as part of the Modular Buildings line. It contained 5 minifigures and was retired in November 2018 after a 34-month lifespan. The current average yearly price increase stands at 29%.

In 2018, LEGO set 10260 Downtown Diner, a Creator Expert Modular Building set, included 2,480 pieces and 6 minifigures. Designed by fans-turned-designers, the set celebrated the 1950s Streamline Moderne architectural style. It retired in November 2020 after 34 months, with an average yearly price increase of 23%.

Released in 2017, LEGO set 10255 Assembly Square was an Icons exclusive set containing 4,002 pieces and 9 minifigures. Celebrating ten years of the Modular Buildings line, it is expected to retire in 2024 with an anticipated annual growth of over 10%.

The 2019 release, LEGO set 10264 Corner Garage, contained 2,569 pieces and 6 minifigures. Originally part of Modular Buildings and later moved to Creator Expert, it was retired in December 2021 after 35 months. The average yearly price increase is about 14%.

In 2020, LEGO set 10270 Bookshop included 2,504 pieces and 5 minifigures. While its MSRP was 199.99 €, the current average price on secondary markets is around 184 €. It is expected to retire in 2023, with an estimated annual growth exceeding 10%.

The 2021 release, LEGO set 10278 Police Station, contained 2,923 pieces and 5 minifigures. The set featured a Police Station flanked by narrow buildings and was expected to retire in 2024, with projected annual growth over 10%.