BrickLink Designer Program is a collaboration between BrickLink and LEGO, letting AFOLs (Adult Fans of LEGO) have their designs produced as official sets. Series 1 debuted in 2024 with five fan-designed models, followed by Series 2 later that year, both limited-run, retire-fast offerings.
Series 1 (2024)
The BrickLink Designer Program Series 1 brought together five ambitious fan-designed LEGO-style sets: Mountain Fortress, Parisian Street, Old Train Engine Shed, General Store – Wild West, and Snack Shack. These designs span themes from Castle and Western to architectural streetscapes, each offering something unique for advanced builders.
The Mountain Fortress towers above the rest with nearly 4,000 pieces and nine mini-figures. It’s a grand homage to LEGO’s classic castles, featuring complex interiors and imposing exteriors, early reviews suggest it’s the most popular set and may mirror the scope of the flagship Lion Knight’s Castle.
The Parisian Street, boasting over 3,500 pieces and seven mini-figures, evokes elegant modular-style architecture. Its chic European flair makes it a modular line favourite.
The Old Train Engine Shed (≈2,300 pieces, six mini-figures) delivers industrial nostalgia, perfect for train enthusiasts who appreciate a detailed yet compact vignette.
The General Store – Wild West, with nearly 1,900 pieces and five mini-figures, shines in its storytelling. Reviewers note its vivid Western atmosphere and playful detail, though the build experience lacks the polish of official LEGO sets, typical of fan-driven creations.
Snack Shack, the smallest (≈531 pieces, two minifigs), charms with simplicity and whimsy. It’s an affordable, quick build with delightful character.
Overall, Series 1 showcases the potential of community-driven design, each set has rich detail and narrative flair. Though construction can feel less refined than standard LEGO due to their fan-designed nature, the results are captivating pieces that bring fresh themes and creativity to adult builders.
MSRP vs. Sealed Resale Value
| Set | MSRP (approx €) | Resale Value (€) | Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mountain Fortress | €339.99 | €483.90 | +42.3% |
| Parisian Street | €289.99 | €311.87 | +7.5% |
| Old Train Engine Shed | €219.99 | €250.80 | +14.0% |
| General Store | €139.99 | €185.96 | +32.8% |
| Snack Shack | €44.99 | €61.59 | +36.9% |
| Total Series 1 | €1,034.95 | ~€1,294.13 | +29.0% |
Series 2 (2024)
The BrickLink Designer Program Series 2 showcases five distinct fan-designed LEGO creations introduced in 2024: Logging Railway, Ocean House, Mushroom House, Brick Cross Train Station, and the Ominous Isle. This series blends thematic range, from fairy-tale whimsy to rugged realism, highlighting the innovation of the fan design community.
The Mushroom House (964 pieces, 3 mini-figures, ~$90) is a standout for its enchanting charm and thoughtful detailing. Featuring a snail ride, vibrant foliage, and a thoughtfully furnished interior, it’s compact but brimming with personality. Reviewers laud its novel techniques, structural stability, and overall appeal, noting that it feels on par with official LEGO sets.
The Logging Railway (2,731 pieces, 3 mini-figures, ~$210) offers rich industrial ambiance with realistic train and bridge construction. Though visually striking and structurally sound, some find the bridge build process frustrating and feel the price tag stretches the value.
The Brick Cross Train Station (3,050 pieces, 8 mini-figures, ~$280) leans into classic train infrastructure. While details are limited, its popularity and elevated secondary-market value reflect general fan enthusiasm.
The Ocean House (2,207 pieces, 4 mini-figures, ~$200) is a stylish coastal build blending modern architecture with seaside charm, complete with balconies, terraces, and bright interiors. It’s a relaxing, detail-rich set that feels right at home alongside LEGO’s Creator Expert buildings.
The Ominous Isle (2,809 pieces, 5 minifigs, ~$240) rounds out the series with architectural and atmospheric appeal, a darkly atmospheric fortress perched on jagged rocks, featuring a skull cave, hidden treasures, and pirate-themed storytelling. Its moody design stands out in Series 2 as the most adventurous, play-driven set.
Series 2 of the BDP pushed the boundaries of creative expression, delivering everything from cozy fantasy dwellings to expansive train landscapes. While some sets like Logging Railway carry a high build complexity and cost, Mushroom House proves that smaller, imaginative designs can capture hearts and exceed expectations. With all sets now retired, they’ve become prized collector items celebrated for their ambition and variety.
MSRP vs. Sealed Resale Value
| Set | MSRP (approx €) | Resale Value (€) | Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brick Cross Train Station | €259.99 | €309.28 | +19.0% |
| Ominous Isle | €219.99 | €260.37 | +18.4% |
| Logging Railway | €189.99 | €240.53 | +26.6% |
| Ocean House | €179.99 | €214.84 | +19.4% |
| Mushroom House | €79.99 | €144.42 | +80.5% |
| Total Series 2 | €929.95 | €1,169.44 | +25.8% |
These numbers show healthy appreciation, particularly for Mushroom House, which jumped dramatically relative to its original price.
Market Sentiment & Insights from Collectors
Consumer sentiment suggests that returns are coming down: “It used to be you could get 150–200 % return, now you get 10–25 %, you might get some money, but it’s not the great investment that everyone expects.”
And from a Reddit discussion: “You aren’t charged for the set until it ships… prices will be a healthy amount higher from resellers.”
So while gains are real, they’ve cooled compared to earlier, smaller-run programs.
US Restock Event – May 2025
A very limited restock of Series 1 and Series 2 sets occurred on 20 May 2025 at 8 AM PDT, but only in the U.S. and Canada. These were leftover stock from canceled orders or replacements, not new production runs.
If you’re outside North America, your best chance lies in events like LEGO House Inside Tours in Billund, where excess sets may appear, that is until September 9th 2025.
Should You Buy Them in 2025?
Reasons to Buy
- Collector Appeal: Strong designs, limited availability, and LEGO/BrickLink provenance make them desirable.
- Resale Growth: Many sets maintain +15–30% growth even months after release.
- Build Quality: Excellent part selection and design—worth owning regardless of investment outlook.
Caveats
- Lower ROI Expectations: Returns are more modest than prior limited programs.
- Access Issues: Outside North America, acquiring them today is tricky, reliant on secondary markets or rare event sales.
- Potential Plateaus: Growth may taper over time.
Final Verdict
Yes, if you can get them at or near MSRP, Series 1 & 2 are worth buying in 2025, particularly if you’re a collector or appreciate the designs. Investment upside exists, though not explosive, expect decent growth over time rather than quick flips.
If you’re outside the U.S./Canada, patience and watching secondary markets or fan events like Inside Tours is your best bet, that is until today.
Europe – 9th September 2025
Today I received the following email – Hi darrenredmond, Now’s your chance to purchase a limited-edition set from BrickLink® Designer Program (BDP) Series 1 & 2. They won’t last long, so head over to LEGO.com and grab yours before someone else does! SHOP NOW Happy shopping! The BrickLink Team
I went there immediately but I was too early, because the shop didn’t open until 5pm CET and I was 30 minutes too early. So I waited patiently, and to the second, at 5pm CET (4pm in Dublin) my page refreshed and there they were – all 10 sets ready to purchase.
Each customer was allowed to buy 1 each while stocks last, as of right now, 7 of them are sold out, while 3 still show as available. So 10 clicks and add to carts later and my chance to purchase these 10 sets as MSRP was achieved.
Happy building, and I have a new exhibit for Redmond’s Forge – once they ship!
