Exhibit 23 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS ---------------------------------- We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in each Prospectus constituting part of the Registration Statements on Form S-8 (no. 2-96464), Form S-8 (no. 33-54429), Form S-3 (no. 33-52241), Form S-3 (no. 33-54007), Form S-4 (no. 33-52245) and Form S-3 (no. 33-59703) of M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. of our report dated February 20, 1996 appearing on page F-2 of this Form 10-K. /s/ Price Waterhouse LLP - --------------------------- PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP Los Angeles, California March 15, 1996