
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23.1

                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement and related prospectus of Highwoods Properties, Inc.
(Form S-3 No. 33-_______) for the registration of 2,034,596 shares of its
common stock. We also consent to the incorporation by reference therein 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 dated April 29, 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 of 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
April 29, 1998

