Exhibit 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Board of Directors
M.D.C. Holdings, Inc.:
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (No. 333-22167) on Form S-8 of M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. of our report dated June 25, 2009 relating to the statement of net assets available for benefits of the M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. 401(k) Savings Plan as of December 31, 2008, and the related statement of changes in net assets available for benefits for the year ended December 31, 2008, and the related supplemental schedule as of December 31, 2008, which appears in the December 31, 2008 Annual Report on Form 11-K of the M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. 401(k) Savings Plan.
/s/ Eide Bailly LLP
Greenwood Village, Colorado
June 26, 2009