Exhibit 23 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8 No. 33-32431) pertaining to the Retirement Savings Opportunity Plan of The
Ryland Group, Inc. of our report dated May 18, 2000, with respect to the
financial statements and schedules of The Ryland Group, Inc. Retirement Savings
Opportunity Plan included in this Annual Report (Form 11-K) for the year ended
December 31, 1999.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Baltimore, Maryland
May 18, 2000
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