Exhibit 23.1

            Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
            --------------------------------------------------------

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on
Form S-8 relating to the registration of shares of common stock of Arbor Realty
Trust, Inc. to be issued pursuant to the Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. 2003 Omnibus
Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated, of our reports, each dated
February 27, 2004, with respect to (i) the consolidated financial statements and
schedule of Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2003
and for the period from June 24, 2003 (Inception) to December 31, 2003 and (ii)
the consolidated statement of revenue and direct operating expenses of the
Structured Finance Business of Arbor Commercial Mortgage, LLC and Subsidiaries
for the six month period ended June 30, 2003, included in the Registration
Statement on Form S-11 (No. 333-116223) and related prospectus of Arbor Realty
Trust, Inc., filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

New York, New York
December 16, 2004