Exhibit 23

Consent of Independent Accountants
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We have issued our reports dated February 8, 1999 accompanying the consolidated
financial statements and schedules included in the Annual Report of Federal
Realty Investment Trust on Form 10K for the year ended December 31, 1998.  We
hereby consent to the incorporation by reference of said reports in the
Registration Statements of Federal Realty Investment Trust on Form S-3 (File No.
333-63619, effective September 30, 1998; which pursuant to Rule 429 of the 
Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 constitutes a post-effective amendment to 
Registration Statement No. 33-63687 effective December 4, 1995; File 
No. 33-63955, effective November 3, 1995; and File No. 33-15264, effective 
August 4, 1987).


Grant Thornton LLP
Washington, D.C.
March 18, 1999