Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We have issued our reports dated February 11, 2014, with respect to the consolidated financial statements, schedules, and internal control over financial reporting included in the Annual Report of Federal Realty Investment Trust on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference of said reports in the Registration Statements of Federal Realty Investment Trust on Form S-3 (File No. 333-181236 effective 5/8/2012, File No. 333-181238 effective 5/8/2012, File No. 333-124195 effective 4/20/2005, File No. 333-100819 effective 10/29/2002, File No. 033-63687 effective 10/25/1995 and File No. 333-187882 effective 4/12/2013) and on Form S-8 (File No. 333-166531 effective 5/5/2010, File No. 333-60364 effective 05/07/2001, File No. 333-63617 effective 09/17/1998, File No. 333-147080 effective 11/01/2007 and File No. 333-147081 effective 11/01/2007).

/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP

McLean, Virginia

February 11, 2014