Exhibit 23

                      CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in each Prospectus 
constituting part of the Registration Statements on Forms S-3 (nos. 33-52241, 
33-54007, 33-59703 and 333-17035), Form S-4 (no. 33-52245), and in the 
Registration Statements on Form S-8 (nos. 2-96464 and 33-54429) of M.D.C. 
Holdings, Inc. of our report dated February 3, 1997 appearing on page F-2 of 
this Form 10-K.



/s/  Price Waterhouse                 
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PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP

Denver, Colorado
February 3, 1997