Consent of Independent Auditors



We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption  "Experts" in
Post-Effective  Amendment No. 2 to the  Registration  Statement on Form S-3 (No.
333-81223) and related Prospectus of M.D.C. Holdings,  Inc. for the registration
of up to $300,000,000  in common stock,  preferred stock and debt securities and
to the  incorporation by reference therein of our report dated January 15, 2001,
except for Note S, as to which the date is January 22, 2001, with respect to the
consolidated  financial  statements  of M.D.C.  Holdings,  Inc.  included in its
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000,  filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.

Ernst & Young LLP

Denver, Colorado
December 7, 2001