Exhibit 23.2


                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8 No. 333-_______) pertaining to the Amended and Restated 1994 Stock Option
Plan of Highwoods Properties, Inc. of our reports (a) dated February 20, 1998,
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, 1997 (as amended on Form 10-K/A on April 29, 1998 and May 19,
1998); (b) dated January 24, 1997 and January 25, 1997 with respect to the
Combined Statements of Revenues and Certain Expenses of Century Center and
Anderson Properties, respectively, included in Highwoods Properties, Inc.'s
Current Report on Forms 8-K dated January 9, 1997 (as amended on Form 8-K/A on
February 7, 1997, March 10,1997 and April 28, 1998), and (c) dated January 16,
1998 with respect to the Combined Statements of Revenues and Certain Expenses of
Riparius Properties and Shelton Properties and the Statement of Revenues and
Certain Expenses of Winners Circle for the year ended December 31, 1996 included
in the Current Report on form 8-K of Highwoods Properties, Inc. dated November
17, 1997, all filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.



                                                        /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
                                                        ---------------------

Raleigh, North Carolina
May 28, 1998

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