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21021 - Marina Bay Sands and 21057 - Singapore Architecture sets.


Noodlenut

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Brickset just announced that we will be getting another Architecture set in 2014 called Marina Bay Sands.  I do not usually collect the Architecture sets, and will probably not get this one, however, the investment potential is amazing, and I have a feeling that the Architecture sets will be a real investment winner.  What are your thoughts on this set?

21021-1.jpg  tn_320px-Marina_Bay_Sands_in_the_evening

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I just don't like the architecture sets that much. A lot of small pieces and they aren't as detailed - at least from the ones I have seen.

 

They're definitely not for everyone, and I know a lot of people don't like their investment potential because of the lack of minifigs and the low PPP.

 

Yet, I think the Architecture sets hit an investment sweet spot - adults who enjoy/study/practice architecture tend to like Lego, and they make great display pieces.  These folks also tend to have some disposable income to buy these sets for a collection.  I also think TLC has done a good job keeping the sets approachable in price - only three have topped the $100 mark.  Regardless of the size of the sets, they still make great collectibles.  The manuals and boxes are great too.

 

Also, early returns on EOL performance have been excellent - Sungnyemun has leveled off at just over double retail, and John Hancock has soared to 3-4x retail (I just sold one for $94, almost 5x retail!).  Neither of these would be considered flagship Architecture sets, so the future should be bright for Fallingwater and White House, etc. 

 

FWIW, I think United Nations will be a blow out winner once it retires as long as it's not around for 4 years.  The subject matter has a MASS global appeal, and it's an iconic venue.  On top of that, it looks awesome.  It will be on my list toward the end of next year. 

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They're definitely not for everyone, and I know a lot of people don't like their investment potential because of the lack of minifigs and the low PPP.

 

Yet, I think the Architecture sets hit an investment sweet spot - adults who enjoy/study/practice architecture tend to like Lego, and they make great display pieces.  These folks also tend to have some disposable income to buy these sets for a collection.  I also think TLC has done a good job keeping the sets approachable in price - only three have topped the $100 mark.  Regardless of the size of the sets, they still make great collectibles.  The manuals and boxes are great too.

 

Also, early returns on EOL performance have been excellent - Sungnyemun has leveled off at just over double retail, and John Hancock has soared to 3-4x retail (I just sold one for $94, almost 5x retail!).  Neither of these would be considered flagship Architecture sets, so the future should be bright for Fallingwater and White House, etc. 

 

FWIW, I think United Nations will be a blow out winner once it retires as long as it's not around for 4 years.  The subject matter has a MASS global appeal, and it's an iconic venue.  On top of that, it looks awesome.  It will be on my list toward the end of next year. 

 

Legoland have a build of the Vegas strip so I don't think it's a huge deal they are selling a set of a casino.

I agree. This is a high income demographic set. I don't think the intrinsic value of an architecture set is in the piece. Like the Minecraft sets, it's all small little pieces that they can throw together any time as long as they sell. The intrinic worth is the name plate, box, and booklet inside.

Who know after the Sydney Opera House, they might make a large version of the Big Ben or the White House. When the architecture goes EOL, it'll be sought after like collectors that wants to large and mini VW van.

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I always really liked the theme and they will have a niche in the LEGO investment world.  I like the stylish black boxes and the models are superb.  I see strong growth, but without the interest from younger builders, the ceiling is limited IMO, more than other popular themes.

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I think there are a LOT of people that are interested in architecture that have had no formal training, and with Lego Architecture, TLC has provided an easy, adult way of giving these casual enthusiasts a way to dive into this discipline.  That's why I think the theme has had secondary success so far - it has a greater appeal than just hardcore architects.   That said, this will also serve to cap demand for these sets - I don't think you'll see an Architecture set top a $600 secondary price unless they release a limited edition set.  BTW, this theme is primed for a Limited Edition set - at its core it's a collectible...

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Read a preview about this back in August from The Brick Fan. Sounded neat going from pictures of the structure itself but the build isn't so great at that scale. As someone close to me said, "It looks like three vintage clothes pins with a surfboard sitting on top." :laugh:

 

I think these sets are great but I agree with Ed, the growl ceiling is probably lower than some of the more popular themes but I think you'll see steady growth with each after EOL.

Yeah, you're not going to see much growling past a certain point on these. :rofl:
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  • 3 weeks later...
Guest TabbyBoy

I'm not 100% convinced yet by this theme but, I may decide to invest in the more historic and iconic sets once I see evidence of growth.  I don't actually like them but, I won't look a gift horse in the mouth.

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I have no issues with anyone that doesn't want to invest in Architecture, just make sure you do it with your eyes wide open.

John Hancock - selling 3-4x over retail

Sungnyemun - selling 2x over retail

That's all that has retired so far. Pretty nice returns for two sets I wouldn't consider "iconic".

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