EXHIBIT 23

                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

         We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statements (Form S-3 Nos. 33-93572, 33-97712, 333-08985, 333-13519, 333-24165,
333-31183, 333-39247, 333-43475, 333-51671-01 and 333-51759, Form S-4 No.
333-55725 and Form S-8 Nos. 333-12117, 333-29759, 333-29763 and 333-55901) and
related Prospectuses of Highwoods Properties, Inc. and in the Registration
Statement (Form S-3 Nos. 333-31183-01 and 333-51671) and related Prospectus of
Highwoods/Forsyth Limited Partnership of our report dated January 30, 1998 with
respect to the statement of revenue and certain expenses of Garcia Properties
for the year ended December 31, 1997 included in the Current Report on Form 8-K
of Highwoods Properties, Inc. dated February 4, 1998, filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission.


ERNST & YOUNG LLP

/s/ Ernst & Young

Raleigh, North Carolina
June 5, 1998