HREIT- 12.31.2012-10K Ex 23.1

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No. 333-182401 on Form S-3 of Hines Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. of our report dated March 28, 2013, relating to the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules of Hines Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012, appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Hines Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2012.