QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document

EXHIBIT 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

        We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration Statements:

(1)

Registration Statement (Form S-3 No. 333-225602) of Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries and in the related Prospectuses,



(2)

Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement (Form S-4 No. 333-224251) of Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries and in the related Prospectuses, and



(3)

Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-196144) pertaining to the Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. 2017 Amended Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan of Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries

of our reports dated February 15, 2019, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries, included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2018.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

New York, New York
February 15, 2019

QuickLinks

EXHIBIT 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM