Exhibit 23.3


CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on
Form S-8 (File No. 333-___) of our reports dated September 12, 1997, on our
audits of the combined statement of revenues and certain operating expenses of
the Associated Capital Properties Portfolio for the year ended December 31,
1996, and the combined statement of revenues and certain operating expenses of
the 1997 Pending Acquisitions for the year ended December 31, 1996, which
reports are included in the Forms 8-K of Highwoods Properties, Inc. dated August
27, 1997 (as amended on September 23, 1997) and October 1, 1997.


                                                 /s/ Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
                                                 -----------------------------

Memphis, Tennessee
May 27, 1998

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