EXHIBIT 23.2


                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


         We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statement on Form S-8 No. 333-________ of Highwoods Properties, Inc. of our
reports (a) dated February 2, 1996 with respect to the consolidated financial
statements and schedule of Highwoods Properties, Inc., included in its Annual
Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1995 (as amended on Form
10-K/A dated June 3, 1996 and June 18, 1996) and (b) dated January 16, 1996 with
respect to the audited Statement of Revenue and Certain Expenses of TBC Parkway
Plaza, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 1994, included in its Current Report
on Form 8-K dated December 18, 1995, (c) dated July 18, 1995 with respect to the
Audited Combined Statement of Revenue and Certain Expenses of the Acquired
Properties for the year ended December 31, 1994, included in its Current Report
on Form 8-K dated July 12, 1995 (as amended on Form 8-K/A on September 6, 1995
and June 3, 1996), (d) dated April 17, 1996 with respect to the combined audited
financial statements and schedule of Eakin & Smith for the year ended December
31, 1995 included in its Current Report on Form 8-K/A dated April 1, 1996 as
amended on June 3, 1996 and June 18, 1996 and (e) dated February 26, 1996 with
respect to the audited Historical Summary of Gross Income and Direct Operating
Expenses for certain properties owned by Towermarc Corporation for the year
ended December 31, 1995 included in its Current Report on Form 8-K/A dated April
29, 1996 as amended on June 3, 1996 and June 18, 1996, all filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.



                                                              ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Raleigh, North Carolina
September 16, 1996