Exhibit 23.1


                         Consent of Independent Auditors


We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement on Form S-3 and related Prospectus of M.D.C. Holdings,
Inc. for the registration of 121,397 shares of its common stock and to the
incorporation by reference therein of our report dated January 15, 2001, except
for Note S, as to which the date is January 22, 2001, with respect to the
consolidated financial statements of M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. included in its
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000, filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.

/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Denver, Colorado
August 31, 2001