EXHIBIT 23(a)





                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statements on Form S-3 (No. 333-36631), Form S-3 (No. 333-17035), Form S-3 (No.
033-59703), Form S-3 (No. 033-54007), Form S-8 (No. 333-53199), Form S-8 (No.
333-22371), and Form S-8 (No. 333-22167), of M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. of our report
dated January 17, 2000, except Note G, as to which the date is January 22, 2001,
with respect to the consolidated financial statements of M.D.C. Holdings, Inc
for the year ended December 31, 1999, which is included in this Annual Report on
Form 10-K.




/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Denver, Colorado
February 18, 2002